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The Nearer You Stand


Synopsis


Roger Wagner is one of the most significant Christian artists and poets working today. This collection combines his poems and paintings in pairs to explore specific places and familiar biblical narratives, inviting us to see them from new and unexpected angles. Roger's poems and pictures range over a wide terrain. Some are located in particular places in Oxfordshire and Suffolk and in particular moments of spiritual autobiography. Others take their starting point from biblical stories or moments in church history. Together, they show that to grasp spiritual truths we often need to approach them from different directions at the same time.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Illusion of Safety

* Explores the false sense of security that people create around them.
* Example: A woman who locks her doors and windows tightly at night, believing that she is safe from intruders, despite the fact that she lives in a crime-ridden neighborhood.

Chapter 2: The Nature of Fear

* Defines fear as a normal human emotion that can be both adaptive and maladaptive.
* Example: A person who experiences anxiety in social situations may avoid these situations altogether, which can lead to social isolation.

Chapter 3: The Psychology of Danger

* Examines the factors that contribute to a sense of danger, including perceived threat, past experiences, and social norms.
* Example: A person who has been robbed in the past may be more fearful of being robbed again, even if the likelihood of it happening is low.

Chapter 4: The Culture of Fear

* Explores the ways in which fear is used to manipulate and control people.
* Example: Media outlets that report on crime sensationalistically, creating a perception of widespread danger and justifying increased security measures.

Chapter 5: The Illusion of Control

* Discusses the belief that we can control the dangers in our lives, which can lead to overconfidence and risky behavior.
* Example: A driver who speeds because they believe they have the skills to avoid accidents, even though they are aware of the risks involved.

Chapter 6: The Power of Trust

* Argues that trust is essential for creating a sense of safety and reducing fear.
* Example: A community that has strong social bonds and trust in authorities feels more secure than a community that is divided and distrustful.

Chapter 7: The Importance of Hope

* Explains the role of hope in overcoming fear and building resilience.
* Example: A person who has faced adversity may find hope in the support of their loved ones or in the belief that they can improve their situation.

Chapter 8: The Path to Fearlessness

* Offers practical strategies for reducing fear and living a more courageous life.
* Example: Engaging in activities that challenge your fears, such as public speaking or traveling to new places, can help you build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Chapter 9: The Ultimate Goal

* Concludes that the ultimate goal of overcoming fear is not to become fearless, but to live a life that is free from the paralyzing effects of fear.
* Example: A person who has overcome a traumatic experience may still feel fear, but they have learned to manage it and live a full and meaningful life.