Religion and Suicide: Buddhism, Native American and African Religions,
Atheism, and Agnosticism
The subject paper seeks to extend the research carried out by the same authors in a paper published in 2008. Whereas the previous paper discussed the same topic but with reference to the four major religions in the U.S., this paper focuses on the influence of religion on suicidality for the religions of Buddhism, Native American and African, as well as Atheism and Agnosticism, as detailed in the paper’s title.
The main plank of the arguments postulated by Lizardi and Gearing is that religiosity can be a protective or restraining factor in respect of suicidal behaviour.
Although I found the paper interesting and showed evidence of much research, I felt that some areas were not convincing and/or did not prove the case. Whilst the link with religious beliefs may indeed be a factor in lowering the probability of suicide (in almost all elements of society) Lizardi and Gearing have not convinced me that it is religion per se that can be cited as a major influence in that regard.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the paper was interesting, but somewhat unconvincing. Specifically, the section on Native Americans included references to substance abuse, alcohol abuse, depression and drug usage, but drew the conclusion that those with strong religious links or affiliations were less likely to turn to suicide. I tend to agree with that finding but see it as only a part of a wider picture. Surely the real reason for the lowering of suicide rates is found among those individuals who had a circle of support. Yes, the supporting circle may have had a religious base, but the same positive influence would result from any group of friends and acquaintances; for example, members of a close family or football team or any other leisure group or association. In other words, greater suicidal tendencies would be found among those individuals without close family or friends.
Another weak area in the paper is the section discussing the African religions. Although it filled two thirds of a page, it basically contained little or no definitive information or statistics; indeed the authors state: “Due to the limited research, it is not possible to present clear guidelines” and later: “Far too few studies have investigated the beliefs regarding suicide in African religions”. It feels almost like an apology for not providing any findings.
Again, in the sections covering Atheism and Agnosticism, there are few hard facts but quite a lot of general comments and even stating of the obvious, such as: “The influence of religiosity uniquely varies for each individual,” and recommending that further research is undertaken in this area. The paper continues with suggested guidelines for facilitating better analysis of suicide risk and its causes – particularly any links with the subject’s religious beliefs and affiliations. I agree that such research would make any future analysis more meaningful, yet is still not emphasizing the need to address the wider picture as I have suggested earlier in this reaction paper.
The authors’ conclusions obliquely refer to a wider picture (i.e. that religiosity aspects comprise only one factor affecting the potential for suicide). Lizardi and Gearing also conclude that “specific risk and protective factors for suicide may also vary according to each distinct religion”. That seems a reasonable standpoint based on their findings, but again is considering only one factor of many. The wider consideration should surely be whether any potential suicide subject has friends and acquaintances. My own view is that whether a person is “alone” or not is a much more powerful consideration. Whether friends exist due to an association with a church or other religious grouping is surely very secondary?
Overall, the subject paper – at least judging by the number of citations – seems to have been extensively researched, but apart from the informative section on Buddhism and to a lesser extent the one on Native American religions, it lacks substance and content that – for me at least – is needed, to be on the level of convincing argument.
