Fear and Faith: Pastor Fischer encourages hope in difficult times

Fear and Faith: Pastor Fischer encourages hope in difficult times

On October 26, 2025, while the world continues to be characterized by conflict and fear, Pastor Markus Fischer of the Lutheran Church in Erfurt speaks in his daily reflections about the treachery of fear and the hopeful message of faith. In his reflection on Saturday, October 25, he quotes biblical words that encourage us not to fear. Fischer makes it clear that God wants to give peace and that he sees himself as a child of God in his baptism. Despite the disturbing news that reaches us every day, he feels transformed by his faith, as MDR Thüringen reports.

On Friday, October 24, Fischer will speak about a biblical quote that says, “Men grow weary and faint, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” In an exciting comparison, he highlights how advertising often suggests an unrealistic reality, while God actually offers us strength and wisdom that we can draw on in everyday life. These words are particularly important when considering current conflicts and the search for peace.

The importance of community and faith

With a look at the responsibility of young people and their role as successors to their elders, Fischer reflects on the connection between generations. He observed these dynamic interactions while visiting friends in Erfurt on Thursday, October 23rd. As Fischer reflects on the meaning of community, it becomes clear that togetherness and mutual support are essential in times of upheaval.

In a survey on Tuesday, October 21, half of respondents said they view the Ten Commandments as a valuable benchmark for their lives. Fischer explains that it takes an inner change to truly live and apply the meaning of these commandments. It's a sign that people are yearning for ethical guidance - especially in a time marked by conflicts like those in the Middle East.

Especially in such tense situations it becomes even more clear how important peace and support are. The countless victims of current acts of violence, such as the Hamas attack on Israel, are remembered. These thoughts also flow into the peace prayers that stand for the hostages, for those who mourn and for the refugees who are seeking protection. A prayer calls for supporting people who are committed to ending violence and seeking peace - as EKHN impressively describes.

The role of religion in conflicts

The role of religion in violent conflict is complex and often misunderstood. A recent analysis shows that civil wars with religious connotations have increased. While religious tensions continue to shape moments of spectacle, religious communities can also contribute to promoting peace. This is an aspect that is often neglected in discussions about conflict hotspots such as Ukraine or the current conflicts in the Middle East. Political elites often demand religious legitimacy for their actions - as in the case of Russian Patriarch Kirill and his description of the attack on Ukraine as a "holy war", which does not reduce tensions in the region, but increases them. According to bpb, the willingness to use violence is often just a distorted image of religion itself and requires a differentiated look at the background.

In this time of uncertainty and challenge, it is essential that people come together to seek peace and find hope in community. Fischer and many others are committed to ensuring that faith is not just a place of refuge, but also makes an active contribution to shaping a more peaceful world.