Aquinas, Suicide, and Communities of Faith

In this paper, I will argue that Aquinas provides a framework for why and how religious communities, specifically Christian religious communities, can minister to those who struggle with suicide. Aquinas thinks that charity makes us friends of God, and to be God’s friend is to love one’s neighbor and care for his needs. After examining what Aquinas has to say about suicide, I consider in some detail what he has to say about charity. In light of recent psychological research, I use what Aquinas has to say about charity to suggest ways in which the church should help those struggling with suicidal ideation.