Christian Living

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PHOBIAS PROLIFERATE


It seems as if the term phobia appears increasingly in use. By way of definition, it applies to an anxiety disorder, or otherwise expressed as an irrational fear. However, it may also serve to discredit the point of view expressed by another person.
Out of the past. My mother had what appeared to me as an irrational fear of mice. On one occasion, when she was visiting my father’s general store, a mouse appeared. This incited her to leap to the top of a barrel, much to my surprise—since I did not think her capable of doing so.
Perhaps the nearest thing that approached a phobia for me as a child was darkness. This may have been in some measure associated with the stories concerning ghosts, which seemed more inclined to move about in the evening hours. In any case, I was less able to see my surroundings. As for the former, it might be said to constitute an irrational fear.
Into the present. As I am reminded from time to time, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Prov. 1:7). This recalls the prime commandment to love God without reservation, and that related to it, to love our neighbors as ourselves. As for extended instruction, it amounts to commentary.
This assuredly should not be described as a phobia. Why? Because our relationship with God is most critical to cultivate. Not to the exclusion of our relationships with others, but by way of encouraging our efforts in this regard as well.
Conversely, whether explicit or implicit some would demean the observance of divine instruction as a phobia. As when one introduces a contrary point of view as more acceptable. Which, in turn, might be described as a fear of controversy. Hence, an unwillingness to engage in dialogue with those of a differing persuasion.
The charge of homophobia surfaces as a case in point. For what reason? Since there are reasonable considerations for discouraging the practice of homosexual relations, whether one agrees with this assessment or not. Some are of religious nature, others of social consequence, and still others as pertains to the individuals involved. Which gave rise to the observation of a committed homosexual, who observed: “No one would choose this lifestyle if given an alternative.” Although some appear to do so.
More recently, the term phobia has been applied to those who express concern with the increase of terrorism. This seems irrational, given the current threat to unarmed civilians. By way of contrast, the just war theory prohibits a calculated attack on non-combatants.
In this regard, the term jihad means to strive, struggle, and persevere. It consists of a dual application. Initially, there is the inner personal struggle, identified as the greater jihad. Then there is the struggle against those perceived as enemies of Islam, thought to be the lesser jihad, and may or may not take on violent form.
All things considered, I am reminded of the sage saying: “Those who fear God have no one or nothing else to fear.” As for commentary, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. But what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Phil. 1:21-24). Thus persuaded, he anticipated remaining with them for the time being.
With prospect for the future. Given this line of reasoning, it seems that we should be very selective in our use of the term phobia. As applied to blatantly irrational behavior, and not simply as regards those with whom we disagree. Otherwise, we may be legitimately charged with irrational fear of differing perspectives. While it is ultimately God who will decide the matter which is in question. Thus to reject idolatry in its multifaceted forms, although this is obviously easier observed than done.

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