When comparing religion and suicide, it seems that there is a great effect that religion has on suicide. Lizardi & Gearing (2010) state that “greater religiosity is associated with decreased risk of suicidal behavior” (p. 119). Cook (2014) found that religion helps people better cope with stress, reduces occurrence of depression, reduces substance abuse, improves social support, and provides a source of hope. There are many regions in which suicide is frowned upon. In the Hebrew scripture suicide is condemned. Likewise, most Christians believe that committing suicide is forbidden by the commandments and that it is better to suffer than to take one’s life. In Hinduism it is thought that suicide affects karma and is a sign of disrespect for life.
