How can Christianity use fear all these years and still be considered as a viable religion?

Answer 1

Because all religions, in some form or another, use fear as a way to enroll believers and keep them under control. With some it's fear of hell, some it's fear of blocked entry to heaven, some it's fear of what you'll return as in your next life, some it's fear of judgement, some it's fear of being an outcast.. Right on down the line. Fear plays a major part in all faith.

Answer 2

And Christianity is so unique in this regard? Take a good hard look at other religions and ask the same question. No matter what the religion, people are the ones that create fear in order to control others. They just use religion for that purpose.

Answer 3

Okayyyyyyyy. Here we go!
Religion, at its most fundamental level, is an explanation of that which cannot be directly observed.
Over the millenia of religious history in the human experience, it has become a means of enforcing moral behavior. A side-effect of this role is the de facto control of people's thoughts and actions.

Now, if this is accepted as true, then there is a quote by Nicollo Machiavelli that illustrates the use of fear in any religious context that purports to enforce moral behavior. I parphrase this below:

"It is preferable to be loved by those you rule. But, if they will not love you, let them fear you."

I hope this helps.

Incidentally, I am Catholic, and only using the hard definitions for the sake of removing the denominational bias from my answer.

Answer 4

What do you mean, we don't use fear. We use the fact that we believe that there is a God out there who loves us and cares for us, I don't see any fear in that.

Answer 5

So cutting off people's heads and blowing up children is MORE acceptable to you? If you're gonna bash religion, how about going after all of it? Or do you always just single out Christianity? You showing your bias.

Answer 6

Nice loaded question,why don't you at least give an example of what you mean so someone might have a chance of giving an intelligent answer either way?

Answer 7

It's the only way to get you to listen and understand.
If they simply told you what to do, would you listen?

It's the same as teaching children. Don't play with fire you might get burned. Is meant to instill fear because it could happen and usually does.

Answer 8

What fear?
I know actions have consequences, that is not fear. It is called knowing the rules of the game.

Answer 9

To be a Christian is to be spiritual. Religion has nothing to do with spirituality.

Answer 10

Not all Christians use fear. Jesus did not. Jesus counselled forgiveness and acceptance.
Jesus never mentioned "Hell".