EN
The issue of suicide is almost as old as the history of mankind, as origins of suicide may date back to the time when man realised that he was not only able to take animals' and other humans' lives, but also that he could take his own life. While exploring the issue of suicide, researchers concentrate on its various aspects, rendering it possible to specify a few basic directions, in the scope of which analyses are conducted. Among them is the philosophic-theological direction which concentrates mainly on ontological basis of human existence, the possibility of having life at one's own disposal, and possible moral assessment of self-destructive actions. Discussion concerning the issue of suicide has a very rich historical tradition, origins of which probably date as far back as the source of philosophic-theological reflection. The article presents the shaping of the relation of Christian ethics towards suicidal actions and the influence of moral assessment of such actions on the social and legal sanctions directed at people who committed suicide and their circles.