Renewing Your Mind cover image

Renewing Your Mind

Not All Fear Is the Same

Feb 10, 2025
Michael Reeves, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology, dives into the complexities of fear in this discussion. He explores the paradox of living in a safe society while facing rising anxiety, suggesting a loss of reverence for God intensifies these fears. Reeves also discusses how the fear of the Lord can be a joyous experience that puts other fears in their rightful place. He critiques modern cultural shifts in understanding fear, emphasizing the distinction between beneficial and detrimental types of fear.
26:23

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The fear of the Lord, as emphasized in Scripture, provides clarity and perspective amid the anxiety prevalent in modern society.
  • Society's increased focus on mitigating discomfort has paradoxically escalated collective fears, highlighting the need for a spiritual understanding of fear.

Deep dives

The Paradox of Modern Safety and Fear

Despite living in an era characterized by unprecedented safety measures, such as seat belts and the removal of hazardous materials like lead paint, society is increasingly riddled with fear and anxiety. The paradox lies in the fact that even with a lower risk of physical harm, fears related to health, personal safety, and societal instability have escalated. This heightened anxiety can be attributed to the absence of God as a focal point of fear, leading individuals to lean on other concerns to fill that void. Thus, good things that once brought comfort now function as sources of anxiety, as society grapples with the realization that safety remains elusive and ever out of reach.

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