Respect the Gods (Don’t Fear Them)

August 19th, 2007

Many of us were raised in an Abrahamic religion (primarily Judaism, Christianity and Islam). One of the primary teachings of those religions is to fear God. Biblical verses abound admonishing the reader to fear God, from Genesis through Revelation.

Unfortunately, that fear has paralyzed many, even after they leave the religions of fear and move to the Craft, a religion of love. This is understandable, partly because the fear is instilled in most people raised in these religions from birth. It is also common because much of the western culture is steeped in fear, whether it be in America or elsewhere, particularly with regard to God.

When people change to Witchcraft, it is common for them to carry that deep-seated fear with them and fearing the Gods as well. This is not necessary, though. The Gods wish to be respected, not feared. There is a distinct difference that is very liberating.

Fear tells us that something is dangerous and should be avoided. We fear authority figures because we are taught that they are quick to anger and can hurt us. The Abrahamic religions teach their followers to fear God and the Church because their God is jealous and angry. Fear is also used to keep the Church’s power over their followers for political gain.

Instead, our Gods are not as immature to be so jealous of each other. Granted, They don’t always get along and most pantheons are dysfunctional to various extents. But They do not forbid Their followers from following other Gods. They do not use fear to keep Their followers in-line.

What our Gods want from us is respect. They wish for us to understand that They can help us with Their wisdom and power. In exchange, They want us to see Them as small children see their parents, with awe and reverence. Or as an interested student sees their favorite teacher. They want to be acknowledged as being on the higher level that They are.

Through the respect that we give Them, we open our hearts and minds to Their teachings and Their divine love. If we fear Them, our hearts are closed and we will not feel Their love and our minds will reject Their wisdom.

Feel free to leave a comment about your relationship with either fearing or respecting the Gods.

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2 Responses to “Respect the Gods (Don’t Fear Them)”

  1. Joe Says:
    September 8th, 2007 at 1:38 pm

    I invite you in discussion of what you wrote here.

    “Fear is also used to keep the Church’s power over their followers for political gain.”

    Explain this belief to me please.

    Thanks.

  2. Morninghawk Says:
    September 8th, 2007 at 9:39 pm

    Thanks for the question.

    There is a history over the centuries of large church bodies using the Fear of God as a way to maintain control over their congregation for political gain. I am most familiar with the Christian churches, less so with Jewish, Muslim and other organizations, so that is all I can really comment on here.

    As I’m sure you’re well aware, the Protestant Reformation of the 16th - 17th centuries was in response to the Catholic Church using its ecclesiastical power for political control.

    More recent examples would be the close-knit ties between the right-wing fundamentalist churches of the US and the Republican Party. I have heard sermons on the radio (I live in a very fundamentalist state) that connected one’s fear of God to supporting political causes like anti-abortion rights.

    There are too many examples of this throughout history to discuss here, but I have a couple that come to mind.

    I hope this helped answer your question.

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