Research and the Bible appear to be in agreement regarding the fear of death. Numerous studies have found that death anxiety is prevalent across cultures and religions. For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Death and Dying revealed that fear of death is a common phenomenon among college students in the United States, with nearly 80% of participants reporting some level of death anxiety. Similarly, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that fear of death is a significant predictor of health behaviors and attitudes, such as avoiding medical care or engaging in risky behaviors.
The Bible also acknowledges the fear of death and offers guidance on how to face this fear. For instance, Hebrews 2:14-15 states that “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” This verse suggests that Jesus’ death and resurrection provide believers with hope and freedom from the fear of death.
Furthermore, Philippians 1:21-24 presents the idea that death is not something to be feared for believers in Christ, as it is an opportunity to be with Him in heaven. This passage says: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.”
In conclusion, both research and the Bible acknowledge that fear of death is a common experience. However, the Bible offers the unique perspective that death is not something to be feared for those who believe in Jesus, as it leads to eternal life with Him.
Sources:
– Wong, P. T. P., Reker, G. T., & Gesser, G. (1994). Death Attitude Profile-Revised: A multidimensional measure of attitudes toward death. In R. A. Neimeyer (Ed.), Death Anxiety Handbook: Research, Instrumentation, and Application (pp. 121-148). Taylor & Francis Group.
– Weise, B. S., & Johnson, E. (2016). Fear of death and health behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(11), 2703–2724. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105315604333
– The Holy Bible, New International Version.
