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MEDIA REVIEWS ABOUT THE FEAR FACTOR
1. A challenge to walk in freedom, March 23, 2005
Reviewer: mrs louise e gunn from Kent, United Kingdom
This is by far the most comprehensive book I have read on dealing with fear. It is relevant
to business and personal life, teachers and counsellors, Christians and non-Christians - to
people from all walks of life. Shomade has a way of dealing with the subject that is far
from condescending. Rather, he puts the reader at ease with an informal, easy-to-read
style, and explores the main fears we can all relate to - fear of failure, fear of man, fear of
change, fear of death, and so on. He presents the antidotes and practical steps to
overcoming each fear, and brings illumination to the fear of God which dispels all other
fears.
The author is both positive and practical in his approach. He describes how love drives
out fear and how to walk freely in love. He looks not just at the fear of failure but also at
how to walk in success and what spiritual success actually looks like. I found his
exposition on the fear of man both helpful and profound: "Instead of needing people
more, we need to love them more" - surely this turns the situation around and allows us to
walk in the freedom of a healthy fear of God. I liked the fact that while this is a book
about fear, the main focus is on God and the importance of remaining in a close personal
relationship with Him.
This is not a trite rendition on the problem of fear. It does not shirk from the tough topics.
The author examines how to stand in faith over the fear of death and how to counsel
others through it, even those who are terminally ill. He writes freely about the fears
which most of us are afraid to confess. The text is punctuated with the author's own
personal experiences which he describes frankly and with humility. It is also packed with
scripture and the model example of biblical characters who learned to live free from fear.
I found the book to be rock solid in its theology. There is also a helpful comparison of
Christianity with other world religions and how they relate to their own deities in the
issue of fear. This book is an inspiring and practical tool to living on a higher level - free
from fear as God intended. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
2. Media Reviews:
The words in this book come directly from the heart of the author. His sincere desire to help
people is evident on every page. Readers will be inspired to embrace this teaching in a true spirit
of faith.
The basic premise is that we all fear something. Therefore, this book is for everyone. Although
fear can cripple us, the power of God’s Word can set us free. These pages are a marvelous
combination of scriptural teaching, encouragement, practical advice, and personal testimonies.
After defining fear, the author classifies it into different levels for a more thorough inspection. He
has a firm understanding of this subject, and writes with sympathy and spiritual insight. Each
chapter ends with a selection of Bible verses that reinforces this teaching.
Throughout these pages, the author is quick to point to God as the source of our help. Readers
will understand that victory over fear only comes through a vibrant faith in the Almighty. The
writing style is both honest and humble. The author walks alongside his audience, giving
guidance and providing comfort. This approach causes his words to flow with a sweet sincerity.
His personal accounts offer hope and allow readers to see how he lives in the light of this truth.
Although the book primarily deals with overcoming fear, the author carefully explains the
message of salvation. As a former Muslim, he has a desire for everyone to know the liberating
power of Jesus as Savior. The Gospel is interwoven throughout each chapter in a dynamic way,
with a clear summary at the end of the book. These pages glorify God, while giving readers a
gateway into a more meaningful way of life. –
Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com
3. The Fear Factor: A helpful book for such a time like this, July 23,
2005
Reviewer: Christian Book Fair "Christian Book Fair" (Iowa City, Iowa) - See all my reviews
Against the backdrop of global terror, ozone layer depletion, economic downturn,
upsurge of divorce, and other hard-hitting societal ills that put people under a lot of
pressure, this is a book whose time has come.
The author, Akeem Shomade, obviously did his homework well.
He not only analyzes the problem of fear in its prevailing forms but most importantly
offers a Bible-based solution in an easy to understand way. He then goes on to
encourage his readers to apply the solution, thus making his a book that is not just
"for the reading" but also "for the doing".
Having being involved with books for about two decades, as an avid reader,
reviewer, editor, author, bookstore proprietor, and organizer of Mid-Western
Christian Book Fair, I know a good book when I see one. Here is a good book.
Anyone battling with fear of death, fear of job loss, fear of divorce, fear of rejection,
fear of failure and even fear of fear itself, will find Akeem Shomade's The Factor
Factor a very helpful resource.
Interestingly, it encourages one type of fear - the fear of God, which Proverbs 8:13
says is hatred of sin.



Excerpt:
What is Fear?
1. The Longman Modern English dictionary describes fear as the instinctive emotion aroused by
impending or seeming danger, pain or evil.1 Believe it or not, it also talks about awe and
reverence in the fear of God.
