Widgetized Section
Go to Admin » Appearance » Widgets » and move Gabfire Widget: Social into that MastheadOverlay zone
Fearing God at The End of the World
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” ― Oswald Chambers
Even though I’m 99.9% sure that December 21, 2012 is not the Last Day, I’m having an End of the World party at my house.
To tell the truth, I am a little afraid – not that the world will end, but that life goes on and I have relatively little control over whatever the future might hold for me and my family.
As most readers at No Longer Quivering know, I no longer count myself among the God-fearing faithful. When I was a Believer, I honestly thought that I was fearless – not that there was nothing to be afraid of – to the contrary, as a Christian, I had all the usual anxiety of living in an uncertain modern-world-gone-mad compounded by the added terrors particular to Evangelical culture; namely, the World, the Flesh, and the Devil – all of which, I believed, were aligned against God and doggedly determined to steal, kill, and destroy my eternal soul, and my precious children’s souls too!
BUT … I regularly consoled myself with inspiring and comforting words from scripture such as, “Perfect love casts out fear,” “God has not given us a spirit of fear,” “When I am afraid, I will trust in You,” and my personal favorite from Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
So every night, I said my prayers, trusted God … and slept peacefully, believing myself and my children were safe and secure in God’s protective love.
And what about now? What consolation is there in unbelief when things go horribly wrong as they did last week in Newtown, Connecticut? When I read about the cold-blooded, execution-style mass murder of the Sandy Hook elementary school children and their teachers and would-be protectors, I confess that I wanted to pray.
I wanted to pray for the victims; I wanted justice and I wanted all those little kids to have their lives back! I wanted innocence and trust restored to the survivors, I wanted all of us to feel safe again. I wanted to pray for Adam Lanza; that he would have another chance and this time, make life-affirming, rather than deadly choices. I wanted to pray for this crazy world we live in; there are way too many wrong-headed, corrupt and failing societal influences predisposing and even compelling mankind to act against our own best interests. I wanted The Big Guy to break His silence, come down here and put the world back together!
I wanted to pray for my own children; for their safety and their sanity. And I wanted to pray for myself … because as the mother of seven children, I feel vulnerable and afraid.
I mean, as a divorced mom, what can I do, really, to ensure that my kids are protected? How can I be sure that one of my own white male sons won’t one day go off the deep end and inflict unspeakable carnage on family, classmates, or co-workers?
Trust in God? … believe me, it’s tempting. Especially because I have actually experienced that “peace which passeth understanding” and I know how comforting it is to simply trust and obey.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GrY96_T5lw[/youtube]
According to Christian apologist, Ray Comfort, America’s gone crazy because as a nation, we’ve lost the fear of God.
The bible tells us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom … but “we have had British Redcoats invade our nation, and shoot at youth through the heart. Men like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens … have come in with these smooth English accents and have convinced millions of young people that they’re nothing but primates. There’s no ultimate right, there’s no ultimate wrong. And when that happens to a nation, when they make them into God haters, something dies within a nation, and that’s what has happened in America.”
“When a man can go to an elementary school and shoot people, including children to death, and then shoot himself, he doesn’t fear God in the slightest.”
But what if it’s actually the other way around? What if we fear God because America’s gone crazy?
Chris Hedges, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and author of American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, says “those in despair search desperately for a solution, the warm embrace of a community … a sense of purpose and meaning in life, the assurance they are protected, loved and worthwhile.”
For myself, I know this is true. In the past, during those times when I have felt overwhelmed by my lack of control over life’s unpredictability, it was always nice to think that so long as I was in the center of God’s will (“The Hiding Place” according to Corrie ten Boom), my loved ones and I would be safe; shielded and protected by the One Who is all-wise and all-powerful and all-loving.
Maybe I can’t get a grip on life, but if I can somehow convince The Almighty to take control on my behalf …
Of course, the reality of my circumstances never actually changed – it’s only a very clever mind game and I have lost the ability to play this trick on myself.
So now I’m just scared.
