Should we fear God?

1. 73

   manatita44posted 10 years ago

   Should we fear God?

   report
2. 57

   jmark13posted 10 years ago

   No. We should fear the people who go out of their way to prove that God 1. exists and 2. to fear it.

   report
   1. 60

      Maria Antoniaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      jmark13, I think your position is that you don/t believe in God because of the concept of heaven and hell? I'm curious what kind of relationship with God would feel right in your heart, in a perfect world? I'm not judging, just curious.

      report
   2. 78

      Chris Nealposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Of course the lack of belief in something is in and of itself the proof that it doesn't exist, right?

      report
3. 73

   manatita44posted 10 years ago

   Proof? Don't know about this one. Beyond me.
   
   Fear? Yes, some of them, perhaps. Then there are those who see fear as reverence; awe. Interesting you did not jump to this idea. Worth pondering?
   
   Appreciate your input Bro. Peace.

   report
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Lone Star, close one between you and Maria but some other nice answers too. I really appreciate this. I will close this Hub now in order to preserve the love and sweetness aspect. Much peace.

      report
4. 70

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   If you had children would you want them to fear you?
   Assuming there is a God and he is the father it's doubtful any parent wants their child to be afraid of them. Respect on the other hand is another issue.
   However love is the bond between a parent and a child not fear.

   report
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I respect this idea. More logical to me. Then there are those who see fear as reverence; awe. Interesting you did not jump to this idea. Worth pondering? Do you think  'reverence' or 'awe' when we use the word 'fear?'

      report
   2. 60

      Maria Antoniaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you in that we should not fear God, unfortunately though there are many parents who believe their children should fear them.  So many times I've heard parents say things like, "I brought you into this world I can take you out of it too".

      report
   3. 70

      dashingscorpioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Maria you're right. These are the parents who also believe "Children should be seen and not heard." manatita44; I think of fear when I feel there is a potential "threat" to my well being. Awe for me means "impressive". I'm in awe of your success!

      report
   4. 90

      MizBejabbersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I certainly do not think reverence or awe when I think of fear. The hell-fire and damnation preachers have stomped all over that definition. i could never respect that god they preach about.

      report
   5. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This whole thing springs, my Sweet, because someone feels that we should fear God. I say  that God deserves our Love, not fear. The word 'fear' was then said to include 'reverence' and 'awe'
      I feel  most people see fear as neg. Hence Q to explore.

      report
5. 78

   Chris Nealposted 10 years ago

   It does say in the Bible: "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:5, NIV) So yes, we should fear God. But at the same time we should also love God, because He also loves us and wants what is best for us.

   report
   1. 57

      jmark13posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Again, here you go quoting a book that you refer to as the absolute law of how we should behave or what we should do. Just because it says so, doesn't make it law. So no, we should not fear something that was made up by man to control other men.

      report
   2. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Chris. You've answered it from another standpoint. I appreciate this. Truth is a paradox, true, but I do not know that we can love and fear at the same time. So I ask you as well. Did you think of fear  as 'awe' or 'reverence' also.

      report
6. 81

   oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years ago

   I believe I should, in the sense of respecting my maker, and understanding my place in his universe.  I like to think of it as being grateful for what has been given to me, including my very life.  I can't begin to make or create my own life, and the very thing that could, deserves at the very least respect, if not thanks, love and devotion. 
   
   Now to the person that lacks belief in any god, this idea will seem utterly foolish for him from that point of view.  I think that person however, ought to very absolutely respect and have respect for whatever they think is a more suitable creator than God, the thing that could be the beginning of our origins.  I don't know of any such being, but my point in saying all this is that its worthy of thinking through.  None of us can account for our own being here, but ought to respect what is able.  What could actually make that happen.  I think that answer is God for multiple reasons.

   report
   1. 57

      jmark13posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We have to totally disassemble the sold consensus of what God is. Until the consensus changes, you know, the one that says we're rewarded of we follow and damned if we're not, I will be aggressively against the idea.

      report
   2. 81

      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I was giving my point of view from myself, and from that of others.  Thank you for sharing your views also.  I think that God either is or isn't in existence, regardless of any consensus.  I just mean is that the best way to find out more about this?

      report
   3. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Very discerning answer, and worthy of your name, Oceannsunsets. This one touches me more: respect, gratitude, devotion, and the implied idea of leaving many windows in the heart. Unknowingly, you've drifted from fear. Much peace.

      report
7. 80

   AnnaCiaposted 10 years ago

   No, I don't fear God.  I e fear some people and theirs behaviors and values.  Those are the ones to be scared of.

   report
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Anna. Someone else touched on this briefly. Nice, but it reflects society and mostly or own inner lacking as well, perhaps. What do you think?

      report
8. 56

   Frank Menchiseposted 10 years ago

   No, we should not fear God, because if there is really a God, he/it must be a loving God, any other God is not worth following. To fear God is a human invention that is being used to control people.

   report
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Frank. Appreciate your input. Some see fear as reverence, awe. No one so far here saw it this way. Would this be natural for you, to think of fearing God as 'awe' or 'reverence?'

      report
9. 73

   lone77starposted 10 years ago

   Fear is perhaps the wrong word for it. There is a perfect attitude toward God, but our languages are not well equipped for such a non-physical realm.
   
   Sure, the Bible says to fear Him because of what He can do to us even after our bodies are gone. But much of the Bible was written in code by Kabbalists. The rest, though perhaps a bit more literal, is still about spiritual things instead of physical reality. Words cannot do it justice.
   
   Awe might be closer. There's also a bit of reverence there. But definitely love. And all the suffering we experience is only because we are separated from God. The quality and nature of our suffering is an indication of what we need to do to return to Him.
   
