why fear god either way?
2007-09-30 05:20:11 · 16 answers · asked by bluebear 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
forgive my apparent lack of question marks, if you are in the business of forgiveness that is.
2007-09-30 05:21:11 · update #1
i hesitate to believe that, when put into context, fear means "awe and revernence" alone. i think awe and reverence are part of a great deal of fears divine or not.
the christian inspired fear of god comes from fear of retribution as well. which when dealing with the soul is a heavy matter. this fear of retribution comes from fear of infernal damnation. an infinity of skin searing enjoyment. not the fear of awe and reverence.
and if it is not to be fear inspiring, why discuss it as important?
2007-09-30 05:28:00 · update #2
Atheist alway talk about fearing God as in being afraid. Christian fear God as being in awe of his power, wisdom and love. Take a survey of questions asked on R&S and you will find that atheists ask the most questions about fear, as in afraid, and hell. Undoubtedly of deep interest to them, and perhaps a suppressed phobia. I always get thumb downs when I write this.
2007-09-30 05:29:28 · answer #1 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in both cases there is "the fear of God" Many Christians fear God and hold a deep honor and respect for Him because they know what He is capable of, and many Atheists fear God and figure if they refuse to believe He exists, then He wont exist. On the other hand, there are those who claim to follow Him but have no fear and therefore dont worry about what they do or say figuring "Im saved anyway" which is a bad idea... also those who just cant force themselves to believe in God in the first place.
2007-09-30 05:28:24 · answer #2 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are different kinds of fear here.
Fear of retribution, of retaliation, of the unknown. That is atheists' fear as well as many other groups.
For a true Christian, it is a fear of displeasing God. Much like a child does not want a parent to be disappointed by the child's actions. His love is unconditional for those doing His will. So should ours towards Him. We do not want to do things we know are displeasing to God. It shows a lack of respect. In that way we fear Him.
2007-09-30 05:28:47 · answer #3 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some are under the impression that an Atheist is simply "denying" their god out of fear. They can't seem to comprehend that we simply don't believe their god exists and couldn't possibly fear it.
I guess that comes from the fact that they fear being sent to hell and therefore assume everyone else does as well - even if they won't "admit" it. Some just can't see outside of their own world view.
2007-09-30 05:25:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
the "fear of God" is not literal fear.
having the "fear of God" means "reverence, respect, piety".
i am a born again Christian according to the scriptures (acts 2:38, john 3) & i have absolute reverence for our LORD & Saviour, Jesus Christ.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
a good understanding have all they that do His commandments:
His praise endureth for ever." (psalm 111:10)
2007-09-30 05:28:48 · answer #5 · answered by t d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can we fear someone who doesn't exist..the bible is full of hypocrisy and lie's. it probably was written on stone though by a neanderthol who was a bit more evolved than the rest of em..i would be interested to learn how can there be a hell when GOD forgives all our sin's. yet we are told that if we sin we will go to hell..what's all that about then..i truly believe that people who hear GOD talking to em should be shipped off to rampton..
2007-09-30 05:42:35 · answer #6 · answered by charliesangel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheists don't fear God,you can't fear something that you don't believe excist. Christians fear God for the same reason you fear your parents.
2007-09-30 13:34:26 · answer #7 · answered by preacher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear (respect) of the Lord in the beginning of wisdom.
Just like you fear your earthly parents correction, and should be taught to behave rightly, you should thus fear the Lord's who is the Father of all.
You either take the corrections, and change your way, or suffer the consequence.
2007-09-30 05:30:03 · answer #8 · answered by Notfooled 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where did you ever get the idea that Atheists are afraid of "god" ? You can say that , to Atheists , "god" in nothing , therefore Atheists are afraid of nothing.
You are all alone in this " widely held belief ". It's a one-man widely held belief .
2007-09-30 05:31:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed, why law vs law, if it's as loser vs loser?
wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way,
that leadeth to destruction(law: fear: torment),
and many there be which go in thereat: Mt 7
Law worketh wrath: is evidently destructive
Grace worketh peace: is only constructive
Prophecy: speaks of comfort + discomfort
Prophesy: edify & exhort unto comfort only
There is no discomfort in "the God of all comfort".
There is no law vs law in "the God of all grace".
There is no darkness in "that God is light(only)".
The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.
2007-09-30 05:33:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