Why do religious people have lower suicide rates than atheists?

Question

Please do not copy your answer from the link.

http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html

Answer 1

Because they believe that they will go to hell and do not want to. Atheists do not believe in hell so they of course can not believe they go there.

Answer 2

I have no read the link, but I think that religious people have a lower suicide rate than atheists (IF THEY REALLY DO) because their religion teaches something that they can live for. When they're at the bottom, or in other words, are broken in spirit, they still have somewhere to turn. Atheists have rejected that idea, so when they are at the bottom, they haven't that safety net.

I said "if they really do" because some people don't believe that there is any lower suicide rate in religious people vs atheists. I have not seen any studies on it one way or the other.

Answer 3

Thats a very good question. I would honestly say that if this information is indeed true.....the reason would have to be that the religious people did not commit suicide because of their belief in god or a higher power. That is not to say that those atheists commited suicide because God did not save them. Good luck jumping off a building and expecting God to catch you as you fall. It may be that Atheists who are suicidal do not have have heaven to look forward to or Hell to fear in their minds and so nothing stops them. The thought of going to Hell is probably enough to scare any believer into not comitting suicide whereas it does not affect someone who doesnt believe in that sort of thing. A very good question. Perhaps another would be...: Are Religious people happeir in general than those with no religion?

Answer 4

I feel that it's because having faith in something higher than yourself, and practicing your religion, contributes toward a sense of well-being.
When you have troubles, prayer helps you to not feel overwhelmed. Thus, religion helps to prevent depression and suicide attempts.
Religion is a very comforting thing. Most of them (if not all) teach that the God or deism that that religion worships is there to protect and answer prayers. This is another way in which religion contributes toward a sense of hopefulness rather than a sense of hopelessness.
Also, many religions teach that suicide is a sin, and that if you commit suicide you may go to hell. This would be reason enough for a believer to not commit suicide. The anticipation of Heaven not only gives a reason to live, it is one more way of easing the feelings of hopelessness that lead to suicide.

Answer 5

Probably because religous ppl have been scared into believing a lower level of hell awaits. What about the man who sacrafices his life for those of his wife & children? Or the mother who steps in front of her child for the death blow? Does ppl of religion think their god has a one way ticket to "hell" for them too???? Or does your god have a hand book of exceptions to the rule. Suicide and death is very unfortunate but only for those of us still living. So maybe the so called outcasts of religion are 1 up on those following in line like cattle.

I'm completely against suicide by the way, I think everyone should learn from experiences & try to enjoy this life for as long as you can.

Answer 6

In any stressful life situation, if the person feels that he could not cope with that, then he thinks negatively about him, his situation and the world. This is one way of coping strategy, which is totally maladaptive. This way of negative thinking will lead to ideas of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. these ideas altogether with a little bit more of worthlessness lead to suicidal ideas and plans and later to attempt and at times successful suicide.
The role of religion is very simple. Religious beliefs if working as one way of coping strategy and people believe in fate and they would leave rest in the hand of the God they believe in. Whether be it Jesus, Allah or Krishna... In that case, the person wont be taking the responsibility of his life situation and he leave it in God's hand. This is one way of coping strategy.

Answer 7

because religious people have something to believe in that make them more optimistic about life rather than believing in nothing after death...which would make life pointless, therefore depressing someone to the point where they feel they are suffering for nothing....at least religious people know they'll (we) be rewarded in the end for all the things we endure int he name of our God

Answer 8

there are probably a few reasons. They normally have a large support group within the church, and they also believe that they will be condemned to hell if they do commit suicide.

Answer 9

I think that the answer is that religious people feel that there is hope of something better. Athiests obviously do not.

Answer 10

Believing in a God that will take care of you gives you hope to live on.