This article focuses on the relationship of the intensity of religious commitment to the use of indirect life-threatening behavior (ILTB) among 58 elderly, chronically ill hospital patients. Findings: intensity of commitment may be a more meaningful measure than formal church membership; intensity of commitment varies inversely with the extent of ILTB observed for the patient; & “stigma avoidance” may play a role in the tendency for certain affiliates to more extensively use ILTB. (12 refs.)