Fear Factor

Pearl Harbor Day is a significant day in American history. On December 7, 1941, the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was brutally attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy. This surprise assault occurred while negotiations were still taking place between Japan and the United States, and a formal declaration of war did not reach the U.S. until the next day. This prompted a huge American outcry and elicited a harsh statement from then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who predicted that December 7 would be "a date which will live in infamy."

The Evolution of Infamy

Pearl Harbor became a rallying cry synonymous with cowardice and treachery. However, as time moved forward, the horrific events of September 11, 2001, eclipsed the memories of December 7, 1941. A new generation had a new rallying cry, and 9/11 became the new date to live in infamy. Both attacks were devastating shocks to the United States, occurring on American soil and resulting in similar death tolls—2,402 lives lost at Pearl Harbor and 2,977 innocent victims of the 9/11 attack. Both attacks plunged the country into war and resulted in a barrage of hate crimes, ethnic stereotyping, and racial persecution.

Fear as a Weapon

It has been 83 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, and for many, it has become a historical memory that conjures little visceral reaction. In contrast, the horror of 9/11, though beginning to blur and fade, still pervades our thoughts. This serves as a reminder that one of Satan's most effective weapons against us is fear. Ironically, Satan's original accusation was that God's created beings served Him out of fear, despite him being the author of fear.

Understanding Fear Through Logic

Let me introduce you to the concept of a syllogism, a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion. For example, "Every virtue is worthy of praise. Kindness is a virtue. Therefore, kindness is worthy of praise." Now, let's apply this principle to some Biblical verses to show how wrong Satan's accusation against God is. In 1 John 4:18, we read, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." A few verses earlier, it says, "God is love. Therefore, we can conclude using syllogism, that God casts out fear. Perfect love and fear cannot coexist.

The Reality of Fear

This fallen world is currently ruled by Satan, who is both the father of lies and the father of fear. Fear has become a normal part of the human condition. The dictionary defines fear as "to be afraid of, to expect with alarm, to be apprehensive." Synonyms include bother, worry, fret, stew, stress, sweat, and trouble. Given all of the worry and trouble we have in the world today, wouldn't you agree that this world has a fear problem?

Fear and the Human Condition

Experts say that stress is responsible for various health issues and marital discord. Anatomy and physiology textbooks tell us that fear is an adaptive human response, helping us shift into a fight-or-flight response. However, there's nothing about this sin-infested world, including fear, that is normal. Phobias, intense fears of things that pose little or no actual danger, are anything but normal.

The world has a fear problem, but it also has an anger problem. Many experts believe that anger is a primary sign of fear. Jesus said in Matthew 22:39, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This healthy kind of self-love allows us to overcome insecurities and avoid anger. The answer to all our fears is Jesus. As we remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor and 9/11, let us also remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. As we look forward to the return of Jesus, let us find comfort in the promise that our redemption draws near.

If you enjoyed this post, please watch the full video here: Fear Factor.

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