The role of fear in religion?

Question

"The role of fear in religion plays on the insecurity of humankind. We’re afraid because we categorically don’t know who’s right or wrong. We seek solace and comfort in the fact that there’s a full cathedral, church, mosque, temple or synagogue—after all, if so many people believe in this practiced religion and attend, then they must be right. Religious leaders know this; consequently, they try to convert as many as possible to their own belief."

i read this Quote somewhere, what is your opinion on this?

Answer 1

My opinion is there will be a time where every man question their own faith, preacher, saints, as long as we are human we will be human. Faith and religion is meant to be found by individuals, not forced upon by a book or a church, or anyone who think that their believes are better than others. If there was a god and he or she wanted us to believe in one religion, then why not show up and let us know. Religion is a faith within yourself, the trust of your own actions to do what you feel is right. In my opinion, it is a sin to force a religion upon another, through fear or anything else.

Answer 2

Religion is not for fear. Religion is meant to make harmony among them. Religion teaches valuable lessons that required for the world of people. Unfortunately, they have not followed and playing fanatics role in the society. If anyone follow the guidelines of the religion will not hurt anyone, especially other religious people. First thing - you should not use I am a Muslim / Christian / Hindu, etc. By saying that you are breaching the fundamentals or basic principles. Religion is a pure personal matter.

Answer 3

Fear has always been a tool of religions, history is full of it.
Fear will drive folks to do most anything-Case in point: The media has spread so much fear concerning child abduction that even a angel would have trouble just saying hi to a kid in a mall. A TV report last week showed just how fearful the media has made folks over many issues. So add the media to your list of fear mongers.

Answer 4

I disagree with this quote, as the catholic religion had the largest population of followers for a time, and years later has lost large "numbers." The amount of people who attend, (depending religion), is only considered, because if you believe your religion to be true, and you have a nice hope fo the future, you would like other people to have your same hope. Sometimes though, the good intentions end up in a bashing from both sides.

Using fear to scare people into your faith, is really pointless. If they don't believe in your faith in the first place, and you tell them that they are going to hell, you just ended the conversation. Unless you threaten to kill and slowly torture people, like the catholic religion did for years, no one is going to convert when fear is "pushed on to them."

If you want more info, or would just like to talk about another topic similar to this one, feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 5

I get all freaked out when people like EyesLoveJesus get all "Jesus is soooooo great" on me. It is true that over centuries religion has used fear (social, psychological and spiritual) to suit itself. However, that is not true today. Most young people have choice - however sometimes their society decides these choices for them.

I dont agree with the part in the question that "we ... dont know who/what is right or wrong". We all know. True religion is being true to yourself and believing in "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" ... and you wont lie, kill, injure, hurt, or be malicious. After all, what goes around comes around.

Answer 6

Hi i asked myself this question myself alot of times...but what i think is that. We are all humans, we are all unique and if there was only one religion that might take away our uniqueness. I think God just designed the world for all the differences we have so further destinguish our uniqueness. Beliving in god regardless of the name of religion is all he wants. All religion teaches the right from wrong, therefore he is trying to help us no matter how different we are, the color of our skin, the language we speak or the culture we have...his presence is there in his own way. I think its nice to recognise that, every religion teaches the right and that shows that god is indeed right here, no matter who we are.

Lots of love
this is only my opinion i hope i was of help.

Answer 7

Yep. Most people are mindless sheep. They're actually happy to be lied to, as long as the lie conforms to their narrow world-view.
And fear, after all, keeps the sheep in the pews and the collection plate full. And that is the point of religion after all...

Answer 8

Fear is an integral part of every religion , but the thing is what to fear and whom to fear. One must only fear that `almighty GOD `considering that no act of us is hidden from the GOD.When you will start fearing that one and only , there will be no other fear left.

Answer 9

As far as fear goes?
Who has fear but those without any belief, for they are but wanderers in the vast array of life going to and fro having no firm foundation to rely on.

Religion and it's leaders should NOT push fear on people, but the PEACE of God should be taught, and it should be shared how to attain it. Religion is something man made God never told anyone to be any religion, Jesus only asked that believers be followers of Him. It is the Church made by God that is what should be important (the church being the body of believers who serve God).

God grants His children "UNTOUCHABLENESS in Psalm 91!"
Woo-Hoo!
* If the devil can't stir you up inside with fear or circumstances, he can't effect you!
* If you stay in the secret place of the Most High, he cannot even get to you!
* All the turmoil will remain on the surface of your life, but you will be hidden with God!
* If you have the peace which passeth all understanding, you cannot be effected by fear Satan tries to place upon you.

LEARN TO LIVE IN GOD'S PEACE: (Simply follow all it says in, John 14:27; 2nd Timothy 1:10) Remember, be Calm-Cool-Collected as it tells us in 2nd Timothy 4:5.

I do not claim any religion, only the belief in the God of the Bible, and the Word of God. I live my life according to it on the INSIDE, so I do not have to worry about what Satan tries to put on me on the OUTSIDE!

Amen?

Answer 10

Fear is the weapon to force someone to accept your views. Homeland security and war against terrorism are good examples of sceuring votes in a democratic system. Mr.Bush is a master.