I don’t think it’s just me. Many of my acquaintances have mentioned the same thing. Specifically, that there seems to be more anger being expressed these days. If that is your observation as well, you might ask yourself why this is so? Why are so many of us seduced by anger? Whether one is dealing with road rage, a political disagreement, an argument with one’s spouse or bullying in school, anger can often lead to regrettable actions.  

The Bible cautions against anger and wrath in many places. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath” Ps 37:8, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov 15:1. 

I would argue that a certain level of anger can be a good thing. For example, taking a stand against an unjust law or confronting a bully may require a degree of controlled anger. But when anger crosses the line into unbridled wrath and hatred, it ceases to be beneficial.  

Much of today’s political climate is built on a model of keeping people perpetually angry. There is a reason for this. Studies show that anger influences group dynamics. When we feel angry, we tend to think more negatively and in a more prejudiced way about outsiders, becoming more likely to blame negative traits on a person’s nature rather than circumstances. Angry people seek someone to blame and that can spiral into irrational rage. A new study also recently concluded that anger increases one’s susceptibility to misinformation. 

In this era of media bombardment, we would all do well to monitor carefully the things we listen to and are influenced by. There is often a motive behind what gets put on the airwaves. Are we alert to this influence or hypnotized by the drama? As cautioned in Ecclesiastes, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”   

As human beings, we are all prone to this danger and it takes daily vigilance and practice to not be drawn into the black hole of wrath. No wonder Paul admonishes us to rid our minds of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy-language, Col. 3:8. If we all start today to be alert to this virus, how much better the world could be. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.