Reflection on Anger - Virtue or Vice

I do wonder about this thing of "anger;" so many messages! "Don't be angry." "Anger is bad." "Anger is a negative emotion."

But anger is "gift of God," a gift that is useful to us. Anger is a signal that something needs attention. Anger flairs, and I listen: someone has abused me, hurt me, taken advantage of me -- or someone else. Anger also provides energy. The adrenalin begins to flow; my face turns red; my blood pressure rises. I am alert and ready for action.

But what action? Listen to the signal; assess the real situation. Is there abuse/ridicule/destruction? Do I need to protect my "self" or another person? What's at stake? My reason needs to come into ply to answer that. But the energy of the anger, of the emotion, is still there to help move me to meet the conflict.

Is anger necessarily violent? (That is a fear many of us carry deep within us: "If I allow my anger to be played out, I will be violent and destructive.") No! Anger can provide the energy to seek what is right and healthy. I suspect that there was a bit of anger behind some of Jesus' responses to his opponents (see Mark 11:27ff.) as well as his cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15ff). Jesus' words and actions appear to be directed not at destroying people but at providing healthy priorities and perceptions.

Anger is given for a purpose. I do violence to myself and to my relationships with God and with others if I ignore or deny this anger.

Acknowledgment

Dick Poole is an ordained Lutheran minister. He received his M.Div. at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He has served in several capacities, and is currently on the staff of the Claret Center, a center for spiritual direction. Stauros is grateful to Rev. Poole for his insightful reflections.