Religion Hot

Spots: Suicide
and Cults
By Zeyad Elias and Janmar Doquenia
Suicide: What is it?
the act of intentionally causing ones
own death, its a serious issue in
todays world.
Suicide has many causes:
1. mental disorders
2. Alcoholism
3. substance abuse
4. stress
Methods of Suicide
Various methods:
1. Firearms
2. Poison
3. Hanging
. Suicide rates vary by country. The United
States weak gun laws cause a high death
rate by suicide. This does not happen in
Canada.
Common Misconception Regarding
Suicide
Suicide is always rejected in major
religions such as Christianity.
Reality: large number of Christians believe
that suicide is not against the bibles
teachings since the sixth commandment
(thou shall not kill) is not specific and could
be speaking about murdering other people,
not ones self.
Effects on Society and
Religion
The topic of suicide has caused major
controversy in many religions on whether it is
rightful or not. In society, it has become a big
part in media where many movies convey it.
Even a popular kids TV show, Tom & Jerry,
includes an episode where they commit
suicide.
Arguments against
Suicide
Various religions reject suicide:
Christianity/Judaism: God gave us life as a
gift, we should not destroy it
Islam: the Qur'an states do not kill or destroy
yourself
Hinduism: souls of individuals who died of
suicide have to roam the earth as a form of
punishment.
Arguments for Suicide
People believe that everyone has the freedom of
choice, especially when it comes to subjects such
as suicide. They believe that suicide would be the
right choice if the person is suffering.
As mentioned before, a large number of Christians
believe that suicide is not against the bible since
the sixth commandment (thou shall not murder) is
not specific and could be speaking about
murdering other people, not ones self.
Cults: what are they?
Cults are groups of people
with distinct beliefs
regarding religion,
philosophy, society etc
Types of Cults
There are 3 main types of cults
1. Principal cults: groups of people that are united by a
political, social, or philosophical views (Heavens gate).
2. Religious cults: groups of people that identify with a major
religion yet do not agree on all of those religions beliefs,
so they create their own (Jehovahs witnesses).
3. Individual cults: groups of people which worship or
attribute superhuman characteristics toward a certain
figure, either fictional or non-fictional (The Nazis).
Misconceptions
about Cults
All cults are bad
Reality: not all cults are bad, some of them just simply have
differing or strange views that are still considered moral. For
example, Bahaism is a religious cult that attempts to mix
common views of all world religions into one religion.
World religions are examples of cults
No, religions used to be cults. Now they have become the
norm. while certain sectors are still considered cults
(Mormons, Jehovahs witnesses)
Major Cults
Ku Klux Klan: extremist group known for their white robes
and pointed hoods. Their terror tactics and negative views
on blacks, Jews, Catholics and other minorities frightened
many but their murders were what made them very
dangerous.
Jehovahs Witnesses: people that are a part of a religious
cult that is derived from Christianity. They are known for
their door-to-door preaching and differing worldviews in
comparison to Christianity. For example, they do not believe
in hellfire as they believe that it is unscriptural.
Effects on Society and
Religion
Cults are continually growing and causing major
religious controversy. Major religions have
disagreements on which cults are righteous and
which are not. They are becoming major parts of the
world and are receiving more attention in the media.
They are being conveyed in movies and on the
internet. This exposure will familiarize people with
cults and reduce misconceptions.
For and Against Cults
Against For
Against certain People have the right
religious beliefs. For to make their own
example: all non- choices in life. That
traditional Christian includes what groups
cults have changed they choose to belong
the fundamental to.
beliefs and should be
shut down

What do
you think?
How is Suicide connected to Cults?
Heavens gate, a popular cult, believed that
suicide allowed spirits to escape the body and
evolve into higher forms.

Video
Discussion Question 1
Would you ever
join a cult? Why
or why not?
Our Answer
As ridiculous as it sounds, some cults are actually
interesting. While researching information for the
project, we came across the cult called Baha'i. It is a
religious cult that emphasizes the spiritual unity of
allhumankind. This cult believes that there is only one
God and that all religions have the same basic core.
They also believe that all humans are created equal,
and that diversity of race and culture are seen as
worthy of appreciation and acceptance. This cult is
interesting because it seems to unite people, it could
even end religious wars if it became more popular.
Discussion Question 2
Are you for or
against suicide?
Why?
Our Answer
We are against suicide, we believe that there
are no reasons rational enough to end ones
life. Most people decide to commit suicide
when they are stressing or under pressure,
people under pressure often make irrational
decisions. The following fact supports our
answer: more than 50% of people who
attempt a suicide jump and survive it later
admit that they changed their mind mid-flight.
Discussion Question 3
How can suicide
cases be
eliminated or
reduced?
Our Answer
We believe that suicide cases can be reduced
by eliminating methods of suicide. Firearms
and drugs should be restricted or harder to
access. Research has shown that suicide
hotlines are ineffective, the government
should work on ways to improve them.
Any Questions?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the subjects of cults and suicide
have many misconceptions that we were able
to reveal in this presentation. Certain groups
of people support cults and suicide while
others do not. At the end of the day, it is up to
the person and his/her beliefs. More religious
people will likely disagree with both and vice
versa