But I’ve come to recognize the value of apprehension – because fear which is not squelched or pacified by the mental hocus pocus of pious devotion can be a great motivation for necessary change. Without the thought-stopping effect of 365 biblical “fear-nots,” these days, when I am afraid, I have no other option than to actually figure out: What is so terrifying? Why am I scared? What should be done to prevent my fears from materializing in reality? What do I need to do differently?
I readily admit that not having chapter and verse and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to tell me how to raise all these kids is a challenge. When I first realized that I no longer believe in God or the authority of His Word, I fully expected to wake up one morning and feel so completely lost and overwhelmed by the responsibility of parenting a quiver full of children “in my own strength,” that I would just give up. And I’m sure that I would have, except I didn’t know how to “give up” when I had little ones who needed me and who simply expected me to keep doing the mom thing.
So I did the mom thing.
At first, I literally had to force myself to think. I was so accustomed to having a ready response, a sure-fire formula, a one-size fits all solution … and if all else failed, I could always pray about the problem and turn it over to God. What would Nancy Campbell do? Naturally, she would smile and do the next thing … (✿◠‿◠)
Thinking requires a lot of effort – ugh! And it’s especially bothersome when the lid is lifted off the box of my “biblical worldview” into which I’d confined my range of thinking and suddenly all possible options are open for consideration. If the kid’s problem isn’t necessarily a matter of sin or demonic oppression, maybe there’s something physical (too tired, poor nutrition, chronic pain?) or psychological such as depression, ADHD, or a learning disability (what?!! label my kid?) …heck – it could just be that my children are immature and need to be given the freedom and space to live and learn.
Sans my former fundamentalist mindset, the only thing I definitely know for absolute certain is that there are no guarantees. Yes, I must “train up” my children, but ultimately, there’s no way I can control what they will choose to do with their lives, and I’m not counting on God to keep them in line either.
It’s a scary prospect, but that’s the reality of raising kids these days. Ironically, there is a sense of peace that comes from facing our parental fears and even embracing the iffiness of life. There’s a lot of speculation going on across the Internet about where we went wrong, who’s to blame, how could we have prevented the monstrous atrocity of the Sandy Hook massacre? The introspection is good and necessary, but obviously, there is no single solution, no one problem that we can readily pinpoint and correct. The truth is, we just don’t know what really happened or why.
While Mary Pride disparaged today’s “no-fault child rearing,” I am beginning to appreciate the axiom, “All I can do is all I can do.”
Maybe my adventure in parenting a whole passel of kids will end in a crash-and-burn disaster and I’ll go down in history as the mother of the next Adam Lanza. Odds are, it won’t happen – just as it’s unlikely that tomorrow will actually be the End of the World. But faced with such terrifying scenarios, however remotely possible, why not “eat, drink, and be merry”? Not because tomorrow we die, but rather, tomorrow we’re likely to live … and like it or not, there’s really no predicting how that’s going to work out for us.
Related Posts :
I was traveling when I heard about what had happened in Connecticut. I read about it on my cell phone. I hav ...
Yet another reason to be glad former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is not our President. Today, Huckab ...
by Vyckie Garrison @No Longer Quivering "Does God Hate Women?" author, Ophelia Benson recently ...
Two tragic shootings in as many days. Yesterday, there was a shooting at a mall in Oregon. The latest ...
Photo courtesy of: Shannon Hicks/The Newtown Bee The shooting in Newtown Connecticut at Sandy Hook Eleme ...
12 Responses to Fearing God at The End of the World
Public Service Advertisements
Marwill
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 5:30 pm
I don’t really know what to make of this article. Not having a religious background I wasn’t brought up to fear anything, let alone life, and I don’t. My husband, however, is very religious, (God is on top of the pinnacle which is his life) and he fears everything. Life is divided into two parts. Good or Evil. He knows every full stop in the Bible and all I can think, besides what a complete waste of time and effort, is how dangerous this sort of devotion and thinking is. The world would be a much safer place without this belief in “God”. We need thinkers like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens (how sad he is no longer with us) to encourage our youth to think and question beliefs that cause us to live in fear, and all that that entails.
Churchlady
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 6:07 pm
I work for a large, liberal to progressive faith organization. I was not raised religious at all, and never, throughout Sunday School that I did attend by my own wish, thought any of it was true – except that amazing story about a man who preached perfect love, total inclusion, and justice for all. THAT made sense, and I incorporated it into my life. Divinity? No. Justice? YES!
