Why should we have "fear of God"?

Yesterday while driving I saw a man standing on a street corner with a sign, I didn't get to read the whole sign, but the first part of it said "Fear God..."

I've heard stuff like this before. The "God fearing man," "fear of God ran deep," etc. I wonder why though.

Why are they saying that you should fear God? Isn't the idea that God is just and kind and compassionate? Why have a religion based entirely around fear? (although one could argue that all religions are based on fear of the unknown, but that's not what I mean). I understand having a strong and powerful God that your enemies should fear (Odin, Thor, Zeus, etc) but why should the followers of that religion fear God? And if the goal is conversion isn't a much better tactic to say to "trust in God"? Kind of a "catch more flies with honey" scenario.

I think of it like a good martial arts teacher. If you are afraid of your martial arts teacher they're doing it wrong. Sure, you should have an understanding that they could easily beat the ever living crap out of you should they choose to and you should respect that, but not be afraid of it. My father (who was my teacher) is one of the scariest people I have ever met and could still kill me with one hand tied to one foot, but I have never in my life been afraid of him (physically at least). You should realize that God gets the final say on eternal punishment and whatnot and have respect for that, but not be afraid of it.

Fear, they say, is a powerful motivator, but also an unreliable one. Fear leads people to do crazy things, like a caged animal. Maybe basing a religion on "fear of God" is why they see their numbers dwindling. People are tired of being afraid and seek something more comforting. After all, isn't that what a good religion is supposed to do, comfort you? I guess I don't get telling people to be afraid of the same deity that you're telling them to love and who loves them.

I feel like the term "God-fearing" is used to describe those part of a religion that misinterprets God. Most Abrahamic Religious Traditions see God as a man in the sky, Caucasian and old, but God could not be.

God is the name of the concept of the first and only transcendent being, or even the universe to some. God is the force behind everything we know but cannot take on such an appearance because it is a human representation/misinterpretation.

It eludes me as well, but that's what I think.

Good post! As Yoda said in Ep. II, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." Therefore, if we fear God, would not our fear lead us to hate God? If a child fears their mother or father is going to harm them, the child will eventually grow up to resent the parents, especially when there is abuse in the home. So I agree with you completely. If people allow themselves to build a relationship with God based on fear, it will only lead to anger, resentment, and violence. Some religions teach followers to imitate God. If people imitate a vengeful and violent concept of God, they will therefore commit violent acts in the name of their religion.

Goken wrote: Why are they saying that you should fear God? Isn't the idea that God is just and kind and compassionate? Why have a religion based entirely around fear?

The etymology of the word means to frighten or terrify, but also means to revere, or regard with awe. It's one of those situations where English speakers use an archaic phrase where a portion's meaning has changed over time. It's not actual, literal fear, it's respect.

Steam,
I really like your post, it's very informative. I've seen enough ministers preach with the intent to frighten, and they could stand to learn a thing or two from you.

steamboat28 wrote:

Goken wrote: Why are they saying that you should fear God? Isn't the idea that God is just and kind and compassionate? Why have a religion based entirely around fear?

The etymology of the word means to frighten or terrify, but also means to revere, or regard with awe. It's one of those situations where English speakers use an archaic phrase where a portion's meaning has changed over time. It's not actual, literal fear, it's respect.

This is what I was taught in growing up in church.

It was also explained that it's like the way a child should 'fear' a parent in a loving and proper relationship. The child is afraid of doing anything to disappoint the parents they love so much.