Breaking the Thread of Life: On Rational Suicide.

This book marshals philosophical, moral, medical, historical, and theological arguments in support of the Roman Catholic position against suicide. In a comprehensive study of the history of suicide, the author shows that Christian civilization was one of only a few early societies that was able to bring suicide under control. He counters claims that Catholicism and the Bible endorse rational suicide. He also analyzes arguments in support of the rationality of suicide and illuminates their biases, inadequacies, and dangers.

The author presents the...