why do we call devout christians/catholics god fearing. i thought god made them happy etc so why do they fear him?
2007-04-23 09:59:50 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The term "fear of God" is one of the most widely used terms in Scripture to denote true believers - those who recognize God in the true light of who He is - the absolute all-mighty Creator, Lord and Master of all things, who can do whatever He pleases, whenever He pleases, in whatever manner He pleases; and there is absolutely no one who can say to Him "What are you doing?", so that He would be answerable to them.
It does not denote a slavish fear; at least not for Christians; because we have come to understand the love God has for us in Christ.
"In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us."
I John 4:17-19
2007-04-23 10:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you were a kid and did something wrong, were you ever afraid of your parents? Afraid they would punish you? Afraid you would not get dessert or would get yelled at or would get grounded? You can lie and say no, if you want, unless you were an orphan or something. But most people know what I am talking about. Yet, I thought parents were supposed to make their kids happy? When they punish, don't they only mean what is best for their children, presuming they are good parents? Well, the same concept applies to God.
That said, all devout Christians don't talk like that. It is a stereotype that they all do, and it is based on an archaic way of thinking. Some Christians stress this side of their beliefs, because they want to show that they are modest and humble, relying on God to get them through their lives. Other Christians emphasize other aspects. We are all different; and obviously as subject to stereotypes as most other groups.
2007-04-23 17:09:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God is both good and severe at the same time. Also, the fear is more like what one feels when one fears one's father, assuming dad is not some abusive maniac (I know, I know, atheists think God, if existed, would be just that). But what is there to fear when one is walking properly with God? Judgment? That was taken care of by Christ.
tom
2007-04-23 17:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. Christians inherited the god of the Hebrews, Yahweh, and since then we are told to fear God and bow down to him, etc. I prefer a God I can communicate with instead of fearing.
Now it is interesting that more jews are atheists than any other group, as a percentage. Does that tell us something?
2007-04-23 17:05:16 · answer #4 · answered by mar m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fear of God should be as a child that loves it's parents, so much so that they would not want to do anything to hurt their parent. That is the fear of God. Sadly not many people truly show that type of respect and fear.
2007-04-23 17:05:14 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jenny,
That is a good question. "Fear of the Lord" from which you get "God fearing" has two broad meanings. One, it is a term of reverence and respect. God is holy and wholly other. He is sacred (set apart) and as Creator is due all glory and honor. The second sense of fear of the Lord is, well, fear. It's common to soft pedal this aspect, but it's very Biblical. It's a common reaction to the presence of God. It's even a common reaction to those who just spend alot of time in God's presence as can be seen in the reaction people have to angels. The guards at the tomb of Jesus fell as dead men. The first thing out of the mouth of an angel often is "Fear not!" since they can clearly see the person to whom they appear trembling at their awesome presence. How much more so in the presence of the living God! So proper fear of the Lord is a mixture of all of those things. With Christ, we have a level of intimacy that was previously impossible, but though we can be very intimate, it has to be again mixed with a nice dose of reverence, respect and yes, fear. Bless you on your journey.
Don+
P.S. I'm editing this because I forgot to address your reference to "happy". Being a believer in Christ doesn't guarantee happiness. In fact, if you love Him you will suffer for Him. Unfortunately, "blessed" is often mistranslated "happy". Happy is wholly dependant on circumstance. You can't count on it. You can, however, count on JOY. Joy isn't dependant on circumstance. St. Paul was chained to a prison cell wall when he wrote to the Philippians and counseled us to "Rejoice in the Lord always". I hope this helps.
2007-04-23 17:24:47 · answer #6 · answered by Cyprian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a reverant fear of the Lord.
To be in awe of Him, yes and humble before Him.
For He is God!
We should have reverance to the Lord always!
AND YES what saucey said above-- Proverbs 1:7- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!
2007-04-23 17:07:58 · answer #7 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Muslims and Jews are also "God-fearing" peoples too. The reason to fear God is because of the tremendous power He weilds. It's more of a show of respect than actual 'cowering' fear.
2007-04-23 17:04:12 · answer #8 · answered by Maverick 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
2007-04-23 17:07:48 · answer #9 · answered by Pamela 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I thought that evil bipolar monster of the old and new testament was continuously looking over my shoulder I'd be a little bit fearful too.
2007-04-23 17:15:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