The Rise Of Fear By Marilynne Robinson

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Faltering Faithfulness: The Rise In Fear
Fear is often characterized as an irrational sense of negativity toward the unknown or the unlikeable. In the eyes of many Americans, the majority of whom proclaim their Christian beliefs, this sensation is considered unavoidable. Marilynne Robinson argues in her article “Fear”, published by The New York Review of Books in 2015, that “...first, contemporary America is full of fear. And second, fear is not a Christian habit of mind” (Robinson 1). In other words, it is ‘unchristian’ to fear. In both the beginning and conclusion, she clearly expresses credibility through her extensive credentials and strong emotional arguments; however, this is overshadowed by the wordiness, sarcasm, and lack of…show more content…
Robinson’s use of her intelligence and lengthy career helps build an image of reliability within her argument initially. However, as citing facts soon turns to reciting history as if directly from a textbook, her wealth of knowledge becomes exhausting. Focus changes numerously from fear, to gun rights, to ever-changing religious views in the nation, and her argument lacks the clarity that it began with. In her effort to almost brag about how well-read she is, Marilynne completely loses sight of the purpose and the attention of the reader.
Robinson emphasizes some her argument on employing logical persuasion to counteract her shortcomings in credibility. It’s frequent that events in history can repeat themselves, and understanding the implications of past actions helps to prevent future mistakes. Fear is an emotion that is, in our society today, unavoidable. Yet, this is precisely what creates an atmosphere of political or social unrest within the nation and abroad. Because, it serves as a tool by which ideas can be spread or perhaps forced down upon those easily convinced. She cites guns as being a prime example of this case, saying: “gun sales stimulate gun sales,” and “when people see weapons, they have every reason on earth to fear the worst” (4 Robinson). Fear is better described as being ‘contagious’. As the threat of violence, for example, increases, the perceived need for violence in retaliation increases. The logical response
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