I'm not so sure about that. Instead a would say that he is desperately following what he sees as the word of god. Trying to be good is a result of what he is doing but goodness isn't the path, righteousness is.

Point taken, and yes, righteousness and following the will of god (as he sees it) fits with what he's doing post-suicide attempt far better.

I hadn't considered who the guy with the Gospel of Matthias was so your suggestion is fascinating.

It would be a neat counterpart to the Russian Soldier/Management grooming Ben AND refusing to be healed by him. Methinks the previous generation has one complicated suicide wish going, but first they want to make sure the next generation battles it out.