I also struggle with the premise that anger is, in effect, useless except when focused on our own sin. I can see why Cassian would posit this, considering his broader teachings of a synergistic human role in our reconciliation with God over sin and our sanctification (semi- Pelagianism). I hold a more Augustinian and somewhat Calvinistic view on such things. But I understand that semi-Pelagian views still exist among faith filled Godly believers in the church today, so I choose grace in putting too much of a point on that. Cassian’s teachings have had a major influence on contemplative disciplines in the faith today, which I cherish. In any case, I have to disagree with his teaching here, as I believe that anger is innate to the fallen human condition and cannot be functionally eradicated by human will.
It seems to me that anger is an emotion which exists in the human soul as an antibody designed to manifest symptoms. Just as physical symptoms warn us about an illness or injury, anger warns us of a problem. This problem can be spiritual pain caused by sin, such as lust, greed or idolatry. Or anger can form in us or others due to our failure to practice kindness, self-discipline, humility or patience (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 15:1). All emotional distress at its core serves to warn us of spiritual or physical danger, as a part of God’s design. At this point I’m inclined to believe that anger can and does serve some useful purpose.
In the New Testament, there seems to be evidence that the Apostles recognized human anger and Godly anger as being two different things with different purposes. For example, James 1:19-20 says - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Paul also makes a similar point in Romans 12:19 - "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." I don’t think comparing acts of anger by God or Christ with human anger is helpful.
I would like to add that this type of thoughtful, articulate discussion is what helps us grow and serve as Christians. Thank you so much Myles for providing the venue and the opportunity.
The view that anger is *always* unproductive, with the exception of anger at our own vices, seems wrong to me, and evidently so. For one thing, God himself is presented in Scripture as at times motivated by wrath. You might say this is merely analogical, but even so, if God chooses to reveal himself in this way then, plausibly, among his reasons for doing so is to teach us that wrath should sometimes motivate the righteous. Otherwise, it would seem to suggest that God is presenting himself behaving unrighteously.
Moreover, Jesus exemplified all the virtues to the highest degree, and yet he was sometimes angry, and even acted on his anger. Anger - or "zeal" - drove him to the righteous pursuit of justice when he cleared the moneychangers from the temple. Hard to picture a serene, undisturbed Jesus doing that!
Also, maybe a more subtle analysis would undermine my self-assessment, but it seems to me from my own personal experience that there are certain good deeds I simply cannot do *unless* I am angry. So, for instance, I have trouble marshalling the courage to stand up for a colleague who's been mistreated once I've had time to cool down. Easier to become passive once my anger has cooled off and let the injustice slide. In many cases, this might be the wiser course of action. "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" (Pro. 19:11). But in some cases it is simply cowardice.
So I can't say I'm convinced at this point. The claim seems too strong. And I can't help but suspect that this picture of the perfectly unflappable holy man is utterly incompatible with the biblical portrait of the prophet who has stood in the divine council and has been sent out to reveal the passionate and often angry heart of God.
I also struggle with the premise that anger is, in effect, useless except when focused on our own sin. I can see why Cassian would posit this, considering his broader teachings of a synergistic human role in our reconciliation with God over sin and our sanctification (semi- Pelagianism). I hold a more Augustinian and somewhat Calvinistic view on such things. But I understand that semi-Pelagian views still exist among faith filled Godly believers in the church today, so I choose grace in putting too much of a point on that. Cassian’s teachings have had a major influence on contemplative disciplines in the faith today, which I cherish. In any case, I have to disagree with his teaching here, as I believe that anger is innate to the fallen human condition and cannot be functionally eradicated by human will.
It seems to me that anger is an emotion which exists in the human soul as an antibody designed to manifest symptoms. Just as physical symptoms warn us about an illness or injury, anger warns us of a problem. This problem can be spiritual pain caused by sin, such as lust, greed or idolatry. Or anger can form in us or others due to our failure to practice kindness, self-discipline, humility or patience (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 15:1). All emotional distress at its core serves to warn us of spiritual or physical danger, as a part of God’s design. At this point I’m inclined to believe that anger can and does serve some useful purpose.
In the New Testament, there seems to be evidence that the Apostles recognized human anger and Godly anger as being two different things with different purposes. For example, James 1:19-20 says - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Paul also makes a similar point in Romans 12:19 - "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." I don’t think comparing acts of anger by God or Christ with human anger is helpful.
I would like to add that this type of thoughtful, articulate discussion is what helps us grow and serve as Christians. Thank you so much Myles for providing the venue and the opportunity.
Yours Coram Deo,
Greg Williams
The view that anger is *always* unproductive, with the exception of anger at our own vices, seems wrong to me, and evidently so. For one thing, God himself is presented in Scripture as at times motivated by wrath. You might say this is merely analogical, but even so, if God chooses to reveal himself in this way then, plausibly, among his reasons for doing so is to teach us that wrath should sometimes motivate the righteous. Otherwise, it would seem to suggest that God is presenting himself behaving unrighteously.
Moreover, Jesus exemplified all the virtues to the highest degree, and yet he was sometimes angry, and even acted on his anger. Anger - or "zeal" - drove him to the righteous pursuit of justice when he cleared the moneychangers from the temple. Hard to picture a serene, undisturbed Jesus doing that!
Also, maybe a more subtle analysis would undermine my self-assessment, but it seems to me from my own personal experience that there are certain good deeds I simply cannot do *unless* I am angry. So, for instance, I have trouble marshalling the courage to stand up for a colleague who's been mistreated once I've had time to cool down. Easier to become passive once my anger has cooled off and let the injustice slide. In many cases, this might be the wiser course of action. "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" (Pro. 19:11). But in some cases it is simply cowardice.
So I can't say I'm convinced at this point. The claim seems too strong. And I can't help but suspect that this picture of the perfectly unflappable holy man is utterly incompatible with the biblical portrait of the prophet who has stood in the divine council and has been sent out to reveal the passionate and often angry heart of God.