I deleted my post on suicide: The conversation was good, but not the potential consequences.

Mar 11, 2009

I deleted my post on suicide: The conversation was good, but not the potential consequences.

A friend convinced me today’s post wasn’t helpful.

If someone misunderstood, the consequences could be dire, to say the least.

I’m sorry.

Category: Blogging

21 Responses

1

Ann says:

March 11, 2009 at 8:26 am

I understand and respect your decision, although I thought the original quote was also quite insightful. Wise call, I think.

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2

Amber says:

March 11, 2009 at 8:38 am

I have to say I’m disappointed the post is gone. As the niece of a Christian who committed suicide, I read the original post and thought, “Finally. Someone said it out loud.” Too many people think that the inability to survive a mental illness that ultimately ends in suicide means you can’t possibly be a Christian. And too many people let a grieving family know that. I know why you deleted it, but thank you for posting it in the first place.

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3

Abraham Piper says:

March 11, 2009 at 8:48 am

Thanks for your thoughts, Amber.

You can still read the funeral message where the quote was from if you want to.

It’s better and safer in the context of the whole message, obviously.

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4

nathan says:

March 11, 2009 at 9:18 am

That’s cool. Sometimes, the risk isn’t worth the entry. I just did a post on my blog on a pure heart in the raging battle against pornography. And part of me feels – still – that the consequences of a misunderstanding cooiuld be bad.

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5

Kent Shaffer says:

March 11, 2009 at 9:21 am

I appreciate that you kept your apology to 22 words.

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6

cland13 says:

March 11, 2009 at 9:38 am

Funny I posted a similar post yesterday in response to a question from one of my students at our student ministry blog, and before I posted it I thought of the possible consequences you’re talking about…i still posted it but made sure to add some further commentary before I did.

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7

Chris Brauns says:

March 11, 2009 at 9:44 am

Wise.

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8

Harlan says:

March 11, 2009 at 10:08 am

My understanding of suicide is tempered by the six suicides I see in scripture. Look at the lives of each one, none are godly. Look at the Phillipian jailor, the Lord prevented his attempt.
Our comfort to the living will not change the condition of the dead.
This is a much longer discussion, but I believe it is best for all of us and especially those inclined towards suicide to remain agnostic as to the final state of any particular suicide.

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9

Hannah says:

March 11, 2009 at 10:28 am

One of the most frustrating things about blogging is probably one of the best– that feedback keeps me awfully honest.

I get so annoyed about having to be ultra-careful in what I choose to write, but then again, picking my words carefully is something I should do more often (in my speech, for example!).

Anyway, just thinking about the responsibility of writing to an audience.

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10

SharonAbelle says:

March 11, 2009 at 10:53 am

Thanks for linking to the full message, thus giving me that blessing of your Dad’s comments.

Close to 30 years ago, I lingered very close to the line of suicide for some months.

During that time, I sat in a Sunday morning Bible class and heard a well known, Bible-based believer scathingly say, “I do not believer any believer could EVER commit suicide or consider suicide.”

If I hadn’t been so terribly heartsick and weary that morning (I thought at the time) I would have just raised my hand and quietly said, “Oh. Let me explain it to you.”

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11

Bryan says:

March 11, 2009 at 11:37 am

Wow- it’s rare to see “I’m sorry” in the blogosphere. Thank you.

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12

Charles Jannace says:

March 11, 2009 at 12:33 pm

Wow, was it something we said?

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13

Abraham Piper says:

March 11, 2009 at 12:42 pm

Not at all, Charles.

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14

Michelle says:

March 11, 2009 at 2:10 pm

This just happened with an awesome believer in my church. We were all stunned including his family. Our pastor preached a most fitting sermon at the funeral. http://www.smic.org/resources/sermons/192-gary-philip-cody-memorial-service-part-2
The response has been incredible.

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15

Deron says:

March 11, 2009 at 6:43 pm

Another great and unique reason to read your blog.

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16

Jason says:

March 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm

I too am disappointed that you have removed the post. It needed to be said.

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17

ghoulintheattic says:

March 11, 2009 at 11:50 pm

heyy, wow.

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18

jessica mell says:

March 12, 2009 at 6:18 am

i’m thankful that you are actively concerned with loving up-building.

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19

ls says:

March 12, 2009 at 11:15 am

it’s still on my google reader, so i got a chance to read it, but i understand your decision to delete it.

i had actually listened to that podcast a while ago, though, which brought a lot of clarity.

thanks.

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20

David says:

March 14, 2009 at 5:49 pm

Hey Abraham,
Don’t be too worried man. I am definitely not a psychiatrist, but played one on my rotation in medical school. People often are afraid to mention suicide to potential victims of the tragic act. However, it has been proven in several studies that asking about suicide in no way increases “suicidal ideation” as the docs would call it. In fact, asking if they would go to Hell was the most consistent question asked when talking with people on the brink of suicide on the crisis ward. It was also was an amazing open door to talk about the Gospel. I DO NOT think you should have deleted it. If anyway finds your post on suicide, you most certainly would not lead them to go through with it. If anything, holding Christ up as our sufficiency and tearing down the walls of works based righteousness could only be helpful in their illness.
Press on Brother, and tell Tyler Kenney I think he is the man.
David

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21

Are Public Rebukes Okay? My Advice | Fallen and Flawed says:

September 2, 2009 at 11:01 am

[...] you posted and then waited for word to get back to the potential offender. I saw this happen with a suicide post my Abraham [...]

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