Lintu said:
For those of you who believe in a higher power (or those who don't and want to weigh in, of course!). Are you ever afraid of this entity (or non-entity)?
I would have to say that despite some people's emphasis on the "fear god" thing, ive never had this problem. I know many people who have, however, and I would like to point out that this is not caused by Christianity or God, but by certain ignorant poeple trying to use scare-tactics, ultimately causing more harm than good.
[QUOTEDo you feel like you just can't be "good" enough? I find that a lot of times I feel like I can't possibly live up to the moral standards I've set for myself and believe that I should follow, and that I will be punished for being so weak. I believe in a merciful supreme being, but I can't help but think I don't deserve the mercy
][/QUOTE]
I would also like to point out that salvation according to Christianity (forgive me, I do not know much about Judaism, myself) is not dependant on how "good" you are. your key words here are the moral standards you have set up for yourself. God will forgive you no matter what, and you cant "backslide" once youve been "saved". If you cant live up to your own moral standards, try toning them down a notch, dont expect so much of yourself. no one is perfect. you will not be punished for being weak, notice the Bible says that the meek shall inherit the earth. And of course you are not deservant of God's mercy, but he gives it to you freely, which is the essence of christianity. (again i am ignorant of judaism, if this conflicts in any way please let me know) Also, if you belive in the devil sort of thing, you could relate some of your guilt to the spiritual realm.
A lot of it was being brought up in a "hellfire and brimstone" religious community, and later dabbling in Catholicism (trust me, you don't have to be born Catholic to experience "Catholic guilt"!).
The scare-tactics were used a while back predominately in the catholic church and presently in the southern baptist church. I guess some people realize that it doesnt work and only makes people mad or drives them to suicide or what-not. Also, I think when the Bible says to fear god, it means to respect his being basically. I'd check the Hebrew word for "fear" and not rely on our crappy english translation.