A difficult, intriguing biblical injunction urges, “Be angry, but sin not!” (Ephesians 4:45-46). Difficulty and confusion increase over the question, “Is it possible to be angry and not sin?”
One might answer, “Probably not!” Sufficient examples show devastating results from anger, rage and wrath. Road rage, terrifying shootings, destruction and death increase in numbers and intensity. Anger at home results in domestic violence that stunts lives of both parents and children. Anger is a powerful emotion. Some speakers spark anger in a crowd to produce action, often with fighting words—fight against those ideas; destroy that group or person; hang them! Harm to individuals, property, and the fabric of society often result. No! it is not possible to be angry and not sin.
On the other hand, aren’t there some situations, actions and decisions that should cause people to be angry enough to take corrective action? Unprovoked war in Ukraine brings terrible suffering to families and destruction of homes and infrastructure. It is reasonable to be angry enough to do something to bring protection, comfort and healing. Hunger and homelessness afflicting children in the wealthiest countries blessed with abundance are a disgrace. Senseless drive by shootings and racist actions trigger neighborhood fear and anger. The conundrum is to see how to be angry and not cause more damage to yourself and others.
Synonyms express a range of meanings and types of emotion associated with anger. Anger, fury, wrath, rage and indignation imply deep and strong feelings aroused by injury, injustice, wrong, or hurt. Anger is the general term for a sudden violent displeasure, whereas indignation implies deep and justified anger. Would righteous indignation be OK? Unfortunately, some leaders wrap themselves in self-righteous indignation in order to inflame followers’ emotions and actions. A better word is lament. Lament for wrongs that harm individuals and their wellbeing is an appropriate and healthy response — especially so if lament leads persons and groups toward reasonable and justifiable actions to address the causes of that harm.
Anger is often generated by fear. The combination of fear and anger is a toxic mix. Ronald Heifetz, a Harvard sociologist, observes that change, especially rapid change, causes strong opposition fueled by fear. Therefore, a leader who initiates constructive change, must first seek to understand what opponents are afraid of losing. That could provide a basis for fruitful negotiations leading to cooperative constructive change.
We are certainly in a period of rapid change that generates heat and even firestorms in our society. Our elderly have experienced periods of both calm and change, and have complained about unwelcomed changes. Current change and reactions are worse. Earlier changes seemed incremental leading to manageable turmoil. Current changes are exponential at a dizzying speed causing much fear, anger and disruption.
How, then, to be angry or indignant and not sin? The statement adds two parameters. The first is, don’t let the sin go down on your anger/wrath! An immediate flash of anger seems natural, but undisciplined and festering anger explodes, inward and outward. Controlling anger or indignation to inspire reason and constructive response is essential to personal and social well being. The second word of guidance is, do not make room for the devil. In other words: Don’t let anger make you demonic, and don’t let it turn our community into a hell on earth!
Channeling disciplined emotions and indignation toward peaceful actions is essential to finding positive solutions to real difficulties and fears generated by exponential change. Only so will we maintain a peaceful society in which we and all our neighbors can flourish.
Raymond B. Williams, Crawfordsville, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus, contributed this guest column.
