shefner
Member Since 2008
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- Mar 7, 2008
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Responding to the question of the difference between "religious" and "devout..." Many people who claim to be religious or "Christian" do not attend church regularly or have any association with Sunday School classes, Bible Study groups, Missions groups, or church related teams. Those who are "devout" are closely linked to groups within the local church and attend church regularly.
I cannot personally recall anyone who has been an active member of the local church who has committed suicide (that is not to say it hasn't happened...and by "local church" I mean any church within the community of residence). However, there have been several suicides (all male) among those who might hold a church membership but are not actively attending church or involved in other church activities. We have about 1,200-1,300 members in our current church but not all of those attend services regularly (which I would define as 2-3 times monthly).
As I said, I cannot speak to LDS because I don't have experience there. I just feel that suicide is unlikely in this case. Of course, I have been wrong before and will be again. But we do have the video of Steven purposefully walking towards something or someone, at a very specific time of day (appointment?). Maybe my hope that he walked away has effected my instincts.
I cannot personally recall anyone who has been an active member of the local church who has committed suicide (that is not to say it hasn't happened...and by "local church" I mean any church within the community of residence). However, there have been several suicides (all male) among those who might hold a church membership but are not actively attending church or involved in other church activities. We have about 1,200-1,300 members in our current church but not all of those attend services regularly (which I would define as 2-3 times monthly).
As I said, I cannot speak to LDS because I don't have experience there. I just feel that suicide is unlikely in this case. Of course, I have been wrong before and will be again. But we do have the video of Steven purposefully walking towards something or someone, at a very specific time of day (appointment?). Maybe my hope that he walked away has effected my instincts.