THE CONTAGION OF FEAR by Arlo A. Johnson

The physical disasters of 9/11 and following (including the World Health Organization's declaration that the H1N1 flu is a pandemic) has resulted in a second and greater pandemic: the pandemic of fear.

A website dictionary describes 'pandemic' (adjective) to include both "a disease prevalent throughout ... the whole world, and universal fear." It seems obvious to a great many of us that the pandemic fear is now worse than the pandemic disease.

Jesus in Luke 21:25-26; 28 spoke of conditions that would begin to occur upon the earth at a future time: "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world ..." Consistently in the bible, the expression, "the roaring and the tossing of the sea" is a symbol of the war-like conditions that exist among the masses of humanity. Isaiah 57:20 niv states: "But the wicked are like the tossing of the sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud."

As we consider the present "pandemic of disease and fear," there are two words of particular significance, the words are pandemonium and panic. 1. Pandemonium is described by my Oxford dictionary as "the abode of all demons; a place of lawless violence and uproar; utter confusion." As we view the disastrous conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza Strip etc., would one not say that these are places of pandemonium?

2. Panic, again according to the Oxford dictionary, is: "of terror, unreasoning, excessive; excessively hasty through fear; an infectious fright; sudden alarm leading to hasty measures." So many of the foregoing words describe the fear that is being expressed in the media today.

The words, pandemonium, and panic have a common root, and it is "pan." Pan as a part of these two words, is not referring to the whole of a country, or world, as in the case of the word, pandemic. Wikipedia states concerning the word, panic: "The word panic is derived from a Greek word pertaining to the god of woods and fields who was the source of mysterious sounds that caused contagious, groundless fear in herds and crowds, or in people in lonely spots." As Christian believers, we know that such ancient gods were and are demonic spirits. Pan is a demonic spirit.

In my twelve tours of Israel, I have visited Mount Hermon at the northern border of Israel frequently! During the past twenty-four years a massive geological dig has been taking place at the foot of Mount Hermon. The excavations have unearthed a heathen temple that was built to the demonic god known as Pan. It was to this location (also known as Caesarea Philippi) that Jesus brought his disciples, and while there, he asked them this question: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13).

In Matthew 16:16, Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In verse 18, Jesus said, "And I tell you, that you are Peter (petros, a little stone), and on this rock (petra, a massive rock) I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." In verses 21-23, as Jesus spoke of a conflict that would result in his crucifixion, I believe a wave of fear from god Pan overcame Peter. As a result of that fear in Peter's thoughts, he began to rebuke Jesus. One of the common responses of fear is the desire to take control so as to prevent the fear creating event from occurring. This is exactly what Peter did on that occasion. Immediately, Jesus turning to Peter said, 'Get behind me, Satan.'

There were two voices in conflict that day in Caesarea Philippi at the foot of Mount Hermon --- one was the voice of Jesus, and the other was the voice of Satan. Both of these voices are still being heard in our world today! One voice is aligned with the kingdom of darkness, and if listened to, will result in fear. The other voice is aligned with the kingdom of God, and if listened to will result in faith. "God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' (Hebrews 13:5-6).

We are not helpless victims in a troubled world! But we are faced with choices! I choose to listen to the voice that speaks words that will result in faith, and by doing so, I reject the words that result in fear! WHAT CHOICE ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE?