I was listening recently to a conference of Ministers. Listening as I was unable to attend myself. The speaker, who was wonderful, was covering our responsibilities as clergy and the subject of Servile vs Filial fear came up. Now I hadn't even heard those terms in years and began remembering the subject from my days growing up as a Catholic school girl. I was drawn to research it more extensively and decided to share the subject here.
First for those who don't know, don't remember or just need a little reminder ;o)
a definition:
Servile Fear:
Selfish fear based on dread of pain to oneself that would follow if another were offended. It is the fear of punishment for wrongdoing, without being motivated by honor or a sense of duty, and least of all by love.
Filial Fear:
Fear of some impending evil based on love and reverence for the one who is feared. Actually filial fear is close to love that dreads offending the one loved.
Theologically, according to most Jewish/Christian doctrines Servile fear may co-exist with filial fear. There is nothing incompatible in both loving and fearing God. In the doctrines it seemingly says that fearing God at any cost is just fine. Yet the doctrins also state that "purely Servile fear, with no love of God but only self-love that fears the divine punishments, is at least in theory, inconsistent with the true love of God.
Wow quite a statement and quite a contradiction.
With Filial fear it is stated; "...the filial fear of God is compatible with the highest love of God."
A person, knowing his or her moral weakness, frets that he or she might displease or betray the one who is loved. It is selfless fear.
Etym. Latin filial, becoming of a child in relation to its parents.)
So let us think about this for a moment. In the first Servile fear it is stated that it is selfish, in other words self serving. And there is a question and confusion braught to bear.
So what does this mean to us? Whether you are a follower of the judeo Christian doctrines or not it comes down I think to this. First in order to appreciate either fear we must all as humans understand and yes even accept that we do fear. Outside of even the Biblical statement we must “know” it. Blind following of a doctrine is not the same. So we all fear. We must at some point then decide for ourselves what exactly it is we fear. However first we must decide how we fear.
For example: I am human and I fear it is my normal response to fear in a Filial way. This is not a statement at this point of wrong or right. It is only a fact. I personally fear in this way more often then in the Servile way. This tells me that at least at this point in my life I have finally reached a point where I am putting the “one loved” before myself. It’s a good comparison as to how far I’ve come as a person. (NOT how much better then you I am :o)
I remember fearing in a Servile way. As anyone does growing up and finding their way. Always fearing what will happen to me if… It is not just a type of fear but it is a fear that compounds fears. Though in the doctrine they seem to be saying they are mutually acceptable, I humbly disagree. I feel that Filial fear is more valuable to our direct relationship to God and ourselves as well as each other. It opens doors to discover how we can improve ourselves and act on our better judgment, repentance, knowledge and practices.
I feel that 'the Kingdom' cannot be met by Servile fear but that Filial, childlike parental fear of our Mother/Father God is part of what our Ascended Masters have been trying to open our eyes too. Be like the little children? Yes, I know my boy who is all of 4 years old most definitely is more worried about Momma’s disappointment then ever the “consequences”. As a matter of fact even now at this tender age, if he knows he chose badly he’ll “take it on the chin” as it were without a fuss. If however he thinks he’s hurt me? Tears and drama are sure to ensue. :o)
So what are the benefits of Filial fear vs Servile fear? I believe that the same compassion that causes us to attend to others brings about Filial fear. From this vantage point there is great benefit. Selflessness can create self Love, Love of others and Love of all that is. And though it is called fear it can actually lead to the release and freedom of all fear. One’s compassion relieves the need for fear and so creates more room for Love and reverence.
In contrast Servile fear brings about more fear. Unchecked the fear of “if I do this bad things will happen to me” becomes all encompassing. It is indeed a selfish thing. There is no thought outside ones self or ones own fear and as most of you already know fear breeds more fear. Is this not where superstition and prejudice come into play? Does this not make way for all fearful things. Isn’t this a darkness all in itself? I think it is.
In conclusion today, I would say that to strive for the 'Filial' is a great and powerful attribute. And whether you are beginning at a place of Servile fear or not may God bless you with the capacity and compassion to tip the balance for the better. Practice your Filial fear and see what happens. :o)
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