Sometimes I think churches and christians thrive on fear. It doesn't matter that the Bible promises "perfect peace". Fear keeps people motivated to follow the rules of the group they are part of so the group continues to find ways to incite fear in it's followers.
This election had a lot of that. Fear that McCain would push the country into another world war. Fear that Obama was the anti-christ. How much validity is there to either claim? Not much. But say it loud enough, attach some vague Bible passages to your ranting, and say it often enough and people will equate the person with what you are saying and fear their election.
But it's not just about elections. People can fear that if they go to a particular theme park they will be supporting evil. They can fear that if they listen to particular music the devil will take over their soul. They can fear that certain books or types of entertainment will make them unclean. Fear, fear, fear.
What's really sad is that God doesn't control through fear. It's just some people who purport to show people God that try to. Unfortunately sometimes they're the only "God" that is seen.
1 comment:
Our lovely daughter just arrived in your fair land was quite shocked when the youth pastor at her new church claimed Obama had been raised in Muslim schools and might be a secret Muslim. And I grew up in real fear of missing out on the rapture. Very good point!
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