I KNOW there is more “out there” than just us mortals and I know it thanks to science. That does not translate into believing in a omniscient God with judgement – a kind of cranky Santa with a very long check-off list. It does mean respect for the very real possibility that the power of good is human collective will – and that is quite in keeping with real Christ-ian teachings. The rest is man made and a lot of it poppycock.
What to make of Newtown? People do terrible, horrible, awful things. God, insofar as one sees HOPE as what God is, is a refuge for us, a coming together in reaffirmation of good. God does not make these things happen, people do. God as the spirit of unity and oneness can bring us together to hold each other, embrace what we know is positive and life affirming. That is the refuge – not the fear but the hope. That is ALL WE ARE ASKED TO DO. To be good to one another. Full period, full stop.
The “rules” are made by humans. They are not universal, not ubiquitous, not determinative. They can be rejected when they do hurt and harm. But the directive to “love ye, one another” is NOT something to reject. It is the fundament of faith.
We don’t have to be atheist to be happy = we need to be wise whether we are believers or not. Angry people, believers or not, are tearing us apart.
That said – this is NOT the worst of times. As an historian I know the recent past was vastly more horrible than things are right now. We ARE making progress, and hope and joy lie in the creation of more.That is salvation for us all.
Enjay in E MT
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Your position is interesting Vyckie. I followed the NLQ blog for several months and found it very illuminating.
When you talk about being “forced to think” I was reminded of people who have quit drinking, smoking, using drugs, or other behaviors of addictive/emotional crutches. Functioning without a crutch is difficult, because it comes down to “us”. Our decision, our choice, right or wrong – it’s on “us”.
I don’t believe any parent cannot relate to the Conn. tragedy. Some will look at their own children or a neighborhood bully and wonder if they would grow up to be a victim or a potential shooter.
A lot of parents will not only hug their children tighter now, but perhaps spend more productive time with them. (Turn off the cell phone, talk to them, get on the floor & play a game) Maybe even ask the neighborhood bully if he wants a candy cane off the tree or a bag of cookies because after all: “All I can do is all I can do.” and we never know when a small act can make such a big difference.
Goddess1871
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 6:25 pm
I often just think about the phrase “God helps those who helps themselves,” but I don’t think about it in the sense it was originally intended. I figure God gave us brains; we should use them! I think it’s good to have faith, as long as we use our brains along with it!
Churchlady
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Goddess- your interpretation IS how it was meant. It’s only religious conservatives who’ve turned it into “you’re on your own” and only God will help you AND if and only if you believe what the RW tells you to!
The phrase simply means yes, you were given a mind and free will – use them. Wisely if you can! It’s exactly the same as the delightful Arab saying: Trust in God – but tie your camel.
God will NOT take care of everything – that’s what your brain and good sense are for! Use them!
Reynardine
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 7:45 pm
The sun came up; the sun went down. The moon is shining down its moonbeams. We’re still here.
SinghX
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 8:27 am
Well, I’m not! I’m writing from the planet Kol…?
Oh, you know, that mormon planet…geez, would’ya look at all the people around his place with mall-rat bangs…
I digress…I’m with “Marwell” in that I was not raised to obey the dictates of a desert religion. I was always told that I could choose my own religion when I grew up, if I so chose. I know that a lie is a lie, persecution of others for the sake of feeling superior is a sickness and killing to cleanse the earth for Jesus is encroaching upon reality is a little much for my comfort level.
“The bible tells us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom…”
Really?? Gee, that makes a lot of sense. It also makes me very uncomfortable as my core belief system says wisdom comes from “sitting with yourself” in order to quiet the fear…
Since when does the Christian sky-god provide “wisdom”? It is more and more apparent if this IS the case, then I witness very little “wisdom” coming from it’s followers. I see a bunch of knee-jerking little clowns running around like the proverbial “little chicken” flapping their wings as the squawk their favorite mantra “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”
…and you’re telling me that THIS is what the bible “tells” humans to do in order to have “wisdom”??! Gee, that sure makes a lot of sense!
labrat
Dec. 21st, 2012 at 9:21 pm
I totally believe in God but this is probably one of the best essays I’ve ever read on this subject. Anyone that hasn’t felt this way, even of believers for the least of moments, is a liar.
