Mr. Bultitude
Puritan Board Freshman
From the Westminster Larger Catechism:
It seems that self-injury and self-destructive behaviors are considered violations of the Sixth Commandment just as much as injuring and destroying other people. What arguments did the Westminster Divines and like-minded theologians marshal in defense of this?Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words; oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.