Is it wrong or a bad thing to get angry?

Question

Soemtimes Christians who oppose what I say will claim that my motivation for saying X is because I am angry. They say this in attempt to dismiss validity from my argument(s). First of all, I may or may not be angry, but I do not see how that should make a difference. A good point is a good point no matter how I feel inside. Second, why is anger assumed to be such a bad thing? Being angry can lead to behavior that is wrong or unacceptable, but that does not necessarily mean that the anger itself is bad. Does not the god of the Christians allow himself to become angry if he finds it necessary? If God can do it and still be without sin, how can it be sinful for anyone else? If it is not sinful, how can it be wrong to the Christian?

Zach de la Rocha says that "anger is a gift." I would say that anger could be just as much of a curse as it can be a gift. It is what you make of it that counts.

Answer 1

Anger serves an evolutionary purpose. It is generated by some of the most ancient structures in the brain, structures that would not have been retained if they were not useful.

Generally speaking, anger alerts us to the possibility that something is wrong and should be changed. Anger is a great motivator. Anger, in itself, is not a bad thing -- like all emotions, it just *is*. However, what we choose to do with it can be helpful or harmful.

Answer 2

I agree, anger is a feeling exhibited by God also. It is not necessarily being angry that is the problem, it is what we do with it. There are many methods that can be used to control our behavior in reaction to the event that triggered the anger. There are constructive ways to deal with it. To say we should never be angry or express angry is asking for trouble though, because than it can build until it explodes. Better to recognize the anger, don't react, explain why you feel that way, and decide on an action to resolve it.

Answer 3

Anger is one of the seven deadly sins, yes? So, it would stand to reason that Christians think that anger is an extremely bad thing. I will say that I agree with the anger being a gift and a curse, it all depends on the situation. I know that my anger has helped me out of a few tough spots.

Answer 4

I find that anger blinds action and judgment, and makes everything you do sloppier and less true to your calmer, level-headed self. It is far more of a curse than anything else (I've been told you can use anger constructively, but I have nothing but bad things to think about the emotion).

Answer 5

anger is an energy.
it is an energy that rises from a conflict within us, caused by diiferent (usually external) stimuli.
anger in itself is not bad, just like a nuclear reactor is not bad. it can actually lead to many good things.
history (and the bible) is full of examples where anger was chanelled towards what the person chanelling it considered "good".
if you get angry, it means you care about things enough to feel an emotion about them. what you do with it... is what determines what kind of a person you are.

Answer 6

Let me just say that most Christians are happy people because they know the grace of god and that he will allways be there for them. It is good to feel all emotions starting at a young age so when you get older you won't be overwhelmed by feelings you are feeling and you will be able to get through it.

To shorten the answer yes Christains do get mad, angry and even sad. but remember 60 seconds that you feel angry or mad is a minute of happiness you will never get back.

Answer 7

those who cling to a narrow ideal (Christian or other) always look for ways to dismiss/minimize/marginalize any contrary view. Dismissal on a tangental reason is the best; one does not need to approach the validity of the opposing view if it is dismissed on the outset - such as "anger," the "liberal media," or any number of knee-jerk dismissal mechanisms.

Anger does not invalidate what one has to say.

Answer 8

Getting angry is not wrong in and of itself. The way you express that anger is where trouble has a chance to begin.

Answer 9

the Bible doesn't say anger is a sin. Ephesians 4:26 creates a distinction between the two.

Answer 10

Wise words. It IS what you make of it that counts.

I have lost my temper here several times. Homosexuality and abortion are two causes that I am passionate about. Ignorance has pissed me off. I admit that my anger made no difference to the religious though, it only hurt me.