Is it ever right to kill yourself for honor?

I read a blog about a Nazi General named Friedrich Paulus. He was the General over the German 6th Army in Stalingrad when it was being invaded by Soviet Troops. According to Nazi beliefs, as a Field Marshal you are not supposed get captured but commit suicide. Paulus refused saying, "I'm a Christian. I refuse to commit suicide."Hitler was upset saying, "It hurts me so much because the heroism of so many soldiers is destroyed by a single, spineless weakling..."

This was an interesting question and it has really made me think about that one. If this was a story about an American General/Soldier and he committed suicide rather than get captured, would we look at this as the right thing to do?

I am a Christian just as this General says he is in this story. If I was in this Generals situation I believe I would not commit suicide either because I do not believe in the taking of your own life. This is a tough situation though because you are now being taking into enemy captivity not knowing how you are going to be treated. As a General you will most likely be tortured until you gave up information. If you give up information and are released then you can possibly be tried for treason when returning home to your native land.

I do not know if I can answer with a definitive yes or no because I have never been in that situation. I would be afraid of what may happen to me but at the same time I do not know if I could get myself to commit suicide due to my religious beliefs and my own fear of taking my life.

I do not believe someone should be looked down upon for not committing suicide in a situation like this but I do not think it should be something praised if they do commit suicide either because you are taking your own life and that cannot be something people look up to.

I do not know the answer. Any other ideas?

http://ww2history.com/blog/ww2-anniversary/is-it-ever-right-to-kill-yourself-for-honour/#comments