Fear

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Today’s homily is about fear.

When I was a very young child my parents became Jehovah’s Witnesses. My first memories of fear are of big dogs and God.

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is said to be beneficial and is encouraged. The second type is said to be detrimental and is to be overcome. The first type of fear is fear of the Lord. This type of fear Christians define as a reverential awe of God; a reverence for God’s power and glory, recognizing with humility our right relationship with an all-powerful God. However, what I recall most about fear from Bible study and family conversations is the fear of God’s wrath and anger, fear of judgment and condemnation which was undeniably posited as what animates the commanded reverence of God.

The second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.

Sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, gets a hold in us and overtakes our ability to reason and be rational. I am sure at some point the Bible lessons mentioned that, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:18. However, I was taught to be afraid of God’s punishment. God’s love and my love of God did little to remove this disquietude.

A natural fear circuitry is inborn, giving us the fight or flight response to real danger. Any proto-humans who lacked a well-honed fear response did not survive long enough to evolve higher-order thinking; unable to react quickly and intuitively to rustling bushes or advancing shadows, they instead became some carnivore's dinner. Specifically, fear evolved because it promotes survival by triggering an individual to respond instantly to a threat with heightened speed and strength.

So we were not only born with an innate fear but many of us were also taught to fear. Not only to fear that which can be proven to cause demonstrable harm such as fire and charging wild animals but that unknowable as well, the wrath of a jealous and vengeful God. No wonder then that fear remains a potent emotion in every aspect of our lives.

In fact, half a century of research has shown that fear is one of the most politically powerful emotions, especially when the fears have a basis in reality. Consequently, too many of our political decisions have been and continue to be made based on our fears.

In order to receive quality health care in America, every individual American must have health insurance. Every year, the deaths of at least 22,000 people between the ages of 25 and 64 can be attributed to a lack of health insurance. This makes the lack of health insurance the sixth leading cause of death, ahead of HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Yet our fear of the unknown, fear of creeping socialism (whatever that might mean), and our fear of change has kept us stuck with an outdated health care model. Even now, when reform seems possible, those who perceive that they might lose power, money or influence in a reform effort are inciting that fear. As a result, instead of talking about a single-payer or another radically inclusive model of ensuring access to health care for all, our leaders are attempting to regulate an antiquated employment-based health insurance system.

Could it be that Dr. Henry Louis (Skip) Gates, a smallish 58-year-old Harvard scholar, writer, editor, and documentary maker who walks with a cane but who has never shied from using his words and Sgt. James Crowley, who also teaches a course in racial profiling at Lowell Police Academy both acted out of fear during their recent confrontation at Dr. Gates home? I can imagine that in the moment such as the one they shared, one might fear the loss of their dignity, the loss of rightfully earned and deserved respect, and the potential loss of a well-cultivated personal identity. These fears however fleeting are real. I have been taken with White reporters and commentators who expressed such relief when the President seems to back away from his empathic nod to Professor Gates. Maybe they feared the loss of the dignity of the working class, loss of connection with their President. Dr. Gates playing the dozens and Sgt. Crowley’s handcuffing and arrest were acts that could be read as fearful.

Studies show that fear is most effective if exploited with finesse. Astern Republican political leaders and talking heads seem to have settled on a very devious exploitation of the fears of White Americans for their 2010 campaign. However, they should be cautious because to rely on such crude scare tactics may well backfire. New research has brought a more nuanced understanding of the power of fear: it can drive voters away from the protective authority figures who seem like its logical beneficiaries. On the other hand Democrats should be mindful. If Republicans play the fear cards with care there is a real possibility they will take back some of those former Bush country seats won in the last elections. For meaningful reform to be possible not only Democrats, but progressive Americans as well must again turn out the votes in big numbers and this time they won’t have Barack Obama’s coattails.

We must be wise and informed. We must not be deceived or manipulated by fear. I have often reacted as if there was something to fear, promoting my flight or fight reaction. At times, there was no threat. It is always good to be on the alert but we should not allow fear to rule in our lives or in our politics. Perfect Love casts out fear. Love is the antidote to fear. Act out of love! Love demands that every individual has access to health care. Love demands that we respect the dignity of everyone even in the face of undignified acts. Love allows that our way is not the only way.

Whatever is around that corner, whatever secret may be revealed, whatever sacrifice we may have to make in the name of fairness, fear not because the Spirit is with you and you alone are the author of your story. Your story, our story must be of a nation that overcame our fear and created a more just and fair society.