Fear is the driving force of Christianity

4“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:5-6 (NIV)

As a former believer I have heard many theists try to rationalize fear as nothing more than respect as opposed to what we actually mean by the word fear. When I read the above cited text I don't see it as a the inspiring words of a loving and compassionate god. I see this verse as a direct threat to my supposed eternal state based on this nonsensical belief system. It clearly makes an analogy between actual physical death and so called spiritual death also defined as eternal separation from God. Further reading would lead you to believe that along with separation from God also includes some form of eternal torture. 

Fear of hell was the most difficult thing for me to overcome as a believer. Once I started having doubts about the veracity of the Bible and my faith system (Pentecostal), I began to search for truth with genuine fear in my heart. I constantly thought to myself "what would happen if I die right now without Jesus?" That idea horrified me at the time. 

Without exaggeration it took me literally about 6 years to completely overcome my fear of hell and my doubts regarding the veracity of the scriptures and the existence of God himself. It is ironic that the bible says that you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Because it was the truth that set me free from the mental and emotional chains of religious beliefs.