His whole behaviour said that Samuel Norton was not a good Christian. There is no reason to believe he would suddenly take responsibility for himself when face with an actual challenge.

George Washington
Typhoon

Pretty sure the Warden isn't a real Christian.

This message has been deleted.

When's the last time you've seen a Christian or Christianity in a film or TV portrayed in a positive light?
Family Guy

PDBPO LEADER

When's the last time you've seen a Christian or Christianity in a film or TV portrayed in a positive light? But Darklord's post is exactly right.

He followed his beliefs just the same way everyone else does, however they see fit.
Rules are all breakable and virtues need only exist for people to try to appear virtuous.

I haven't read the book, so I'm assuming that Norton's character is the stereotypical Stephen King idea of the hypocritical Christian (I hope King doesn't believe all Christians are hypocrites). If this is the case, Norton is not a true Christian, he doesn't really believe or only believes what's expedient, and so his suicide would make sense under the circumstances.

He's a fake Christian. He only uses Christanity as a facade to appear pious and righteous towards the prisoners he looks down on. Norton was about as bad as the Pharisees Jesus preached out against.

The point the OP is making is that most Christian denominations consider suicide an unforgivable sin worse than any other even taking another life.
We have to show the world that not all of us are like him: Henning von Tresckow
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So you're OK with the corruption, murder and all other manner of heinous crimes. But suicide is a step too far?

LOL!
Seriously though, I'd imagine that pretty much anyone involved with the criminal system from the police, lawyers, judges, prison guards, wardens, etc., must wonder what a hell prison would be for them beyond the standard hell that being locked up is.
Pretty terrifying if you really think about it. If Norton had, then the choice to off himself might not have been a difficult one.
Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.

You must have missed the deleted scene, a short one, where Norton has the gun in one hand and the bible in the other and, alternately looking at one then the other says,
"Shoot myself and go to hell, or turn myself in and go to prison for a long time and be raped and beaten every day by the inmates. And probably go to hell anyway. Hmmm which should I choose?"
.... TxMike ....
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes not. With Rita Hayworth I'd never be alone.

or impregnate their housekeeper?
Damn! Some of those priests have it pretty damn good if they have that kind of game!

How many Catholic priests knew it was wrong to interfere with boys or impregnate their housekeeper? There's a big difference between righteous and self-righteous. Norton was the latter. His 'faith' was rhetoric not true belief. Anybody can go to church and spout scripture.
If you dip your foot into a pool of piranhas don't cry when you lose a toe!