Over and over in the New Testament we are told by Jesus to not be afraid. In Mark 5:36 Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe.” (NRSV)

What are you afraid of? Since September 11th, the idea that terrorists could reek havoc with our society has filled many of us with anxiety. Planes falling from the sky, car bombs, anthrax spores, vandalism at power generating plants, computer viruses that might shut down the Internet -- the list seems endless. Indeed, it often seems each day brings a new report about how terrorists can mess with us and so we live in fear.

What are we afraid of? Before September 11th the list included bovine growth hormones in milk, escaping radiation from microwave ovens, child molesters or abductors, fluoride in the water, someone breaking into our home, cell phones causing brain cancer, cross-burning KKK fanatics, drunk drivers, and so on. Again, the list was endless.

What were we afraid of? The stock market crash and ‘30s depression left many afraid of losing everything, Hitler threatened world freedom, the Red Threat scared us into entering Viet Nam (and Viet Nam scared our draft-age youth into fleeing to Canada), the Cuban missile crisis had us building A-bomb shelters in our backyards, and depression drove us to Valium. Y2K had us stockpiling TP. Another endless list.

What are you afraid of? Meeting your monthly bills, seeing the dentist, the next car inspection, the character of your children’s friends, phone solicitors, report card grades, lightening strikes? What did I miss in this list? How long is the list of your fears?

Why are you afraid? That is the question! Part one of the answer is the media. It is the media’s job to grab and keep your attention. Their Nielson ratings and subsequent advertising sales depend on you coming back for more: more news, the latest updates. Face it, fear sells. There is a need created for information, whether the actual threat is truly a concern, or blown up out of proportion.

Why are you afraid? Why are we such a fearful society as a whole? The second part of the answer is a lack of faith in Love. Many religions rely on instilling fear in a tortuous afterlife to keep their followers “coming back for more” salvation Sunday after Sunday. This fear of death then pervades all the other aspects of our lives. If a person fears dying, then anything which might hasten death will heighten anxiety.

However, if you are at peace with your maker or believe in universal salvation (where all souls are saved and none are damned to eternity) then you will be comforted and protected from irrational fears. Whether you have faith in a loving God who will call you home, or if you believe that this life is all there is with no afterlife, then you have faith that no everlasting pain awaits you.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said it very well: “The only thing to fear is fear itself.”

Lee Richards