I’ve never understood the psychology behind Halloween. Each year when this “holiday” rolls around I ask the same questions. “What is it that we find so entertaining about fear? Why is horror a form of entertainment?” Truth is, I don’t like being scared and I suspect most don’t. Yet, there’s a rather large consumer industry and entertainment genre dedicated to making people afraid. Apparently, the more shocking, the more entertaining value (and the more revenue). Why do we find this genre worthy of our minds and hearts? What is it about us that attracts us to fear? Should believers participate in this form of entertainment? Or (ironically?) should disciples of Christ fear fear?
Scripture has lots to say about fear; some good and some not so good. For instance Adam and Eve’s first response after sinning in the Garden was to hide from God because they were afraid of being exposed (Genesis 3:8-13). “An angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone” of Jesus’ tomb shocking the guards to “became like dead men” (Matthew 28:3). And, because of Jesus’s popularity, political fear subdued many religious leaders (John 12:42-43; Matthew 21:26; Mark 11:18,32; 12:12).
On the other hand, Abraham feared God and obeyed by offering up his son Isaac (Genesis 22:12). Noah, out of “holy fear” built the ark that carried him to safety (Hebrews 11:7). Nehemiah governed righteously “because of the fear of God” (Nehemiah 5:15, ESV). When the women had discovered Jesus had risen from the dead they “departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy” to announce the news (Matthew 28:8). Fearing our intellectual limitations is the beginning of true knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). God sometimes humbles us with fear of our circumstances so we do not boast in our own abilities to overcome (Judges 7:2-3). No matter our plight in life, because God is ever present we can say with confidence “I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4). Courage before God displaces fear of God when we’ve experience his saving love in our lives (1 John 4:17-18).
Seems to me that fear is not an acceptable form of entertainment. Instead it’s a motivator to point us upward toward God and teaches us a great deal about ourselves.
Sane resources on Halloween include:
Great post Paul. I find fear having it’s way in me or others the most frustrating, and destructive thing. A holy, respectful fear of, and in awe of, God is a good thing. But, when fear (being afraid) cripples you, or when it’s used to “bond” with others… it seems to separate us from God and healthy relationship with Him and others. Attachments and bonds are crucial in shaping our relationships. When they’re based on “fear” and not “love”, perception of “normal/healthy” relationship with others becomes skewed. This is Satan’s playground.
Here’s a brief, but good, article on “Attachment and Adult Relationships”:
http://helpguide.org/mental/eqa_attachment_bond.htm
God’s love and word amazes me. It’s never too late for Him to mend a broken heart… broken relationships… and a broken mind. He’s so good.
Hey Justin,
Thanks for dropping by. Fear (negatively) as a “bond” with others is quite strange. Interesting insight into a culture I’ve never known (and never want to!). There are lots of other things that can bond humans which are worthy…..like reading books and having discussions, enjoying a (that’s ONE) glass of wine, hiking, camping, praying, … you get the idea.