   God is constant and unchanging. He is pure Love -- altruistic generosity. When we become more like Him, we attain more of His traits. We become less self-concerned to the point of eliminating Ego (separate) self altogether. We become more loving to others, unconditionally, never keeping score. We wish for others everything they desire, even if it is to harm us. We do this, taking 100% responsibility for their actions against us. Thus, we are no longer victim, but we also find it effortless to turn the other cheek and to forgive them.
   
   Fear God? No. Fear is an Ego thing. If we have no self-concern, but only love for others, then there is nothing in us that can fear. When we do this, we are walking with God, because we have become pure love.

   report
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Gratitude, Lone Star.
      
      Thanks for responding to the other viewpoint. I have no place for fear of God in my heart. Still, I wanted to accommodate the other view. It does appear, as I suspected, that fear of God is hardly associated with Love.

      report
10. 60

    Link10103posted 10 years ago

    The concept of god in general shouldnt warrant fear.
    
    The gods depicted in the world's major religions however may warrant outright terror.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Link. I needed to smile also, and your forthright answer has provided this. Have a great day, Bro.

       report
11. 75

    jlparkposted 10 years ago

    Those of us who don't believe shouldn't.
    
    If the Bible days the believers should, then I guess they should.
    
    I find the concept of fearing the one who 'loves you' and whom 'you love' eg God sounds a little to much like an emotionally abusive relationship to me. Maybe that's why I don't believe....it's just far too close to a relationship I would tell a friend or loved one to run away from or get out of.
    
    Sure, I wouldn't tell someone who believes in God to run away - as that's their faith etc - but a relationship with similar features between humans I would.
    
    I don't mean to be offensive or anything - it's just the way I see things. Apologies if it's offended anyone.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Certainly not me, Bro Jlpark. I value all contributions. Thanks for your noble and sincere contribution.

       report
    2. 75

       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       No problem.

       report
12. 66

    olgakhumloposted 10 years ago

    Well fear God means to depart from evil, or flee from evil. This is done by the power of God - John 1:12. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments.- John 14:15. Apparently, it protects you and I from the attack of Satan. The more farther we stray away from God the more  we are prone to Satan's attack and we are no longer under His wings - refuge.
    All the blessings in Psalm 91 is for those who say no to evil.
    
    In other words God is telling us " I love you, so I do not want you
    to get hurt, I want you to be safe.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Nice quote at the end. You see fear there? Just asking. You're perfectly entitled to do so. Thanks Bro.

       report
13. 60

    Maria Antoniaposted 10 years ago

    This is a difficult question to answer, but for me it just feels wrong to believe that God is this jealous, vengeful, entity that watches my every move, thought and deed, whom judges me harshly at every turn, and sends trials into my life to test me, tempt me, and to break me down to make me stronger.  I am in awe of God, respect God, worship God, but I don't fear him.  I feel that God is Love! Life is suffering and joy, and pain and peace, and suffering, and grace, and on and on.  Essentially, bad things, events and situations that cause us pain and happiness flow into and out of our lives constantly, not as a result of sin or doing anything wrong, but just because it does.  For example, you're pregnant you rejoice, you are in the delivery process, you suffer, you deliver a healthy baby and you're overjoyed, one day--after a long life we hope, the child dies as an old man/woman and there is suffering again because he/she will be missed by friends and family. So no I don't think we should fear God.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Cool. Sweet Sis. I hear you. Nice smile

       report
14. 0

    Lybrahposted 10 years ago

    Absolutely we should fear Him.  Fear not the devil who can destroy the body, but fear He who can send you to hell.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I most certainly feel fear in this approach. Are you happy with this? I respect that it is a personal journey. Thanks for your input. I needed to hear another opposing view. Peace.

       report
15. 90

    MizBejabbersposted 10 years ago

    No, we should not fear our God. I think fear denotes disrespect because who can respect what he fears? The aspect of love cancels fear, and I think that Oceansnsunsets is describing a beautiful loving relationship with the creator. Bless you O.
    
    The aspect of fearing one's god comes mostly from the Western worship faith that was used to control the people. Was that really a god that taunted Abraham and Job and led Moses and this Hebrew people astray? Jesus came along to correct the evil thinking and making sacrifices of animals of the time. He promoted love and understanding and a personal relationship with God. People still can't separate the love of Jesus Christ from the violent Jehovah of the Old Testament. Fact: Jehovah is never mentioned in the New Testament (unless someone has sneaked him into a new "modern" version). Then came Mohammed and you know the rest of the story. What the Hell happened? Pardon me, perhaps I should say "hell on earth happened". Why can't people separate violent ugly fear from true love of God? Oil and water mix better

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Right on Sister. Some of our sisters and brothers like the 'fear aspect. So I try to open it up to all. Is fear reverence? Is it awe? Just looking at viewpoints here. Wonderful input and yes, Oceansunsets, I liked. Peace.

       report
16. 83

    Edward J. Palumboposted 10 years ago

    If, by "fear", you mean a deep respect for a power and intellect we cannot comprehend, I would agree that we should fear Almighty God. He and His teachings are not to be taken lightly.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Agreed. Don't know about the fear part, but the fact that the spiritual life is a joyful but serious matter. Thanks Bro.

       report
17. 84

    cianekoposted 10 years ago

    I believe that we should fear God, but not the fear that we feel when we are oppressed by conflicts (insurgency, war etc.). We should fear God with the knowledge that He is our creator, supplier and redeemer. We should fear Him in a way that would be equated to respect of a good and sovereign authority-- an authority that brings out the best in us and gives the best of us.

    report
    1. 73

       manatita44posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Cianeko, much reverence here. Adoration perhaps and to be commended. Not fear though.

       report