2. Some people regard F.E.A.R as:
F-alse
E-vidence
A-ppearing
R-eal
3. Others define fear as the body's natural response system that alerts us to the presence of
danger and directs our focus towards self-protection.
4. I describe a fearful person as someone filled with an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing,
and a despairing heart. A person who lives in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and
day. My definition comes from Deuteronomy 28:65-67.
None of the above perfectly defines fear because some fears are induced by spiritual forces that
originate from Satan (as with definition 4). Others are the body’s natural response designed by
our Maker to protect us from impending danger (definitions 1 and 3). Yet there is a higher call to
fear (respect), worship and obey God for who He is, as our Creator who made us perfectly in His
own image. This is the fear of the Lord. Definition 2 challenges us to let our faith defy fear and
continue to believe in the day of trouble, not letting what we see or feel define us. It is a
challenge to use our faith positively to "crowd out" unhealthy fear and focus on the scripture that
says, "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17).
In his book When Fear Seems Overwhelming2 Tim Jackson asserts that scientists have
discovered some bodily cells called the 'amygdala', which function as a control-centre for our
fear’s response. These cells activate almost every needed system within the body to deal with
the danger at hand. He adds that, when the system misfires, medical intervention is needed to
restore balance in the brain, and a failure to do so may lead to undue levels of fear, anxiety,
panic, and depression. Whilst I believe that God uses doctors to treat people, it is important that
we guard against thinking that fear or any other emotional response is simply a function of
science. God has the final say on everything that concerns those who believe in Him.
Definition 3, above, fails to recognise that everything we are or have belongs to God (our
abilities, talents, etc.) and is therefore not our own. So we have nothing to lose and as a result
nothing to fear. The problem is that we think things belong to us.
In addition, definition 4, above, seems like fear that comes from a spiritual force induced by
Satan. However, I must quickly point out that not all fear is a spirit; and that not all unpleasant
emotions are wrong. We know that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of
love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)
We also know that, our Lord is a good God and He works with our faith. Is it not said "without
faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6)? Fear (like the devil) roars because it
pretends to be like a lion; but when you confront it, it runs away! Jesus is the Lion of Judah.
Faith - The Opposite of Fear
How then do we build our faith in God? By seeking Him diligently and believing His Word, for it is
written "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17). We also know that "faith comes from
hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).
The author of the letter to the Hebrews defines faith as "being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see" and then goes on to list the great deeds that the people of Israel
had accomplished 'by faith' (Hebrews 11:1-40).
In the synoptic gospels faith is the operative factor in many of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus is
impressed by the faith of the centurion and so heals his son (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus marvels at
the faith of those who brought the paralytic man (Matthew 9:2). When Jesus tells the father of a
demon-possessed boy that "all things are possible for the one who believes/has faith," the man
responds "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24). John’s gospel
emphasises having faith throughout and states its purpose as being to lead people to believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31).
God is the source of faith and every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He would not bless us
today with a gift of 'faith' and take it back tomorrow, only to replace it with fear.
Faith in God will give us inner peace when all we see around us is turmoil. Scripture tells us that
faith is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). However, to get the best out of every gift, you need to
use it. Likewise, we need to act out what we believe and obey His commands.
Did I hear you say, "For it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:8), and therefore no
human effort can contribute to our salvation? This statement is not only true, but it is also
profound and delivers us from dead works.
May I declare boldly that our world is full of people who God has been speaking to for a while:
calling them, loving them, and yet they have resolved to harden their hearts or have allowed past
experiences to cloud their judgment. All of us that fall into this category need to realise that no
response to the love of God means no action. No action means the loss of an opportunity to be
restored into a loving relationship with God.
What has that to do with fear? Well, some of us are anxious of the unknown and as a result we
walk by sight. We operate by the worldly principle "seeing is believing". When the disciples of
Jesus were facing the storm on the sea, they were very afraid. However, Jesus responded by
saying "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26, New KJV). Like the disciples,
Jesus wants us to believe that our boat will not sink if He is in it with us.
The writer of the famous book Feel the Fear But Do It Anyway classifies fear into three levels.
Level 1 (situation oriented); level 2 (ego related); and level 3 (I can’t handle it!). I have
used some of Susan Jeffers classifications below because I think we can all relate to
them, and it is an established fact that simple and uncomplicated things are usually very
effective. However, I need to mention that the levels described below are not in any
particular order.
