Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 73 No. 4, 2003.
Pregledni rad
Fear in the Bible
Ivan Dugandžić
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Beginning with the fact that fear is a general human phenomenon, this article seeks to uncover the Biblical view of fear in the light of revelation. The author identifies the difference between human fear of a more powerful enemy, including natural forces, illness and finally death itself, compared to the fear of the mysterious divine. The Bible can help man in overcoming the first kind of fear by calling to mind that the source of fear is in man's own limitedness and final mortality, and inviting him to lean on God who is his only security. The other kind of numinous fear present from the time of creation is a fear common to the Bible's view of man and to all other people. This type of fear slowly becomes transformed, in the light of revelation, into veneration towards God who revealed himself to Moses. Even though Yahweh is exalted and fearsome, he is near and holy to his People, and that is why his People may honour him while not fearing him. Thus the concept of fear becomes a synonym for honouring God and maintaining a correct relationship with him. Wisdom literature influenced by Hellenistic philosophy reveals that reason is the source of proper recognition of the will of God, concluding that fear is a consequence of a inadequate perception of God. The New Testament is familiar with a form of numinous fear as an inadequate perception of the secret of Jesus as person, his mission, and the strength that emanates from him and which draws man to himself. This fear comes into view in the unexpected appearances of the Resurrection One, but is transformed to joy as soon as the disciples recognise that it is Jesus. Finally, Paul along with other New Testament authors, while emphasising the Christian sonship in which there is no room for any kind enslavement by fear, use the motive of fear in a parenthetic way as a warning that Christian existence is an eschatological. That is to say, it remains open for its final completion while taking into consideration judgement.
Ključne riječi
fear; overcoming fear; revelation; fear of God; fearful respect; eschatological existence; completion of salvation; judgement
Hrčak ID:
27349
URI
Datum izdavanja:
10.2.2004.
Posjeta: 2.474 *