Abstract:

Suicide is a global phenomenon and is the 17th leading cause of death around the world. Clinical depression is the major cause of suicide in all age groups. This thesis offers a theological response to suicide in the context of depression. It explores the psychopathology of suicide, drawing from research from neuroscience and psychology. It then surveys how the Church and society regarded suicide through the centuries. Using a contemporary moral approach, this thesis provides an analysis of the Church’s present position on suicide, as it distinguishes between the act of suicide, which is morally wrong, and the subjective culpability of the person who completes suicide. It then presents a theological-anthropological response to suicide through the doctrine of the Imago Dei. This research explores three themes derived from the Imago Dei: Goodness, Communion, and Hope. It shows how these themes from the Imago Dei are also reflected in neuroscience and paleoanthropology. Goodness, communion, and hope can provide a healing path in suicidal depression. Finally, some pastoral considerations in dealing with depressed and suicidal persons are presented.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Eric Marcelo Genilo, S.J., S.T.D, Fr. Peter Pojol, S.J., S.T.D., Dr. Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J.​, S.T.D. ​(Adviser), Fr. ​Ronald Bagley, C.J.M., D.Min., and ​Dr. ​Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W.