The Fear of God: Emotion, Power, and Awe in the Old Testament w/ Prof. Bradley Cameron

What does it really mean to fear God?

In this powerful episode, Johnny Ova sits down with Old Testament scholar Prof. Bradley Cameron to unpack one of the most misunderstood biblical themes, the fear of God. Far from being a message of fear-based control, the Bible presents fear as something emotionally rich, theologically grounded, and deeply transformational.

Together they explore:

• Why the fear of God is more than just respect
• How the Hebrew Bible defines fear across Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Leviticus
• What the tabernacle teaches us about awe, ritual, and reverence
• Why the fear of God can draw us closer, not push us away
• How modern Christians can cultivate a healthy fear that leads to wisdom, joy, and relationship, not shame

Whether you've struggled with fear-based teaching or you're hungry for a deeper understanding of God’s character, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and context to a vital biblical idea.

📨 Connect with Professor Bradley Cameron:
📧 bradley.cameron@wheaton.edu

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to the Fear of God
• 3:08 Understanding Fear in Biblical Context
• 6:03 Rethinking Fear: Emotional and Cognitive Aspects
• 8:42 The Hebrew Language of Fear
• 11:25 Cultural Context and Misunderstandings
• 14:23 Wisdom Literature: Fear as the Beginning of Wisdom
• 17:16 Existential Perspectives on the Fear of God
• 20:07 Fear of God: Distance or Closeness?
• 22:41 Understanding the Fear of God
• 29:42 Rituals and Emotional Formation
• 34:08 Cultivating Healthy Fear of God
• 40:45 The Role of Ecclesiastes in Understanding God