The catholic school bit-- on the surface, he's just telling a story about his youth. He's saying he went to a catholic school that was very strict (i.e., roman rule) The nuns (ladies in black) used to hit him on the knuckle with a ruler (bruised knuckles). One of those nuns told him that fear is the heart of love (christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him). Ben rejects this, but doesn't respond (biting his tongue) and leaves the school (never went back)--or, in a wider interpretation, leaves the faith altogether.
It seems like this verse is included to explain why he doesn't particularly care for either heaven or hell, instead just seeing the afterlife as a darkness.
ohhhhhhh... wow that's a really good interpretation of that, because i was tinking of it too but not that last bit about him not caring for heaven or hell...
ohhhhhhh... wow that's a really good interpretation of that, because i was tinking of it too but not that last bit about him not caring for heaven or hell...
That's kind of what I thought too, and to me it was also the reason he rejected mainstream religion, and felt himself an outsider to all its beliefs, like seeing heaven and hell as a classification that didn't include him, explaining the strong imagery of the illuminated 'no's. He kind of sees it as 'the two of us against death', and I think it's interesting how the uncertainty of death is more than a usual humans one, because the religious divide estranged the two of them from other human beings as well.
That's kind of what I thought too, and to me it was also the reason he rejected mainstream religion, and felt himself an outsider to all its beliefs, like seeing heaven and hell as a classification that didn't include him, explaining the strong imagery of the illuminated 'no's. He kind of sees it as 'the two of us against death', and I think it's interesting how the uncertainty of death is more than a usual humans one, because the religious divide estranged the two of them from other human beings as well.
I like this interpretation, but I don't think it's that complicated, or that it has anything to do with religion (directly).
I like this interpretation, but I don't think it's that complicated, or that it has anything to do with religion (directly).
His teacher told him that fear is the heart of love, and he rejects that notion. That's essentially what that verse boils down to. This fits in with the rest of this song because the main thrust of the song is soothing fears.
His teacher told him that fear is the heart of love, and he rejects that notion. That's essentially what that verse boils down to. This fits in with the rest of this song because the main thrust of the song is soothing fears.
He's saying don't be afraid, I'm going to be with you, etc. "It's nothing to cry about." He's defining his love, and he is going out of his way to emphasize that fear should have no part in it.
"christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him"
Being a Christian and a Catholic, this statement just isnt true. Yes, we're told to fear God's power so that we dont act like we're the shit and that we can do whatever we want. Fear, however, does not produce love and never has. Ask any Christian and they will tell you that having "fear" for God produces absolutely nothing. Just in general, "true and pure love" can only be produced from something positive, not negative. Fear is a complicated issue because people try to...
"christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him"
Being a Christian and a Catholic, this statement just isnt true. Yes, we're told to fear God's power so that we dont act like we're the shit and that we can do whatever we want. Fear, however, does not produce love and never has. Ask any Christian and they will tell you that having "fear" for God produces absolutely nothing. Just in general, "true and pure love" can only be produced from something positive, not negative. Fear is a complicated issue because people try to justify it as something negative, that creates a positive. Regardless of what you may believe or think, only someone who truly studies or participates in certain practices knows the true content of what is being discussed. Great song. Not a bad interpretation with the rest of the argument
Just to clarify: as used in the bible, Fear means to be in awe of. Christians do not "fear" God meaning we are afraid of him, but rather we are amazed by him and understand that he is powerful.
Just to clarify: as used in the bible, Fear means to be in awe of. Christians do not "fear" God meaning we are afraid of him, but rather we are amazed by him and understand that he is powerful.
You say that like it's a fact or something, and we all know the bible is just one big grand story, nothing more.
You say that like it's a fact or something, and we all know the bible is just one big grand story, nothing more.
@ Kay 8D
@ Kay 8D
So in other words, it's a biased opinion?
So in other words, it's a biased opinion?
@ Hansen587
@ Hansen587
I used to be Catholic/Christian as well, participating in all the rituals, following the rules, knowing the religion, etc... so therefore, what I say about it has merit (is essentially your argument, right?) and I say it was no different than any other cult in the world. Some good things can come out of religious belief, sometimes. but most of the time, it's detrimental to the world, especially when establishment is involved. God may not be the one telling us to fear him (because it has not been proven that anyone ever has heard the voice of god or seen him) but the majority of his deluded followers are sure spreading that message.
@ buriedalive333
And your proof of this definition comes from? Oh that's right, the fictional book.
The catholic school bit-- on the surface, he's just telling a story about his youth. He's saying he went to a catholic school that was very strict (i.e., roman rule) The nuns (ladies in black) used to hit him on the knuckle with a ruler (bruised knuckles). One of those nuns told him that fear is the heart of love (christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him). Ben rejects this, but doesn't respond (biting his tongue) and leaves the school (never went back)--or, in a wider interpretation, leaves the faith altogether.
