I'm wondering because a lot suggest that hell exists and if you don't believe, that's where you are going.
Seems like using "fear" as a tactic for belief is very similar to a Government official stating that exact same thing to get people to do what he/she wants. This is a proven tactic. Just because it's within a religion doesn't make it any different.
It's quite proven that a state of "fear" leaves people desperate and willing to do anything to save themselves.
I'm wondering why fear is such a huge element of belief for some.
2007-09-23 14:15:06 · 24 answers · asked by Corvus 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you need Heaven, then aren't you completely dependent on it for happiness much like some people are dependent on the idea that money brings happiness? Without it, you must be miserable.
2007-09-23 14:21:18 · update #1
Fear is for un-believers, believers have nothing to fear, you are mistaken. Hell is for un-believers, it is they who are in fear. Not Christians. God Bless You.
2007-09-23 14:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Christians aren't exactly using "fear" as a tactic. Many Christians I know who try to share their belief with people do fear, but for the other person's safety. No one's forcing you to become a Christian. I do know some who do use fear to get people to believe, but that's just wrong. People shouldn't fear that if they don't do this or that they'll end up in hell or someplace bad. It's their choice to whether believe or not.
2007-09-23 14:22:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't think that it's fear the bring people into Christianity. If it was, then why doesn't someone make up a worse religion where it's worse then hell, then they'd have the whole world.
When someone is born again, they can have revelation from God, and know he's real. And, when you get prayers answered, then you start to believe, not to avoid hell, but because you know he exists
2007-09-23 14:34:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't choose fear voluntarily - it comes with the belief in the invisible man.
Years ago when scammers were putting together schemes to relieve McGullibles of money a sudden shift happened and one of them realised and then suggested if they scare the crap outa the stupids and then offer them a way out they'd get more money.
Hence - hell.
Hence - religion = big business.
2007-09-23 14:30:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The definition of fear in a Christian's life is defined as a reverential awe of God. When you are born again there is nothing to fear. We walk in the fear of the Lord, the reverent awe at the power, might and love of God. He loved us enough to die for us. John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16. Both scriptures tell us of His of His dying love. As Christians we do not have to fear Hell or eternal damnation. Jesus paid the price when He took the sins of the whole world upon Himself at Calvary.
gatita_63109
2007-09-23 14:24:21 · answer #5 · answered by gatita 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When someone accuses God/Christians as using the fear of hell to get us to "obey", I respond with, "does that mean that the only reason you obey the laws of the government is because you fear prison, or the death penalty?"
We follow God's laws because we love Him and we want to do what's right. We are saved because Jesus died on the cross for our sins; He saved us from eternal punishment. So we have nothing to fear. I don't know any Christians who are "afraid". When we say that we fear God, that means respect and have reference for Him.
2007-09-23 14:39:49 · answer #6 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is silliness! They are brainwashed to live in fear - as you describe.
If they were not made to fear, the only churches would be the standard denominations that people attend as local clubs for "community activities." The fundamentalist/evangelical groups couldn't get financial support or entice people to keep coming without the carrot of "after-death heaven" or the whip of fear (you'll burn in hell in you don't 'participate').
2007-09-23 14:24:45 · answer #7 · answered by MysticMaze 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The arguement of hell did not originate from the christian.
Prov:1:7: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
2007-09-23 14:21:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know thats why I don't have a religion.
But I do have my own beliefs.
Like I do believe there is a heaven and a god but I don't believe in hell.
2007-09-23 14:30:58 · answer #9 · answered by star 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what you say is only half of it.
fear AND hope.
alot of different fields have use both fear and hope to get what they want.
the salesman install the fear in you and give you the hope that the products they selling to you can make you defeat the fear.
the government use it, the religion use it, the businessman use it. your parent use it, everyone is using it.
it is easy and super effective.
2007-09-23 14:31:22 · answer #10 · answered by shadower 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