Good
and Angry by David Powlison
Counselor and Professor David Powlison has written a gem
in his new book called Good and Angry.
Many books on the subject of anger come up with seven solutions to solve
anger issues or focus on techniques that someone can do before they get angry,
David’s book does not solve the so-called problem of anger but promotes ways to
think through and talk through anger that are wise and true. Further, David looks at avenues by which good
comes from a right kind of anger.
To begin the book, David points to various personalities of
anger or ways people carry out their anger; whether its domestic gunslingers,
volcanoes, or icebergs. I resonated with
the iceberg person who does not explode when angry but keeps a growing list of those
who have wronged you and will at times verbally unload the list on a person
when hurt. This kind of anger rarely
causes two parties to come together in apologies but usually exacerbates
bitterness. The interesting point that
David brings to bear concerning iceberg angry people is that generally all the
hurt or anger surrounds upon the person bringing up all the past hurt. Seldom does the angry person realize that
they are part of the vicious cycle that continues the unbridled anger.
Anger is an activity that is learned also. Powlison writes, “A father who routinely
damns the weather, yells in traffic, and demeans his wife is training his
children to do likewise.” (67) He goes
on, “Constructive anger is also learned from role models…Did you ever know a
parent or close friend, a teacher or coach, who was patient and generous with others,
not easily set off?” (67) We want to
provide good role models for our children and yet we allow bad habits and
practices to foster a sinister witness for anger’s demise in our own
children. It’s possible though to
unlearn bad behavior patterns in anger and to emulate those who carefully weave
through anger in patient and long suffering ways.
The section on Anger with God is appropriate considering
both the struggles humans face on earth and the experience of the
psalmists. Yet, I do admit that I think
Powlison stretches a bit too far in saying that, “Anger at God is wrong.”
(226) Many kinds of anger at God are due
to unmet desires or putting on God things he never promised us. Yet, our visceral response to God in the
moment of intense suffering, pain, loss, and struggle doesn’t necessarily come
from a place of sin or misconception of God, but a real human dealing with a
broken world and messed up relationships.
Overall, this is a wonderful book that passes bye pat
answers and digs into the nitty gritty of anger on this earth. With a fully orbed biblical understanding,
Powlison gives us a fresh book on anger.
Thanks to New Growth Press and Cross Focused Reviews for
the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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