Thank you, Vyckie.
Leah Burton
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 1:55 am
Vyckie…you have expressed the confusion shared by many. In the face of a tragedy such as Newtown it shakes the reality of every thinking and feeling person whether religious or not. Where is the justice? Where is the protection? Where is God? How could we/God let this happen?
Here is my thought…what if we thought that this is truly all there is? Would we begin to live for the present instead of what might be when we die and go to heaven? Would we evaluate the need for regulations and not blame a lack of religion in schools? Would we recognize that some are truly deranged and cannot be assimilated in society rather than blaming the horror in Newtown on America’s tolerance and embrace of homosexuals?
On a day when too many are going to be let down as the sun rises tomorrow, disappointed that the world has not met a catastrophic end, would they be able to live their lives sans “fear” and an object to revere?
Too many thoughts…so little time. Thank you for sharing yours and provoking new thoughts…
KatzKids
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 7:53 am
I’m a fatalist, always have been. I believe that we can and should do everything in our power to make things better, fairer, more just, and more loving, but in the end, what’s going to happen will happen and giving in to fear and dwelling in fear is not only counter productive but extremely harmful.
It’s generally the insecure, fear ridden folks that lash out against everyone & anything they’ve been taught to hate. With the AmeriTaliban & the GOPTP preaching hate from the pulpits, the weak & vulnerable turn into basket cases & live in a constant state of fear – against the perceived “other.” That’s a huge part of the constant need for more & more guns, believing that somehow that ownership will cover them with a magic shield that will always protect them & their families. Instead, it decreases their protection. How many families have been devastated by the deaths of their children “accidentally” shot and killed because of guns being left accessible so the parent can shoot the intruder which might never come. How many children have shot & killed their sisters, brothers, and friends for the same reason – the parents carelessness & fear.
The Dominionists emphasize we must all fear a vengeful & militant “Gawd” or suffer terribly in hell through eternity. How can we then love this kind of God who we must fear.
Isn’t it remarkably like how many of them treat their wives? Wives must love & respect their husbands & be completely subservient to him, but if they displease him, the husband must harshly “discipline” her. They treat their children the same beating them, starving them, sometimes killing them in the name of discipline. They’ve been taught that to raise a child of “gawd” they must not spare the rod and they start with their babies.
A life lived in fear is no life at all.
Reynardine
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 9:16 am
Saturday, December 22, 2012: We’re stll here!
Em
Dec. 22nd, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Hmmm I’m not really sure to what extent I agree/disagree with you, but I found this article very interesting. I grew up very much in the conservative religious right, so I am definitely familiar with this kind of thinking. I agree that falling into the mind-trick of cliches is not at all helpful for oneself or for the culture overall (I am so sick of Christian-ese at this point it’s ridiculous) but I’m not sure I agree with your interpretation of “the fear of God.”
To be honest, I’ve never fully understood what most Christians are saying when they tell us to “fear God but not the world”—for that matter, I’m not sure I fully understand what the Bible itself is saying. What I do know is that I’ve for sure gotten to the point where I want to bang my head on the wall every time a well-meaning evangelical tells me that the ridiculous amount of suffering, abandonment, hopelessness, etc that I or anyone else in the world is experiencing is due to our inability to properly fear/worship/trust/(insert your own cliche here) God. And yes, I HAVE undergone what amounted to an exorcism because my friends didn’t understand that depression and anxiety are legitimate medical conditions and not necessarily demon possession.
That said, I think that there is something to be said for the belief that circumstances may be awful and the world may suck and be terrifying, but we are “safe” in the sense that we place our hope beyond that of this world. I know that sounds cliche after my last paragraph, but the belief that the world is bigger than oneself is not necessarily a sick delusion. The world is a dangerous place; that will not change any time soon. What CAN change is our attitude towards the danger. This can be done in a healthy or unhealthy way, but I don’t think it and “fearing God” are mutually exclusive.