In many religions, those who behave go to heaven (or some other nice place or state of being) while those who misbehave go to hell (or have to undergo some other form of torture or punishment). Now, if heaven really is an eternal place of joy, it makes sense that everyone would try to go there as soon as possible by committing suicide, because compared to the promises of heaven, earth is, well, rather bleak. This would leave most churches completely empty and church leaders without any followers and therefore income. Could this be the reason why many religions also ban/punish suicide? Do religions without a heaven/hell also ban suicide?
Thoughts, anyone? Alternative explanations?
Topic: maybe Comparative religions? (I am new to this, so if a mod has a better suggestion, go ahead)
Edited by Dirk, : added topic
Edited by Dirk, : No reason given.