Having spent over 20 years in a fundamentalist Messianic movement in Israel, one troubling observation was clear: a significant number of adherents struggle with anxiety and OCD, often resorting to antidepressants to cope. I was unaware at the time that Fundamentalism is scientifically linked to anxiety.1 The root of this widespread mental anguish, however, seems to lie not just in individual circumstances but in the core theology of fundamentalism itself.
A Theology That Breeds Fear
Fundamentalist theology, whether Catholic or Protestant, is deeply rooted in the Augustinian-Calvinist tradition of salvation and hell. In the Augustinian-Calvinist view, salvation is essentially a rescue from an eternal “cosmic furnace” where God sadistically tortures most of humanity forever. This conception of hell as a place of endless, unimaginable suffering creates an existential fear that permeates the lives of those who adhere to such beliefs.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it becomes clear why this theology is so destabilizing. At the foundation of Maslow’s pyramid is the need for safety—the assurance that one’s existence is secure. For fundamentalists, this sense of safety is perpetually threatened by the prospect of eternal damnation. How can one feel safe when their salvation is never guaranteed and the consequences of failure are so catastrophic?
Protestant-Calvinism and the Fear of “Election”
In Calvinist-based theology (which underlines several Protestant denominations), the doctrine of predestination introduces a unique source of anxiety. Believers are taught that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned before they were even born. While some might find comfort in believing they are among the elect (I mean, who doesn’t want to feel special?), this assurance is never absolute. One moment of sin or doubt can lead to the terrifying realization that they were never truly “born again” or “elect” to begin with. This creates a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and existential dread which leads to life filled with anxiety.
Catholicism and Arminianism and the Fear of Falling Away
On the other side of the spectrum, Arminianism-based theology (which underlines most Protestant and Catholic denominations), while different in its approach to free will, offers little comfort as well. In this framework, salvation is conditional on the believer’s continued faith and obedience. This means that one can “lose their salvation” at any moment if they fail to meet God’s standards. The uncertainty of “true salvation” fosters a constant state of fear, as believers worry they might fall short and face eternal consequences.
A Theology That Contradicts Scripture
The anxiety produced by these doctrines stands in stark contradiction to the promises of peace and assurance found in Scripture. The Bible declares, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:18). Similarly, Jesus promised His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
If a theology produces a life dominated by fear rather than peace, one must question whether it aligns with the heart of the gospel. The God revealed in Jesus is one who invites His followers to rest, not to anxiety. As Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Grace is either freely given and brings peace, or it’s conditional and breeds anxiety.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Fear-Based Theology
The constant fear of hell and uncertainty about salvation doesn’t just affect the mind; it impacts the body as well. From a scientific perspective, anxiety triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, over time, can lead to chronic stress, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Instead of living in the freedom and joy promised by Christ, many fundamentalists find themselves trapped in a cycle of fear that affects their mental and physical well-being.
A Call to Reevaluate
The doctrines of Eternal Conscious Torment and conditional salvation have far-reaching consequences, not only for individual mental health but also for how the gospel is understood and lived out. These teachings often obscure the message of God’s unconditional love and grace, replacing it with a system of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
For those trapped in this cycle of anxiety, the invitation of Jesus remains: “Come to me.” A reevaluation of theology, one that centers on God’s love and the assurance of His grace, is not just a theological necessity but a pastoral one. It is a call to embrace the true peace of the gospel—a peace that transcends fear and offers rest for the weary.
Conclusion
The prevalence of anxiety among fundamentalists is not merely a psychological issue; it is a theological one. Rooted in a distorted view of God, salvation, and hell, these doctrines create an environment where fear thrives, and peace is elusive. By reclaiming a vision of God that reflects His love, compassion, and desire for relationships, believers can move from a place of fear to one of trust and rest. The gospel, after all, is not about living in constant dread but about living in the freedom of our Father’s perfect love.
I invite you to explore a fresh perspective on salvation and hell in my new book, “HELL: A Jewish Perspective on a Christian Doctrine“
- https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/976901?form=fpf ↩︎