…then why do they use the expression, “God fearing people” to describe those who they deem are good Christians?
2007-11-15 12:59:04 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hey, fear has an obvious meaning. If you Christians don't want people to think you fear your god, then why don't you say, "God respecting people"?
2007-11-15 13:09:40 · update #1
Yeah, like Diane says...
2007-11-15 13:10:37 · update #2
These days, many of them like to change the definition of the word "fear" to mean respect or reverence.
Redefining inconvenient words in the Bible has become a common tactic in desperately trying to keep bronze-age superstition relevant in an educated and scientifically advanced modern society.
2007-11-15 13:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
I am a Christian, I am not afraid of God. I am not in fear of the future, because He has made a promise to me. The expression "God fearing people" is just that, an expression.
2007-11-15 13:06:12 · answer #2 · answered by Noel J 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not Christian, but as a Muslim, we also say that I fear God.
Fear in this case does not necessarily mean God is so cruel and an angery being that I have to be scared of Him to be a good Muslim.
Fear here means I care and heed to God's commands.
2007-11-15 13:05:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Fear" and "awe" had different meanings when that expression came about. A better term nowadays would be along the lines of "God-respecting" people.
Why do so many people on this site seem to think that English has been the same forever?
2007-11-15 13:05:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fear, meaning reverence and deep respect. My faith does not revolve around fear as you intend for it to mean. Read 2 Timothy 1:7
Take care, God bless
2007-11-15 13:07:33 · answer #5 · answered by AngieMama 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually where there is fear the Bible says, there cannot be love. God does not want us to fear Him, but rather, to respect Him. Big difference.
2007-11-15 13:07:33 · answer #6 · answered by Deb 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"Fear"or "phobos"in "Fear of the Lord" or in "God-fearing" means reverent respect for God and obedient love
or "eulabeia" which is 'godly awe',reverence or an attitude of piety and fidelity towards the Ultimate, the Perfect, the Total Power of Goodness,The Infinite and the Eternal Love.
I am not terrified of God but overwhelmed with awe in the experience of His Eternal,Infinite and Immutable Power Attributes of Love
2007-11-15 13:01:16 · answer #7 · answered by James O 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It comes from the word Yirah usually is translated as "fear," its usage suggests a meaning that might also be translated with the English word "awe."
"fearing God," is living life with a trembling awareness that life has meaning -- Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Goldwasser
2007-11-15 13:09:34 · answer #8 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means we are to regard him w/ awe,reverence,honor.We are to realize as a holy God he is going to judge sin.He is angered by sin and punishes sin.It's like a parent/child relationship. You punish a child for a wrong doing. It isn't because you don't love them. It's because you do! Therefore, we are sometimes called "God fearing people".
2007-11-15 13:12:06 · answer #9 · answered by paula r 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The term "fear" is one of respect and not of being "afraid".
That said - All religion is based on fear. Fear of being damned or of reincarnation as a dung beetle. One could even argue that Atheists fear being perceived as ignorant or mindless that causes them to cling to their beliefs.
Many might argue that its the love of Christ, God, Allah, or mankind that make someone devoted to their faith. I submit that its fear of transgression and the consequences after this life that makes someone devoted to their faith.
Personally, I fear those who think they know what's best for me.
2007-11-15 13:07:21 · answer #10 · answered by Mickey P 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