Re: Fear?
Posted by cougar on Feb 19, 2002 at 16:10
(65.100.196.64)Re: Fear (Sparrow)
Worship, awe, revere -- all are implied in the meaning [of the word commonly referred to as "fear".]
Ah, well, those meanings are considerably different than "fear". But "worship" and "revere" are also quite different than "awe", and I think this points to a key difference between the "religiously-inclined" and those not so religiously-inclined. Certainly there is much to be in awe of in this world... the beauty of a sunset.... the workings of our solar system, or the subatomic world.... the simple fact that we exist is quite amazing.... But to some, such things are reason to see some imagined "being" creating and directing all this, to fall to one's knees and "worship" and "revere" such imagined being.... To others, such things are reason to inquire into their natural causes, the natural laws governing such things. Rather than simply "worship", such awe inspiring things are seen as an opportunity to learn more about our environment, what makes things work.... Quite different approaches.