Confidence without condemnation: fear in the process of deification

This article by American Orthodox theologian Aristotle Papanikolaou examines the role of fear in the process of deification (*theosis*) based on a lecture delivered in an academic and ecclesial context. Drawing on contemporary trauma psychology and the theology of Saint Maximus the Confessor, the author shows that fear — particularly fear of punishment — constitutes an obstacle to authentic love of God and neighbor. The study distinguishes several forms of fear and analyzes their dynamics in the spiritual life, before examining their effects in the ecclesial and political sphere, illustrated by religious fundamentalism and the war in Ukraine. Drawing also on Mother Maria Skobtsova and Elisabeth Behr-Sigel, the article argues for an integration of ascesis into eucharistic ecclesiology, so that Christian faith may be expressed in the world through trust and love rather than fear.