2006-09-12 13:08:54 · 9 answers · asked by Jims 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've always wondered that. Seems contradictory to me.
The only thing I can imagine that it is a mistranslation based on cultural assumptions. The original word was to hold someone in respect, but during medieval times the only people the serfs respected are the ones they feared. So, the terms got mungled.
2006-09-12 13:13:21 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God-fearing does not take away from God's love, but strengthens your respect for God. For example, most of us love our parents very much, and have utmost respect for them, but as children we feared punishment if we misbehaved. God loves us dearly, enough to let His Son pay the price for our sins, yet he wants us to be obedient to His will (found in the Bible). If we refuse to obey God, then we can expect to be punished. God fearing people realize this and try to stay obedient to God's will.
2006-09-12 14:35:41 · answer #2 · answered by mamasheilag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To fear God, means to have respect for Him.
2006-09-12 14:06:57 · answer #3 · answered by Sofa P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't really mean fear like being afraid, but more like respecting, like you would respect and obey your earthly father and would not want to do anything to incur his anger or disappointment.
2006-09-12 13:15:58 · answer #4 · answered by beattyb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means your afraid of what god will do to you when you die if you have done the wrong things while you were alive. Pretty darn stupid right?
2006-09-12 13:31:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being aware of God's power strongly enough to not sin, and to not take advantage of anything.
2006-09-12 13:11:46 · answer #6 · answered by smithelliott 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An awsome, reverant fear. A high respect!
2006-09-12 13:18:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
to show the highest respect for god
2006-09-12 13:13:50 · answer #8 · answered by jojo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
means you betta notta worship alla or your gonna fear what ya gonna get from god.
2006-09-12 13:12:23 · answer #9 · answered by Red 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