Pope Francis denounces “politics of fear,” says “all walls fall”

The “politics of fear” — here again, the Pope speaks as if fear were something always and in every case to be shunned, despised, and rejected. But is that really the case? The proper response to the jihad threat should not be fear, but determined resolution to stand for freedom; still, is fear really something that is tantamount to being morally wrong? If someone has a headache that lasts for days and goes to the doctor because he is afraid he has a serious illness, should the doctor say, “Go home and don’t give in to fear”? If a hiker is confronted by a hungry, ferocious lion, should he refuse to flee because that would be giving in to fear? “Mercy is the best antidote against fear.” And as for jihad terrorism, “the best antidote is love. Love heals everything. -- More...