What do you fear? - Three levels of fear3
LEVEL "A" FEARS - Situation oriented
Almost certain to occur:
• Getting old
• Retirement
• Children leaving familiar environment
• Dying
Possible actions in the face of change:
• Decision making
• Career change
• Making friends
• Beginning or ending a relationship
• Asserting oneself
• Learning to drive
• Losing weight
• Public speaking (to gain/regain confidence)
You are not alone if you identify with some or all of the above.
LEVEL "B" FEARS – What if?
• What if I am rejected? What if I meet with people's disapproval?
• What if I fail? What if I lose my image in the eyes of others?
This deals with the inner states of mind, rather than with exterior situations. This reflects our
sense of self and abilities to handle this world. Fear of rejection will affect every area of your life -
friends, intimate relationships, job interviews etc.
LEVEL "C" FEARS - The "I can’t" syndrome
• I can’t handle illness I can’t handle making a mistake
• I can’t handle getting old I can’t handle losing my job or not getting the job.
• I can’t handle being alone I can’t handle making a fool of myself
Some of us may say, "I fear nothing or no one". My honest reply to that person is "Well done my
brave heart". But can you really say, "I’ve never had a true encounter with fear in my life?" If
your answer is still "Yes", please permit me to awaken your senses and remind you that you
may have lost touch with the past or that the truth is not in you.
You may quote to me - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). Well done, you are well versed in Scripture. But I’m
sure the Holy Spirit will remind you about the time when you feared for safety of your child,
spouse, friends or loved ones!
In 1 Timothy 4:12, the apostle Paul had to build up Timothy’s confidence by encouraging him to
be focused, not allowing anyone to intimidate him. Apparently, lack of confidence and
experience, and the fear of intimidation had prevented Timothy from being effective at the initial
stages of his ministry. Paul became an effective instrument in removing the gremlin of fear from
Timothy by using the technique of love.
We all fear something and the Lord is well aware of our concerns. It is not a bad thing for us to
feel the full fragility of our lives, providing it makes us turn to the Giver of light. We ought to
remember that the Spirit of God gives us the power to face our foes, imparts in us the love to
overcome evil with good, and the discipline to persevere through our trials. In fact, God is
greater than the most severe threats we could ever face in life and in Him we have the power to
turn fear into faith.
A Note from the Author
Some people say “I am fearless” and yet others declare without repenting that “we all fear
something”. Irrespective of the school of thought you subscribe to, together we will identify the
fear factors in our lives and apply divine wisdom to cast them out. Be resolved never to be a
slave to fear any longer because you can master it!
Since The Fear Factor was published in March 2005, some people (friends included) have told
me they are brave heart! I still maintain that a person who says he has never been afraid in his
live is either a brave heart, suffers from amnesia or the truth has taken a permanent leave of
absence in him! Brave hearts are usually ordinary people, like you and I, who have pushed
through frightening and terrifying circumstances, conquered their fears and anxieties to achieve
a particular result in spite of the odds being stacked against them. Some even use fear as the
stepping stone to achieve greatness beyond their imagination - they have mastered fear.
Fear of failure
Having spoken to a number of people about what stops them from pursuing their dreams and
achieving God’s purpose for their lives, it is apparent to me that the fear of failure occupies a
prominent position. Has the fear of failure kept you from trying or putting serious effort into your
project? May I inform you that, the person who fails to start learning the job assigned to him
because he is afraid has simply failed from the beginning. Such a person cannot take a step
backward to trace the point of deviation from the original plan or find out where the original plan
was derailed. The person who fails to start is the one who has really failed. Failure and false
starts are a precondition, and a major contributor to success. We need to put failures behind us
and strive forward to reach new goals ahead. Seek good counsel because there is wisdom in a
multitude of counselors (Proverbs 24:6). Be focused and determined to succeed irrespective of
circumstances or limitation. Gaining victory over our fears is a matter of choice – therefore
choose not to be a slave to your fears.
Fear of Death
Death is the result of the fallen state of mankind and probably the cause of more secret concern
than most of us probably care to admit. Repressing frank discussion about this subject is
unhealthy. Life and death belong to God. Jesus suffered death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9) and
His resurrection is a clear sign of our resurrection. Jesus transformed death into new life, which
shows us Christians that we should not fear death because the power that resurrected Jesus is
still available to us today. There is a real loss in death. We should not deny this; to do so is to
create a delusion. It is the way we think about the loss that is most important. If we adopt a
negative approach, a loss could send us to the edge of depression, to the extent that we find no
reason to continue living. A positive approach involves accepting the loss, confronting it by
grieving, and then moving on. Jesus victory over death delivered those who have lived their lives
as slaves to the fear of dying (Hebrews 2:14-14). As we enter into Christ’s finished work on the
Cross, we begin to live beyond death: we begin to live eternally on this earth. It takes divine
wisdom for us to recognize the wonderful life Jesus has given to us through His shed blood on
the Cross. Christians should affirm the saying of Jesus, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet he shall live” (John 11:25, KJV).
