Terror is for children.
And for Christians who believe the Bible:
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (II Corinthians 2:10,11)
I am guessing that your God is not the God of either the Old or New Testaments.
If this is not your God, then you are one of the folks whom Edwards was warning. No doubt about it. You are the subject of Romans 1:18-32.
My point, sinkspur, is that we must not abuse the important doctrine of the love of God to stupidly deny the important doctrine of the wrath of God. That is actually an example of the very Truth suppression which infuriates the True and Living God.
Most people think that the gospel is just a matter of denying the wrath of God. But that is actually a counterfeit of the gospel. The True Gospel is more profound, more wonderfully awful than you have realized.
And so is mine. It is His love that is keeping the sinner alive and out of hell, giving him ample opportunity to accept or reject Christ ("He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that beliveth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."-John 3:36)
It is His love that has kept this country's enemies at bay, giving us another opportunity to turn back to Him.
-ksen
"Fear is for children."
Your best bet is to say little since you are unfamiliar with the Word of God and not a Christian. A Christian knows and tries their best to follow the Word of God and not man. You've chosen to define God by the word of man.
For starters read these entire passages. I'll just highlight the verses the show your lackof knowledge of the Judeo Christian God:
Pss.111
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Prov.1
[7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov.9
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
As you can see, Sinkspur, you don't follow the teachings of the Judeo Christian God, however it's not too late to become a Christian and follow the Word of God and not that of imperfect men, in all aspects. Perfection, God, the Word of God, doesn't mislead you as your mere imperfect mortals continue to do. God can't lie. Man is fallen and will lie and hence why I quote the words of Perfection.
This verse in particular fits you:
Prov.1
[7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
You are a hostile person when confronted with the Word of God and how it conflicts with Catholic teachings. Catholicism isn't Christian and thus the conflict. At some point you must decide to follow God or your church.
And if you love your children, you punish them when they do wrong. Surely, to such children, your punishment might seem terrible, even if *it is for the best*.
Maybe we have a different opinion of what Love is.
Tuor