Whether debating the separation of church and state, our approach to terrorism, or health-care reform, Americans are bombarded with fear-laden warnings from all sides. Sometimes it's the liberal scheme to replace capitalism with socialism, and other times it's the conservative conspiracy to install a religious state that will enforce morality with a heavy hand.

Fear is particularly pervasive of late in the politic right's rhetoric, but fear-mongering is endemic to much of our public discourse. From pastors who see natural disasters as a manifestation of God's judgment on particular groups of "sinners," to journalists who paint doomsday scenarios based on data from the political extremes, to politicians who rely on fear to win elections, fear is used to sway opinions and inspire action.

These attempts to manipulate or prompt the masses to action rely on emotion rather than substantive debate or critical reflection. While we should evaluate these messages, we should be equally, if not more, wary of these attempts to subvert rational thought by injecting fear into our discourse. In fact, such fear-mongering may be the very thing to fear.

What is at Stake?

Many who bring messages coated in fear have a great deal to gain by picking the most extreme message possible in order to attract viewers, grow profits, or sell books. If they establish themselves as the "watch dogs" who are looking out for the public good, then they can turn that trust into a lucrative business, political power, or influence over an issue. In addition, leaders from politicians or pastors who have an agenda to push can very easily use fear to prompt action in their favor.

Fear is a handy way to by-pass the hard work of debate, research, and compromise. Rather than presenting both sides of an issue responsibly, those seeking a quick win need only drum up sensational claims. In the case of America's health-care debate we should rigorously evaluate what's at stake for those who raise fears of such things as "death panels." Are they truly concerned about the safety of citizens, or are they clouding the debate in pursuit of another agenda?

Perhaps there are times when legitimate concerns are voiced; however, we should be deeply concerned about the motives of politicians, commentators, journalists, and others who are stoking these fears. Nevertheless, troubling as these scenarios may be, there is a responsible and biblical way to respond.

How Should We Respond?

When we hear a message based on fear, we should be all the more vigilant and critical. A good first step includes asking if these accusations are based on solid data and research or if they're distorting the truth or taking a statement out of context.

In addition, we should ask whether there is this something to fear. If so, then we need to evaluate action steps, rather than spreading hysteria.

More important, Christians, who live by faith in the God who has overcome this world and has left his peace with his followers, have every reason to deepen their trust in God. I'm reminded of what happened before Jesus stilled a storm on the Sea of Galilee. As the disciples bailed water out of their sinking boat and watched wave after wave crash in, they called out to Jesus for help. As bad as things seemed, Jesus was astonished at their lack of faith in the midst of the storm. They should have believed that having Jesus in their midst, even as the boat sank, was enough.

A Mission Beyond Fear

Whether we have real crises sweeping in or just a lot of hot air, the response of Christians should be a measured evaluation of the message and the messenger that always leads to deeper faith and a commitment to trust in their God who is mighty to save. We should be concerned with a world where politicians, journalists, and other leaders can manipulate us to act based on fear, but followers of Christ have a higher road to travel.

We confront anything from terror to worry with the confidence that comes from our risen Savior. He left us to complete his Kingdom work with a boldness that is not subject to the vagaries of news reports or the sway of politicians. Letting fear dominate or manipulate us means we have fallen under the sway of a force other than the Spirit of God. As disciples of Christ we cannot afford to let bad news drive us away from our calling to preach God's Good News.

Ed Cyzewski is a writer and speaker, author of Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life, and blogger at www.inamirrordimly.com.