Bertrand Russell and the Fear of God – Philosopher, mathematician and atheist Bertrand Russell once claimed that religion was based primarily on fear. In essence Russell blamed societal fears on religion and the Fear of God. He confidently asserted that science would vanquish them.
Blaming religion
According to Russell,
Fear is the parent of cruelty, and therefore it is no wonder if cruelty and religion has gone hand-in-hand. It is because fear is at the basis of these two things. In this world we can now begin a little to understand things, and a little to master them by help of science, which has forced its way step by step against the Christian religion, against the Churches, and against the opposition of all the old precepts. Science can help us to get over this craven fear in which mankind has lived for so many generations. Science can teach us, and I think our own hearts can teach us, no longer to look for imaginary supports, no longer to invent allies in the sky, but rather to look to out own efforts here below to make this world a fit place to live in, instead of the sort of place that the churches in all these centuries have made it. (Why I am not a Christian)
The premise that the answer to the world’s problems is science is also part of the plot in C. S. Lewis’ prophetic fiction “That Hideous Strength.” Interestingly, in the past few years I’ve had conversations with individuals who regard science and technology as saviors of humanity. I’ve even heard something like the expression “we are gods” in regard to our scientific and technological achievements. Certainly science has achieved great technological wonders. But what science hasn’t done is eradicate fear.
Russell a prophet?
In his book (which I’m drawing a lot of this from) “Rejoice and Tremble” Michael Reeves responds to Russell,
While Russell tragically misunderstands what it means for the Christian to fear God, one struggles not to laugh at how wildly inaccurate his prophecy has turned out to be. For nearly a century after he said those words, it should be clear to even the most vision-impaired mole that throwing off the fear of God has not made our society happier and less fretful. Quite the opposite – a point acknowledged by the staunchly atheistic professor Frank Furedi, who has become perhaps the global expert on our modern culture of fear.
Can you handle the truth?
Mike Reeves is not being mean – he’s necessarily pointing out the obvious. One only has to look at the pandemic-fears which gripped the entire world in 2020, and ongoing. I find it surreal walking into public venues wearing a mask, and seeing everyone else forced to wear one. It is rather reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic world. And that’s just the COVID situation – there are other global concerns which could be pointed out here.
The stark truth is that we’re not gods – quite the opposite. While science has made life more convenient in many ways, and made incredible progress, Reeves wisely notes, “More knowledge does not necessarily mean less fear; it often means more.” For one example, think about the advancement of technological warfare.
The antidote
I recommend reading Michael Reeves’ book, not just for the observations mentioned here, but for the glorious, eternal antidote to sinful fear. The world does not have the fear of God. The right-sinless fear of God is, in fact, the antidote to all other fears, and the ultimate source of joy. This is what Reeves is trying to get across to us. For those interested in pursuing this, he has delivered two lectures on the same subject of his book:
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. Psalm 19:9
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy… Rev 15:4
Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great. Rev 19:5
Maranatha!
Further reading: Veritas Domain’s link to a rebuttal of: Why I am not a Christian
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