Split: Catholicism, suicide etc.

[Pallantides]

Still doesn't make any difference to the fact that suicide it a prominent problem for Scandinavian countries, supposedly the most "happy" people.

It's a bigger problem in Ireland than in Norway, Iceland or Denmark.

[Trog]

It's a bigger problem in Ireland than in Norway, Iceland or Denmark.

Apparently not.

Denmark is the world's happiest country

Benjamin Holst, a Danish journalist, said that Denmark's high suicide rate - the second worst in Europe - and a recent rise in xenophobia should make people question just how content Danes were.

"I'm not sure about these studies and I really wonder about the suicide rates in Denmark," he said. "I mean is it that we're so happy we kill ourselves? I really wonder about that."

Happiest Places Post Highest Suicide Rates

Numerous studies have shown that places like Denmark and Sweden that consistently score high on measures of happiness and life satisfaction also have relatively high suicide rates.

[Eldritch]

I agree that Catholicism forbids suicide, it is a mortal sin and risks losing one's soul. I doubt that the statistics are being altered.

Abstract

It was expected that elderly suicide compared to general suicide rates would be lower in Catholic and Orthodox countries than Non-Catholic/Orthodox states because of religious and extended family traditions. The reverse was the case. The reasons for this are unknown but there are important policy implications for the more traditional countries.

Link. (Unfortunately the full article itself is unavailable)

However, according to an article published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, elderly people in Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian countries are more likely to commit suicide than those in either secular or Protestant countries. The researchers found that, for example, elderly suicide rates are higher in Italy, Spain and Portugal than in the United Kingdom or Scandinavian countries. Ireland is an exception. However, the low suicide rate recorded the country may be due to systematic under-reporting of actual suicides, motivated by a desire to spare relatives shame.

Link.

Still doesn't make any difference to the fact that suicide it a prominent problem for Scandinavian countries, supposedly the most "happy" people.

Well, is this about Protestant countries or Nordic countries? Anyway please see the addendum in my previous post.

[Trog]

Well, is this about Protestant countries or Nordic countries? Anyway please see the addendum in my previous post.

Your source was only relevant to figures on the elderly. You also chose a source that reflects the following:

In fact, the rate of church attendance predicts the suicide rate better than any other factor (including unemployment, traditionally regarded as the most powerful variable)."

What is not known is the degree to which the increased rate of religious attendance and lower rates of suicide are directly related as cause and effect. Other influences may be present, that are unrelated to church attendance:

Persons who are depressed are among the most likely to commit suicide, and are less likely to attend church, synagogue, mosque, temple, circle, etc.

[Eldritch]

Your source was only relevant to figures on the elderly.

Sure. I'm not an expert on the matter, nor did I present it as a part of anything that pretends to be an all-encompassing statement of any kind.

[Murphy]

What the.. I was sure this was a topic about Amy Winehouse before I signed off to do some reading.. and I return to this?

your prayings are meaningless

Yes, lovely, anything further to add? No, I didn't think so.

Because we believe we are then born into Eternal Life, this includes Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. Most souls end up in Purgatory, many go to Hell, few go instantly to Heaven. Those in Purgatory are helped to enter Heaven eventually, but they require those of us left on earth to pray for them so they can eventually reach their true home in Heaven.

I must disagree there Sorcha. The majority of people will go to hell. Those in purgatory are going to heaven after their purification and so should be counted with those in heaven.

It's a narrow road and only few will enter. Most wont get there sadly.

[Trog]

You may well be right, Murphy and thinking that I will avoid Hell will make me complacent. But I did have the following information in mind:

Our Lady of Medjugorje says, "Most souls go to Purgatory, many go to Hell, and only a few go directly to Heaven." She also states that we gain "new intercessors" when we pray for the holy souls in purgatory. They become our nearest, sincerest and dearest friends here on earth and in Heaven.

[Murphy]

I know you are attached to Medjugorje Sorcha but I believe you to be wholly misguided in that affair. It's unsafe and best kept at a distance.

[Trog]

Parrocchia Sacro Cuore in Prati-Lungotevere Prati 12-Roma.

[Trog]

I know you are attached to Medjugorje Sorcha but I believe you to be wholly misguided in that affair. It's unsafe and best kept at a distance.

Not entirely, but I do judge it by its fruits.