I AM NOT AFRAID OF GOD…and its sunday…should I be…
What would be the reason for being afraid? Threats of hell? Denial of heaven? Do I smell another attack on Christian fundamentalism here? There is so much more than that to be learned of god.
Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Understanding this is critical to understanding anything in the bible, pace Ierrullus…)
What would be the reason for being afraid?
You won’t like this, but the answer is stupid simple. It’s not hell, denial of heaven, or the omnipotence of God per se.
Rather, it’s exposure (in the world / to God). That’s the main reason.
Just look at the first instance of fear of God in the Bible: Adam: “I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid.”
There is your reason straight up. I was afraid (of you God), because I was naked. So I hid… (The true fall and original sin.)
“Fear of God” is A beginning toward wisdom.
But then so is Love of God.
And realize that the scriptures do not distinguish fear from respect.