I am almost obsessed with this topic. And the funny thing is that witnessing other peoples' anger can be hilarious. Look at Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers.
But dealing with your own can be truly onerous. And guilt-ridden. And just not funny.
I listened to a Catholic psychotherapist recently on this topic. He said in so many words "the only anger that is justified is when we are angry at the injustices suffered by other people." So we should be angry at the poor not getting enough aid in poor countries, for instance.
That news depressed me. Because I'd like to think some of my anger is justified. I hold on to this notion stubbornly! It is my right to be self-righteous!
Some therapists say that anger is a sign that something is wrong and needs attention. Usually us. But it might be as simple as being more assertive or preventing situations which trigger our anger.I don't quite subscribe to the view that "other people cant make you angry". How about if someone punches you in the face and knocks a tooth out? Just pray for them? Turn the other cheek? Well, my instinct tells me I should defend myself to prevent losing another tooth. And maybe I can use that anger as an energy surge.
I do subscribe to the view that we can channel our anger into positive action. To motivate us.
Maybe you have become too passive. Was Jesus passive? No. Was he knee jerk reactionary? No. But he did express anger and maybe that is the sign that we can too. There are people who think we shouldn't compare our anger to "Godly" anger. But that argument is unconvincing to me.
What I'm saying is embrace our own anger and turn it into gold! Get rid of the shame attached. And guilt. Use it to find new resources within. For greater motivation to spread the Kingdom of God! Be active. Not passive. And pray for guidance and wisdom to make good decisions.
But dealing with your own can be truly onerous. And guilt-ridden. And just not funny.
I listened to a Catholic psychotherapist recently on this topic. He said in so many words "the only anger that is justified is when we are angry at the injustices suffered by other people." So we should be angry at the poor not getting enough aid in poor countries, for instance.
That news depressed me. Because I'd like to think some of my anger is justified. I hold on to this notion stubbornly! It is my right to be self-righteous!
Some therapists say that anger is a sign that something is wrong and needs attention. Usually us.
But it might be as simple as being more assertive or preventing situations which trigger our anger.I don't quite subscribe to the view that "other people cant make you angry". How about if someone punches you in the face and knocks a tooth out? Just pray for them? Turn the other cheek? Well, my instinct tells me I should defend myself to prevent losing another tooth. And maybe I can use that anger as an energy surge.I do subscribe to the view that we can channel our anger into positive action. To motivate us.
Maybe you have become too passive. Was Jesus passive? No. Was he knee jerk reactionary? No. But he did express anger and maybe that is the sign that we can too. There are people who think we shouldn't compare our anger to "Godly" anger. But that argument is unconvincing to me.
What I'm saying is embrace our own anger and turn it into gold! Get rid of the shame attached. And guilt. Use it to find new resources within. For greater motivation to spread the Kingdom of God! Be active. Not passive. And pray for guidance and wisdom to make good decisions.
