2006-09-10 01:49:20 · 18 answers · asked by J S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
they are mindless sheep
2006-09-10 01:50:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Love of God
2006-09-10 10:09:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As one who has studied religion for eons, I feel that you cannot love what you fear. When fear enters the picture, then love has to stand aside.
The basic problem as to why Christians are to love and fear God is presented in the Book of Genesis and rest of the first five books in the Bible.
Genesis 1 - 2.4(a) presents a version of God, Yahweh that describes a view of the creation. Genesis 2.4(b) to the end of the creation story, describes a different view. Yahweh is a hard, dogmatic God; Elohim (the God of Genesis 2.4(b) to the end of the story is much more kind. Yahweh in a singular noun in Hebrew; Elohim is a plural noun in Hebrew - so it is Elohim that says "that us make man and woman in our own image." To me that projects a male/female aspect to God. You will find the same dichotomy throughout the first five books. You will find two stories of Noah in Genesis and two presentations of the 10 Commandments in Exodus (Exodus 20 and Exodus 34) and they have few similarities. Yahweh wants you to fear him; Elohim presents a more socially compatible concept.
There ensues, therefore, a battle for dominance between the two and Yahweh wins.
People who go to certain church organizations will go because they fear the wrath of God while those of more moderate standing will go to churches where the love of God is emphasized.
Why does this dichotomy exist? Scholars on the subject feel that what was happening at the time was a coming together of several Semitic tribes, each with differences in their religious views, and an attempt was make to meld these views together so as to present a single view that was acceptable to all. The books did not meld very well and a confusion exist.
I could go on forever, giving quotes from scholarly books as well as Biblical quotes to present my point. You are free to either love God or fear him, or attempt both. I am not the sort of person who wants to knock you over with is religious views. But you can research these things on your own and look at books like the Myths of the Old Testament by Frazier, various volumes by Robert Graves, and other authors. You will find that there is nothing new under the sun.
Christ, to me, is the son of God, but some now consider him God. Through the course of time religions change and stay the same. Today many churches are not teaching the admonitions of Christ - admonitions of love, they are teaching interpretations of Paul. However right now at this minutes, many religious groups are tied down trying to interpret Revelations which you don't have to worry about at all if you follow the rules set forth by Christ.
2006-09-10 09:51:38 · answer #3 · answered by Polyhistor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of God has changed meaning. Traditionaly it meant obedience. Similar to fearing the police, by obeying the the speed limit for example, that would be the traditional way to fear the police as apposed to not obeying the speedlimit and being afraid of the police. I beleive people go to church to fulfill a need. I go to church because God has what I want. The answers to life's Q's. but to answer your Q, I would say because God loves me
2006-09-10 09:02:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the love of God always
2006-09-10 09:08:11 · answer #5 · answered by strummersworld 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You've summed it up. Let's be clear about the Word Fear. While it does mean "scared" "worried" etc.... Taken in context when used biblically, it generally refers to Obey or Obedience of God. Literal transition is closer to Obey or Die....thus the word Fear was put there.
2006-09-10 08:53:01 · answer #6 · answered by tjjone 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People go for their own reasons, but basically, it's more out of love. Some people have a need to go to church , just as some people feel the need to go to the Gym. It's something you do for you. So, don't make fun of people trying to do something good.
2006-09-10 08:56:18 · answer #7 · answered by Scorpius59 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is both. I have both fear and love for God.
2006-09-10 08:57:58 · answer #8 · answered by IL Padrino 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOVE of GOD most definitely!
there is something so moving and fulfilling about going to mass - it's wonderful. then our priest is an outstanding speaker so his himilies are great - even taken note from time to time!
hope you find the Love!!!
2006-09-10 08:51:13 · answer #9 · answered by Marysia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon there Heart...
If a man is really thankful to God he will go in Love..
Wat is fear of God...
It means resisting evil and standing in the commandment of God
2006-09-10 08:53:05 · answer #10 · answered by Eby 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For some fear, for some love, for others social status.
Everyone goes for different reasons...not all are sincere in their worship.
2006-09-10 08:51:27 · answer #11 · answered by Author Al 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