It seems like this verse is included to explain why he doesn't particularly care for either heaven or hell, instead just seeing the afterlife as a darkness.
ohhhhhhh... wow that's a really good interpretation of that, because i was tinking of it too but not that last bit about him not caring for heaven or hell...
ohhhhhhh... wow that's a really good interpretation of that, because i was tinking of it too but not that last bit about him not caring for heaven or hell...
That's kind of what I thought too, and to me it was also the reason he rejected mainstream religion, and felt himself an outsider to all its beliefs, like seeing heaven and hell as a classification that didn't include him, explaining the strong imagery of the illuminated 'no's. He kind of sees it as 'the two of us against death', and I think it's interesting how the uncertainty of death is more than a usual humans one, because the religious divide estranged the two of them from other human beings as well.
That's kind of what I thought too, and to me it was also the reason he rejected mainstream religion, and felt himself an outsider to all its beliefs, like seeing heaven and hell as a classification that didn't include him, explaining the strong imagery of the illuminated 'no's. He kind of sees it as 'the two of us against death', and I think it's interesting how the uncertainty of death is more than a usual humans one, because the religious divide estranged the two of them from other human beings as well.
just to make sure you all know this, The Bible teaches that love is the absence of fear...
just to make sure you all know this, The Bible teaches that love is the absence of fear...
Can you provide scripture? Educate me.
Can you provide scripture? Educate me.
Christianity does not teach to fear god. Catholics do. True love is sacrifice. that's coming from a christian
Christianity does not teach to fear god. Catholics do. True love is sacrifice. that's coming from a christian
I like this interpretation, but I don't think it's that complicated, or that it has anything to do with religion (directly).
I like this interpretation, but I don't think it's that complicated, or that it has anything to do with religion (directly).
His teacher told him that fear is the heart of love, and he rejects that notion. That's essentially what that verse boils down to. This fits in with the rest of this song because the main thrust of the song is soothing fears.
His teacher told him that fear is the heart of love, and he rejects that notion. That's essentially what that verse boils down to. This fits in with the rest of this song because the main thrust of the song is soothing fears.
He's saying don't be afraid, I'm going to be with you, etc. "It's nothing to cry about." He's defining his love, and he is going out of his way to emphasize that fear should have no part in it.
"christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him" Being a Christian and a Catholic, this statement just isnt true. Yes, we're told to fear God's power so that we dont act like we're the shit and that we can do whatever we want. Fear, however, does not produce love and never has. Ask any Christian and they will tell you that having "fear" for God produces absolutely nothing. Just in general, "true and pure love" can only be produced from something positive, not negative. Fear is a complicated issue because people try to...
"christianity teaches christians are to fear god, and from that fear comes love for him" Being a Christian and a Catholic, this statement just isnt true. Yes, we're told to fear God's power so that we dont act like we're the shit and that we can do whatever we want. Fear, however, does not produce love and never has. Ask any Christian and they will tell you that having "fear" for God produces absolutely nothing. Just in general, "true and pure love" can only be produced from something positive, not negative. Fear is a complicated issue because people try to justify it as something negative, that creates a positive. Regardless of what you may believe or think, only someone who truly studies or participates in certain practices knows the true content of what is being discussed. Great song. Not a bad interpretation with the rest of the argument
Just to clarify: as used in the bible, Fear means to be in awe of. Christians do not "fear" God meaning we are afraid of him, but rather we are amazed by him and understand that he is powerful.
Just to clarify: as used in the bible, Fear means to be in awe of. Christians do not "fear" God meaning we are afraid of him, but rather we are amazed by him and understand that he is powerful.
@ dudvsplanet
@ dudvsplanet
You say that like it's a fact or something, and we all know the bible is just one big grand story, nothing more.
You say that like it's a fact or something, and we all know the bible is just one big grand story, nothing more.
@ Kay 8D
@ Kay 8D
So in other words, it's a biased opinion?
So in other words, it's a biased opinion?
@ Hansen587
@ Hansen587
I used to be Catholic/Christian as well, participating in all the rituals, following the rules, knowing the religion, etc... so therefore, what I say about it has merit (is essentially your argument, right?) and I say it was no different than any other cult in the world. Some good things can come out of religious belief, sometimes. but most of the time, it's detrimental to the world, especially when establishment is involved. God may not be the one telling us to fear him (because it has not been proven that anyone ever has heard the voice of god or seen him) but the majority of his deluded followers are sure spreading that message.
@ buriedalive333
And your proof of this definition comes from? Oh that's right, the fictional book.
Yours and Stratocaster1688's interpretations, when combined, are bullseye.
Yours and Stratocaster1688's interpretations, when combined, are bullseye.
@cybercyph Very on point, man. Never thought of it that exact way.
@cybercyph Very on point, man. Never thought of it that exact way.
Fear of the Lord is fearing Him, not because of his power, but fear of your faults hurting Him.
Fear of the Lord is fearing Him, not because of his power, but fear of your faults hurting Him.
-A Catholic
-A Catholic