They live in fear of strangers.
They live in fear of the "outside".
They live in fear of change, growth, repentance.
They live in craven fear of God.
Fear is a natural response to real danger. When a fear exists outside reasonable expectations, that fear is irrational. Some people with mental illness experience irrational fears.
Humans need to fear God, in a healthy realization that He is God, Almighty, Justice and Mercy.
We need to fear the devil and his minions.
We need to fear falling into sin.
But, perfect love does cast out fear.
The more one is drawn closer to God in love, the less one fears. Love does drive out fear.
Fear of others is demonic. Years ago, when I was in Ireland, my host had a television show on about home invasions. A couple who experience this were being interviewed. The documentary was two hours long.
When I looked up the statistics on Irish home invasions, I was not surprised to discover the low number of crimes in this category.
The television program producers were creating more fear than necessary. Fear breaks down communities and even causes families to have a "moat mentality", which can be extremely unhealthy.
I think today of St. Paul shipwrecked on the Island of Malta. The locals came out and helped all those in the terrible disaster. They fed and took care of St. Paul, who healed their sick and preached the Gospel.
Malta became, until recently, a beacon of light in a dark world, a great center of Catholicity.
What if those original people had feared St. Paul and the Romans?
Christianity created friendships, families, communities, even nations. Christianity created schools, universities, monasteries, convents.Christianity created beauty, art, architecture, music.
Christianity created "friendship in the Lord." Christianity brings about healing and new life.
Fear drives away love and healing.
Do not be afraid.