Fear the Lord? (creation, churches, experience, bible, faith)

[Sunstone]

What does the bible mean by "fearing" God?

[Scott1]

What a horrible expression, aint it....?

I believe it means that we are to submit to the will of God... that we understand that God comes first and we must try to push aside our selfish nature.

Or it could mean that God is a big "meanie"..... hehe .... but I doubt it.

[AdamWes]

I think it means just that. Fear is one of the most powerful feelings in the human experience. It is sometimes used for control. Religion is control. Most religions operate on the idea of fear. You make a god character angry, you are punished. Religion is a creation of man; a necessary collection of stories and characters to give people some kind of reasoning for some of our unanswerable questions.
The Bible will tell you to fear the Lord, because they need you to fear his power in order for any of it to...work.

[Scott1]

I don't fear the Lord, Adam.... you obviously have some negative feelings about faith, but realize that your experience and opinions are not universal. Religion is not a "creation" of man, it is a description of man.... I am a religious human being.

[AdamWes]

Unfortunately, yes, these opinions are not universal. Neither are yours. Now saying that, I absolutely do not think I am better nor more informed than anyone else. Anyone is entitled to believe what they want personally. I was a Christian. I outgrew it. I would like to know what proof you have that religion is not a creation of man.
I believe in God. I believe God is wincing at what the idea of Him has become to most of mankind. I dont fear God, and I dont believe God would ever want any one to fear him. So why was it written?

[michel]

I agree Scott, I definitely do not 'fear G-d'; I maybe in awe of him, but to me, this is almost on a parallel with children who are told when young "Don't be naughty, or the policeman will punish you". How many times have I heard that ? To me, G-d can be likened to the policeman; he is not there essentially to punish, he is there to help us when we are lost, to comfort us when we need comfort..........


I must admit that I am not exactly sure what the Christian G-d would have said to Adolph Hitler when he knocked on those pearly gates, but I think ultimately he is kind, forgiving, and loves his Children, when they do wrong - despite the wrong....

I personally don't believe in the Christian G-d as most would (I imagine, I haven't conducted a survey asking all paritioners walking out of Churches "O.K, describe G-d to me ?") , but I believe that to a devout Christian, G-d would be as I have described him.

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by AdamWes

I would like to know what proof you have that religion is not a creation of man.

Proof? None.

What proof do you have that religion IS a creation of man?

I believe in God.

Super! Why?

I believe God is wincing at what the idea of Him has become to most of mankind.

Super! Why?

I dont fear God, and I dont believe God would ever want any one to fear him. So why was it written?

I'm glad we BOTH do not fear God.... why was it written? No clue.

[michel]

AdamWes;

Hi, I saw your post and suddenly realized that you are new to the forum.

As such I thoughtIwould take the opportunity to welcome you here, and hope you like our 'family'.

You might find this helpful: Articles for New Members ; from there, there is a link to the forum rules, which you might also like to look at.

Well, enjoy!!

[AdamWes]

Gotta go to work, Ill get back to you.

[Scott1]

Looking forward to it.... and welcome to RF!