Is fear a necessity for religion?

Question

I have seen it written that people only come to religion through fear of the unknown ie Death. Is this always true? Can spirituality exist without fear?

Answer 1

Nice question. Now did you or did anyone else who did answer this question look up fear in the dictionary prior to their answer?

If I do read the defined position of fear correctly, it is an emotion that is in place because of apprehension. This normally comes into place when one is confronted in some way, shape, or form with the unknown that may or may not lie ahead in ones path such as the experiences of life. The may or may not is determined by ideas that grow into thoughts that one does consider whether real or only in the imagination.

Most in one way or another do seem to see religion as a solution to something in some way in my opinion. There may be a few who can or will say that fear had nothing to do with their choice of a religion, but I wonder about the deep reason for anyone to even consider a religion in the first place. I personally see fear as a very possible motive in some way or another for almost all for seeking a religion which in my opinion is really just a system of beliefs based upon some standard.

I am convinced all mankind by nature is a taker and very selfish. To be a taker one must find a way to take just to survive or he will be the victim and be taken. Thus in this recognized or even unrecognized position one does establish a system to prevent himself from being the victim because of [in my opinion] fear of becoming non-existent. It is pure innate nature of the physical unit of humankind to seek survival if at all possible.

So to sum this all up, I feel that no religion could be in place or exist without at least having the potential of the fear factor included. Likewise I do doubt that anyone can truly say they do not have a fear in this life sequence at all. They may have most of it under control but I just can not except that it is totally eliminated.

Answer 2

Religion is based on the misconception that truth can be found in dogma, when actually Truth can only be discovered within. This is the difference between spirituality and religion. Spirituality is about developing our highest human potential, and religion is about believing in something so that we are 'saved' after death. Big difference. Fear isn't pro-growth. If there is fear being used as a tool to get people to believe, then there is nothing spiritual taking place. Spirituality is always about developing beyond our fears. Religion teaches that development isn't necessary because salvation is in the after life. This is an anti-spiritual teaching which seen on the collective level of 'effect', keeps humanity from developing our highest potential.

Spirituality can ONLY exist without (psychological) fear, since the goal of true spirituality is to reach our highest potential; a state free of unconscious, psychological fear.

Answer 3

I would say that in the spiritual sense there is a need for fear. Not a fear to be waved at people from the pulpit, but a fear with which the clergy makes their congregations understand the dire need to have God in their lives to avoid losing their souls in Hell. Spirituality can exist without fear, but it wouldn't last long due to the "jaded" way man would begin to view God over a certain period of time. The Scripture says, "Perfect love casteth out fear" but it's usually regarded as speaking about natural fear. If people aren't afraid of Hell more than death, then something's wrong with the moral fabric of the church world in general. Another SCripture even goes as far as to say, "O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" It means that in Christ, we have only the fear of losing our soul. Without Him, we have fear of our lives here on Earth, it's troubles and trials and etc.....If DEATH has no hold over us through fear of God, then what's wrong with that?

Answer 4

Fear of what? Fear of death is not a prerequisite for people coming to any particular religion I've heard of, at least not in my faith. Spirituality can exist without fear. God is not a God of fear but of love. He has and does chastize those who do wrong and know better and some see this as a reason to fear Him, but just as a parent repremands an unruly child, so does God. He chastens those whom He loves. I came to God because I wanted stability and unconditional love and was willing to do what I needed to to get that. I'm still striving to do that, but I am trying.

Answer 5

Fear is not a pre-requisite to religion. Not all religions are grounded in fears. Some come to religion re: their own fears of death, of life, etc. This is just not consistent with all. Spirituality is the innate urge within every human being to grow in a spirit manner. It is not about fear.

Answer 6

That's not the only fear that people had when turning to religion. Religion is based on a Risk-Reward system as a means of controlling the masses. Risk going to Hell if you lead a life of crime...Reward of going to Heaven if you live an respectful life. The reward was/is amply used as a selling point and still is. Look around and you often see people posting questions about folks like me going to Hell over what they believe. Example: Did you know you'll go to Hell if you don't accept Jesus into your heart? It's about fear and control not the Spirit. PEACE!

Answer 7

Yes it can. most people fear death because its a natural rection to the unknown. but spirituality can exist without fear as in certain religions where people view death as a part of life and actually emrace it.

Answer 8

The only fear really necessary for the spiritual person is a healthy fear or respect for God and the power he has to give or withhold his blessings and his creation. Hell fire and damnation are lies and unfortunately have scared as many people away from God as they have led to him. God is love and he would NEVER burn his children alive in fire. Death is just sleep without dreams and should not be feared. God has the power over death and will soon use it to resurrect the righteous and the unrighteous who are still alive in his memory.

Answer 9

Psychology define fear as something to fear with like (phobias,social anxiety, disorder,panic, attacks, height, water, boat, plane etc) Most not all religion has somthing to say about FEAR. But, the bible explicitly define fear in a very subtl way, it says 'THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM" (Psalms 34) it does not confer religiousity.

Then what is it all about? The FEAR of the Lord? The fear of the Lord is an attitude of respect toward God, which includes a healthy dread of displeasing Him. It is about reverence toward God, and respect for Him, love and appreciation, holding Him and His beloved Son in high esteem. And this is the attitude necessary in order for us to know and do what's right!

The reason many do not take God's Word seriously is, they do not have this attitude. They have no foundation of respect for God in their hearts. As a result of the absence of this kind of fear, they read or hear God's commandments and react: "I don't want to do that . . . I don't see anything wrong with this . . . I don't think I'm going to hell if I do this or neglect that!!" Without the fear of the Lord, there is no reason (in their hearts) to respect Him and obey Him. Faithful service to God and obedience to Christ is rooted in the FEAR OF THE LORD.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD . . causes us to depart from evil, (Prov. 3:7.) causes us to hate evil, (Prov. 8:13.) prolongs our days, (Prov. 10:27.) inspired confidence, (Prov. 14:26.) affords great contentment, (Prov. 15:16.) keeps the heart, (Prov. 23:17.)
strengthens us against unstable companions, (Prov. 24:21.)

Answer 10

Hi,
People come to religion is seeking for 'truth' not fear.We fear is
because doing something wrong and worry of punishment but
for those who did all right still need religion to find the truth of life.

Take care
Chris