Fear of the Lord – the beginning of wisdom
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is more than knowledge, more than
understanding; it is more than the collection of facts and theology, and is the kind of insight and
foreknowledge that the world cannot give us. The fear of the Lord springs from the recognition
that my eternal God gave His beloved Son for me, taking upon Himself my sin and my misery.
He gave His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins, and through our faith in Him we
are saved and become joint heirs to the throne. This fear of the Lord emanates from the
discovery that we did not merit this gift of sonship, but that it has nevertheless been given to us
by race through the love of a wonderful Father. When we discover that fear of the Lord is a prerequisite
to a true relationship with the Father, we have embraced wisdom. The fear of the Lord
should be very real to us individually. It should not be triggered by anxiety, intimidation, nor
should the endless keeping of rules for it be inspired from our spirits and born of gratitude to
Him. Fear of God is liberating and not restrictive, because it gives confidence about the true
order of the world. When we fear Him we will choose to live by His commands, which bring true
freedom.
My theology is simple: be aligned with the owner of heaven and earth rather than pursuing the
created things. When you have jesus you become joint-heir to the throne and inherit everything
by virtue of being a blood relation. Let praise come from your heart because God inhabits the
praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). A heart full of praise cannot be a fearful one, because praise
and worship brings us into the presence of our awesome God.
Fear of Man
Fear can come from human intimidation and fuelled by irrational anxiety. We are paralysed by
the thought of what man will do to us because of our failure or refusal to do certain things. Fear
of man is one of the barriers of coming to God, hearing from him and doing His will. When we
fear men we are putting them above God. Proverbs 14:27 admonishes us to fear the Lord
because fear of the Lord is a life-giving foundation and it offers us escape from the snares of
death. According to Job 24:20, the wicked are exalted for a little while but are gone and brought
low in the next moment, cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. The psalmist said, they shall soon
be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb (Psalm 37:1-2). It is wickedness and
spiritual witchcraft to put people under the bondage of fear. We have an assurance that the Lord
will break the power of the wicked and uphold the righteous, whose future will be filled with
peace (Psalm 37:35-37). It is important to know that we are blessed if we suffer for the sake of
righteousness, and that we need not fear intimidation by the world (1 Peter 3:14).
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Many seek
an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice” (proverbs 29:25-26).
Fear of Change
Change is taking place every day, whether we acknowledge its occurrence or not. In the midst of
these changes, some people are still holding out for constancy, or finding it difficult to make
lasting changes in their lives. Jesus has always been interested in our inward changes and our
spiritual transformation from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. It is comforting to
know that God meets us in the midst of these changes. We need the help and presence of God
to win victory against a multitude of credible oppositions and circumstances that seek to frustrate
our journey with change. The first step to conquering the fear of change is to call on God for
strength to confront it, rather than seeking temporary relief through avoidance tactics.
From fear to Love
In 1 John 4:18, John points out that perfect love casts out fear. However it is also true that fear
can cast out love if we have empowered anxieties, strife, envy, suspicion, and driven love and
goodwill to the background of our lives. Most of us come up short in this and so need a fresh
outpouring of God’s love. But this love can only be received if we are willing to be open to God
and are ready to co-operate with His purposes. Our love-bank can only be filled and enriched
when we surrender to the love of God, and remain in regular communion with Him. The love of
God is the only solution for dealing with our pride and prejudices. Fear will not be driven from our
hearts by resolution only, but willingly receiving the very Spirit of Love. The church must be
conscious of and concerned about the needs of her people, and let love for them galvanise her
to action. As we strive to rid ourselves of fear, we realise that it is a mighty challenge, so we are
driven back to God, who is love. It is only from Him that we can draw our supply of compassion
and attitude of self-giving. It is Jesus who can transform us from being people with a limited
ability to love, into those who can feel real concern for the condition of others who are far outside
our normal circle. It is through Jesus that we find courage to go into unpromising situations and
see them redeemed through the power of His love.
“The more we fear, the less we love; the more we love, the less we fear; but love conquers all
fears” – Akeem Shomade