Fear is a survival mechanism. The few creatures without it like Penguins, which adapted to environments too harsh for competitors, are in danger when pitiless predators, like humano sapiens arrive. Humano sapiens is endowed with plenty of fear.
Another survival mechanism is reason. It came later and gave us dominion over Earth. But fear rejects what reason welcomes. Having both within us ignites an epic battle.
Early humans thought that storms, earthquakes, famine, and disease, were caused by angry gods. As a practical matter, they needed to placate those gods. Jesus of Nazareth preached love, but most religions that claimed to be based upon His teachings, worship the far more ancient God of Wrath. Even today, God-fearing is synonym for good.
When science showed it could ease many ills, a battle began between fear and reason. Fear was deeply entrenched. Fear of outsiders, xenophobia, once a survival mechanism, pits group against group. Some, believing they possess exclusive Truth, look forward to Earth’s destruction, certain they alone will be saved. Survivalists build underground shelters, hoping to become overlords of a post-apocalyptic planet. Vigilante bands train against imagined threats. Gun laws encourage people to shoot “enemies” on streets. Suicidal cults like People’s Temple and Heaven’s Gate, embrace death. Suicide bombers would jump at a chance to set off an atom bomb.
Love seems a puny defense against such a fear-driven host. The Bible says,“Blessed are the peacemakers,” [Matthew 5.9] Psychiatrists ponder Love Against Hate. Lord of the Rings, pits a humble “halfling” against “The Dark Lord.” Sunrise, Sunset, (from Fiddler on the Roof) sings of those who want only to experience the wonders of each passing day.
Were the newborns who became Hitler, Stalin, and Ivan the Terrible, born evil, or did fear instilled from infancy poison their souls to release the outpouring of hate that engulfed the world? Every newborn offers a chance to inscribe a brand new soul with fear, or with love. Which will determine the ultimate fate of humankind?