what is an atheists perception on suicide?

Answer 1

Depends on the nature of the suicide. If it's euthanasia, I'm fine with that. They've already lived their life to the full, they're just clipping off a few extra months/years of suffering. Of course it's a difficult decision, and not one to be made lightly, but people have the right to do what they will with their life. Your life is yours and no-one elses. Your actions affect others and that should be taken into consideration, but they do not own your life, you do.

In other cases, it is generally borne from mental illness, though I'm sure there are a few cases where it is not. To those who say they hate people who commit suicide: what detestable human beings YOU are.
Go take a long hard look at yourself and learn not to judge so harshly. You'll never know what these people were thinking or going through, you don't know what mitigating factors there were. They may have been seriously mentally ill, it often doesn't show on the outside.

Depression warps the mind and makes one truly believe that there is no hope for life at all, there is often no elbow room for positive thinking. These people may have been so depressed they were completely incapable of even thinking that they might not want to commit suicide.

But suicide is definitely a terrible tragedy, and we should do everything in our power to prevent it.

Answer 2

There's no consensus for atheists other than they don't believe in any god. My perception on suicide is that it is wasting the only life you are given. I cannot say that I would never contemplate it - if I lost those I love I'm sure it would think about it. I would say that it is wrong if it does harm to others, to those who care about you.

Answer 3

Most people who are thinking about suicide aree not in goosd mental condition. A decision of that importance requires a mind healthy enough to consider more than just two options.
Postpone thinking about suicide until you are feeling better

Answer 4

There are times when it makes sense. For example, you are 85 years old and in an obvious death spiral. Why not take the easy way out rather than slowly drowning in your own fluids?

I don't think laws against it are effective anyway, so it might as well be legal in all cases. At least if you knew a loved one was scheduled for a painless death, you might have a chance to talk them out of it.

Answer 5

It's sometimes hard to get any reasonable answer by merely putting a post on the internet and having someone tell you what they think in a few swntences. if you really are interested i would recommend "The Myth of Sysyphus" by Albert Camus. Very good book.

Answer 6

You mean *my* perception?
I think it's sad, it's hard on their friends and family, and it's their choice to make. Our life is the one thing we have control over. Who am I to say that person is this or that because of their choice?

Answer 7

My perception: It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Unless, of course, the problem is permanent.

Answer 8

Well I think suicidal people should be given help, but I'm not about to condemn someone if they choose to take their own life.

Answer 9

Its all over.. You don't get a second chance. You don't go live on a pretty white cloud and play a harp.

but if I was in horrible pain from a debilitating illness and pain killers only helped a little, I sure would consider it.

Answer 10

It's sometimes justified. It can be wrong, and should not generally be committed rashly. Personally, I'd rather end my life on my own terms, so it's not inherently a bad thing.