Philip Reed, professor of philosophy at Canisius University, has published a new essay, “The Christian Prohibition of Suicide,” in The Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Suicide.
The chapter offers a comprehensive overview of how Christian thought has historically evaluated suicide, tracing perspectives from the early Church to contemporary theology. It examines longstanding reasons for the traditional Christian condemnation of suicide, including the belief that it violates God’s authority over life, expresses ingratitude, rejects the call to endure suffering, and is morally prohibited as a form of killing.
At the same time, Reed addresses complex cases that have challenged this prohibition, such as biblical figures like Samson, Christian martyrs, and interpretations surrounding the death of Jesus. The work explores how Christian moral theology has developed nuanced distinctions—particularly between intending one’s death and merely foreseeing it—in order to clarify and defend its ethical stance.
As we approach the end of our 25-26 fiscal year, here is some important information from the Controller’s Office for the campus community to keep in mind:
Requisitions
All requisitions are to be submitted by the end of business day on Friday, May 15 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. Related invoices should be submitted as soon as possible.
Visa/Center Suite
All VISA charges posted to the bank by 5/31/26 will be charged to the 25-26 budget.
Any charges that post AFTER 5/31/26 will be charged to the 26-27 budget.
Please note that it can take up to 1-7 business days for charges to post.
AP Checks
All invoices and check requests are to be submitted by end of day on Friday, May 22 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. AP checks will be issued on Thursday, May 28.
Please contact Accounts Payable at 888-8525 with any questions.
Students enrolled in ABEC 365: Animal Communication recently participated in an immersive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Buffalo Museum of Science, connecting classroom learning with real-world scientific collections.
Throughout the semester, students have explored how and why animals communicate using visual, auditory, vibrational, chemical, and tactile signals. In preparation for the visit, they developed questions focused on museum specimen preparation, public outreach, and how preserved collections can inform the study of animal behavior and communication.
Earlier this month, students went “backstage with the band,” gaining exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public. The group learned from Paige Langle, collections manager, and Abbey Hines ’18, while exploring the museum’s rare species holdings, vertebrate and fluid collection rooms, and research laboratory.
During the visit, students examined how museums contribute to conservation efforts and scientific research. They also applied their classroom knowledge of structural colors and pigments to understand the importance of maintaining large specimen collections within a single species. One highlight included viewing narwhal tusks, connecting directly to prior coursework examining the still-debated structure and function of these unique features.
The experience offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with specimens and professionals in the field, deepening their understanding of the animals they study in the classroom.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media interviewed Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) Rebecca Kelly Slaughter ahead of her April 30 visit to Canisius as part of the Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society. Slaughter, who is currently in a legal fight for her reinstatement to the FTC, spoke to the local NPR station about the concept of removal for cause and her career in public service. Click hereto listen to the interview, which was also picked up by which was also picked up by WXXI-AM Radio in Rochester, WRVO-AM Radio in Syracuse/Oswego and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, which broadcasts in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
WKBW-TV news anchor Michael Wooten also spoke with Slaughter in advance of her Canisius visit. The interview appeared on the afternoon program called “Voices” and can be viewedhere and on Yahoo News.
WGRZ-TV Channel 2 reported on Canisius University’s newest student success initiative, Canisius Computes, during its April 29 broadcasts. The 1:1 computing initiative provides every incoming first-year student with a MacBook Air, helping to ensure that all students have access to the same reliable technology from day one. Click here to watch the story. Posts
Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies, was quoted in the April 27 edition of The Buffalo News about the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which places the university’s Wehle Business School among the top 100 business schools in the country. The school climbed five spots to No. 87 nationally, reflecting its continued momentum in graduate business education.
The students in BIO322, Conservation Biology, hosted another successful poster session in the Science Hall Atrium. Visitors had a chance to learn about a range of topics and things that we each can do to benefit the environment. Whether it is composting, solar farms, public transportation or keeping your cat inside – you can make a difference for the environment!
