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What is "God Fearing?" I was looking at a couple of "those" E-mails" I got today. Seems the scammers always describe themselves as "God fearing". I understand what the description is suppose to mean but I wonder if any of us fear whatever see as God. Don't get me wrong. I understand what the He@@ fire and brimstone preachers are saying and understand the concept that many belief systems have about follow them or go to He@@ but do any of us really see our higher power as being something to fear? Almost every version of Christianity (the mainstream religion in the US) teaches that God loves us and forgives us. Although we do not use the same symbolism or rituals we Pagans see our higher power much the same - loving, comforting and forgiving and guiding us in our life choices to make the best decision for the greater good. Mrsjoe is one of the best example I know of a practicing Christian. She shared in her last blog how her God gives strength and solace in times of challenge. Is that something to fear? If it is I must not understand fear. Perhaps we mistake regret and guilt with fear. Most of us have a huge sense of regret when we do something that goes against our basic beliefs of right and wrong but every belief system I have ever known anything about teaches that we take our regrets to God and receive forgiveness, love and guidance. Sure doesn't sound like anything to fear to me. I understand that many religions dwell on the penalties for those who do not follow their teachings but I have to question how these descriptions would strike fear in the hearts of those who do not believe that God, as presented in this approach, even exists. I am interested in hearing others opinions in this subject but do ask that commentators refrain from insulting others who hold different beliefs. Spiritwoman ^i^ |
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'The beginning of wisdom' the book says
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6/14/2015 6:26 pm |
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really like this interpretation and can easily see how fear and deep respect could be confused in documents that span over 2000 years, several languages and cultures. Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/14/2015 6:29 pm |
Not at all complicated - a positive and negative side to energy. The God is angry explanation for thunder sounds like some of the ancient mythologies. In upstate New York, near where the Rip Van Winkle stories originated people used to say it was Rip and his friends bowling. Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/14/2015 6:34 pm |
Good point. The unknown is something fearful for most. Probably one of the reasons I got into trouble so often in my younger days is that the unknown inspired curiosity rather than fear. Perhaps the curiosity rather fear reaction is why I ended up with a college degree in theology. - Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/14/2015 6:39 pm |
You are right about all of us having a story about thunder. My grandmother used to tell us the devil was beating his wife. Like you I find some peace and value in most modern religious services but I do avoid the "Devil will stick you in the butt with his pitchfork" ones. Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/15/2015 7:03 am |
Hi Spirit: The God I grew up learning about in the Catholic schools I went to seemed so angry and powerful, yet the Jesus in the Bible seemed so forgiving and caring. At about the time I entered my teens I stopped believing in all of it, then a few years later I came to the realization that both the God and the Jesus in the Bible don't seem to have any power at all, or they wouldn't let so many people suffer while they're on earth. In almost every scammer message I receive there is some reference to God, angels, religion.
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6/15/2015 9:28 am |
Hi Spirit: The God I grew up learning about in the Catholic schools I went to seemed so angry and powerful, yet the Jesus in the Bible seemed so forgiving and caring. At about the time I entered my teens I stopped believing in all of it, then a few years later I came to the realization that both the God and the Jesus in the Bible don't seem to have any power at all, or they wouldn't let so many people suffer while they're on earth. In almost every scammer message I receive there is some reference to God, angels, religion. As for the scammers references, no doubt that is something they think we want in a potential match. Belief systems or the conflict between belief systems make or break a relationship. Spiritwoman ^i^
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Throughout ancient and modern history, humans have consistently been seeking someone or something to assign the vagaries of nature, and the good or bad of their lives. Sacrifice and prayer were used to garner their god's favour or to appease it when disaster struck. The promise of an afterlife has also been part of ancient and modern history. Sorry.... My comment is not really on the term 'god fearing'.
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Excellent, Lulu! Being a Canadian, I can honestly say that prior to meeting many southern friends, I had never heard of the word 'God fearing'. Thanks all for the explanation!!
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6/15/2015 1:03 pm |
This is a very sincere and clear summary of a very complicated issue. It puts our relationship with our higher power in the same terms we as parents use and understand when dealing with our children - That we love them but hate their behavior at times. Thank you for sharing. You seem to be one of those rare Christians who believe strongly and practice your faith without judging others. Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/15/2015 1:15 pm |
Throughout ancient and modern history, humans have consistently been seeking someone or something to assign the vagaries of nature, and the good or bad of their lives. Sacrifice and prayer were used to garner their god's favour or to appease it when disaster struck. The promise of an afterlife has also been part of ancient and modern history. Sorry.... My comment is not really on the term 'god fearing'. It appears to be part of the human condition to seek something to assign responsibility for what we can't control to something or someone larger than our self. The reason for that opens a whole new discussion about whether this demonstrates a innate knowledge of a higher power or a just human need for an explanation for everything. Spiritwoman ^i^
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It is very simple, Spirit. Fear of God is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It refers to fear of offending God, precisely because He is a good father. God is Love. The fear of God leads us to not doing something that might displease Him. It's respect to God. My humble contribution.   Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.(Khalil Gibran)
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6/15/2015 10:26 pm |
It is very simple, Spirit. Fear of God is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It refers to fear of offending God, precisely because He is a good father. God is Love. The fear of God leads us to not doing something that might displease Him. It's respect to God. My humble contribution. Spiritwoman ^i^
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6/16/2015 5:41 am |
I put that phrase in the same bucket as 'young at heart'. Meaning no further info required.
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