New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! The holiday season has come to an end. Am I the only one whose pants are a little snugger than they were before Thanksgiving? I doubt it.

It is traditional this time of year to reflect on one’s life. Is it on track? Are my priorities in order? What do I want to change? These are common questions. They are good questions. However it is a slippery slope from “What do I want to change?” to “What don’t I like about me?”. The difference is subtle, but crucial.

What if this year we try something different? Let’s say that we resolve to love ourselves just the way we are. This does not mean that we can’t work on changing things to make us healthier and happier. This does not mean that we become complacent narcissists. No, this means that, in spite of things that we would like to change, we are OK just the way that we are.

This is an uncomfortable notion for many of us. We live in an achievement-oriented world. We are judged by accomplishments. The saying is often heard, “What have you done for me lately?”. Let’s pull the brakes on this hyper-achievement ride that we have been on for so long. Let us return to the basics. There is nothing more basic than this: The Creator of the universe created you. There is nobody like you. There never has been and there never will be another you. The world doesn’t need another Nelson Mandela, Picasso, or Billy Graham. The world needs you!

Happy New Year!
Rev. Brian

Suicide and Hell

As a hospital chaplain I have come to expect certain questions. Probably the saddest question of all is a common one on the mental health unit. It goes something like this. "Hey Chaplain. Do people who commit suicide go to hell?"

My preference is to put the question back on the questioner therefore encouraging the patient to articulate their own understandings of God. However, this is one question that I feel compelled to answer. The answer makes me nervous.

I will answer with something along the lines of "I do not believe so, but a lot, perhaps the majority, of Christianity does believe so". I will stress that it is simply my opinion. I will stress that they should discuss suicidal feelings with doctors, social workers, and/or me. There are two reasons that I am nervous about answering that question.

1) Maybe my answer will give the extra push they need to successfully commit suicide next time.

2) I may be wrong. In my heart I believe God will ultimately save all people. That said, I'm not sure of this. It is simply the educated opinion that I have settled upon. If there is a hell, I would hate to minimize it.

Here are a few thoughts on suicide and hell. I believe that the Bible simply does not condemn suicide. When King Saul kills himself there is no mention of condemnation. When Judas kills himself there is no mention of condemnation. When Samson does it he is a hero giving his life in an ancient supernatural version of a suicide bombing. The Bible simply does not condemn suicide.

Where does the idea that suicide is a terrible sin come from? If memory serves me well, it is none other than Saint Augustine who wrote that suicide is a sin because it is murder of the self. Further, it is an awful sin because one cannot confess it after the act.

I don't know what to think. People who kill themselves are at the end of their rope. Those who kill themselves due to mental illness are experiencing such tremendous pain that they can no longer take it. Don't take my word for it. Befriend someone with major mental illness. They will share this with you. Would God condemn someone for seeking mercy and release from pain? Would God condemn someone for actions committed when "not in their right minds"? I cannot believe that God would condemn someone to hell for suicide. Perhaps a life-review. Maybe even a good old-fashioned "talking to", but not eternal hell. They already lived their hell.

In certain cultures suicide is an honorable act. Would God condemn someone to hell for doing what they believed to be honorable? Certainly not. Frankly, if I were captured in battle, I suspect I'd choose suicide over being a prisoner of war. Thank God I have never had to find out.

Readers, please do not see this post as "permission" to commit suicide. Rather, I encourage you to see a God who's compassion and mercy exceeds human understanding. If you are considering suicide, please tell somebody. Get help.

God bless you.
Brian

Health Care for Everybody

I often hear people say that health care is not a right, but a privilege.  I say this misses the point.  Health care for all may not be a right, but it is the right thing to do.  The United States of America can make this happen and can do it in a way that works well for everybody.  

I support a little known house resolution that congress is considering.  It is H. R. 676.  This would take an existing program and make it more effective.  It would expand Medicare coverage for all in the United States.  This is called a single-payer system.  

This is not socialized medicine.  In socialized medicine the hospital employees are government employees.  In socialized medicine, the industry is owned by the government.  Such is not the case with a single-payer system.  The doctors, hospitals, and clinics are private institutions.  The difference is that they are paid by the federal government.  This eliminates much wasteful paperwork.  It actually reduces bureaucracy.  

This would be good for business because health insurance is a major cost for employers.  This will allow small businesses to flourish.  

Mental health care will taken seriously.  We won't have to wonder and worry about an insurance company deciding whether or not we are "really sick".  

I encourage you to learn about H. R. 676.  If you agree with me, please contact your representatives.  

God bless you.

Brian