[Colofornian]

...the “JW is a cult” mantra is more out of fear than fact. [Tamar1973]

Human nature seems to have us fear what we don't know. Then after something is feared, then human nature has most, quite comfortable with this. The unknown is not fearful, just unknown. [BornToBeAmerican]

Nice psychologizing, BornToBeAmerican. I could imagine the following convo had you been around to hear Jesus 2,000 years ago:

Jesus: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5)

Then, you respond: "You know, Jesus, human nature seems to have us fear what we don't know. Then after something is feared, then human nature has most, quite comfortable with this. The unknown is not fearful, just unknown."

Conversation bystander: "BornToBe...do you think Jesus, who shared our human nature, had enough knowledge to have us fear what we haven't experienced? And why do we have to know or experience something (like a mountain) to attach any fear to it -- when Jesus says just the opposite?"

And Tamar1973, any false pied pipers leading folks astray -- and away from the One who has the power to throw people into hell -- is based upon more of the reality of hell than just some "they're a cult mantra."

Indeed, our "fear" is on behalf of those who are placing their eternal spiritual lives at risk.

[BornToBeAmerican]

Hi Colofornian,

I really appreciate your thoughtful response,

You wrote:
Conversation bystander: "BornToBe...do you think Jesus, who shared our human nature, had enough knowledge to have us fear what we haven't experienced? And why do we have to know or experience something (like a mountain) to attach any fear to it -- when Jesus says just the opposite?"

Very good question. Christ knew very well that fear is indeed part of human flesh.

Phl 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh

Yet howm many put much stead in their fear? Am I no proud of my fear of what Pres Obama is going to do to this country? Yes.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Christ did.

Jhn 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

I think the answer to your question is that mankind finds it much easier to fear than trust God.