We saw Guardians of the Galaxy in the theater last year during the week of its release. Aside from laughter and fun with friends, the following was one of the results of having seen the movie.
We saw Guardians of the Galaxy last night.
At one point in the film, Groot, the giant tree-thing, who can 'grow' his existing limbs (or new ones) to any length, defeats a slew of 'bad guys' by slamming them against the walls of a tunnel, thereby temporarily saving his friends. It was comical in the "Tom & Jerry" vein; I was chuckling along with everyone else in the theater. That is, until I saw his face flash on the screen... and began to cry. I am assuming everyone else saw a big, tree-like thing beating up bad guys, followed by a child-like grin, seeking approval from his friends. Or something like that.
Me? I'm not sure what I saw. Rage, I think describes it best.
Rage, according to Merriam-Webster, is out-of-control anger (or the new, hottest thing). Stepping back from uncontrollable anger, simply gives us anger. But where does anger come from?
Every therapist/counselor worth their salt will tell you that anger is a secondary emotion. So few people seem to care that this is a fact, and fewer, still, ever talk about the primary emotions.
We're content judging people for their outbursts of anger, for letting the 'rage monster' out. There are too few people willing to actually engage other people in truth. It's no surprise to me that violence--in movies, on Saturday mornings, in our video games--is so popular, and has been for decades; it's the only outlet some people seem to have. It's why the Incredible Hulk is a Superhero idolized by millions. It's why depression is a plague.
With a rolling of the eyes and a quick glance at our friends, we think, "Wow, he's angry." Which really means: God, how annoying...
It's everywhere. It's even in the Christian church (some might say especially in the church).
And how do we Christians deal with it? One popular message in many churches is simply this: Anger is sin. So stop it.
"Man's anger doesn't bring about the righteousness of God." No, God brings about the righteousness of God, so we can all take a deep breath and relax.
"The Bible tells us to not be angry." Translated: No one cares enough to deal with what might be causing your anger. We're content with status quo and you should be, too. So please, just be quiet and go away; that's what good Christians do.
"Don't be angry", they say, and that's where the conversation is supposed to end. Scripture followed by alienation.
I take issue with these approaches, mainly because I believe they're unbiblical -- at least according to Jesus. We need to approach each other like He did--if, of course, we really are His disciples...
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matt. 11:28
You're hurting? Come here and rest.
We saw Guardians of the Galaxy last night.
At one point in the film, Groot, the giant tree-thing, who can 'grow' his existing limbs (or new ones) to any length, defeats a slew of 'bad guys' by slamming them against the walls of a tunnel, thereby temporarily saving his friends. It was comical in the "Tom & Jerry" vein; I was chuckling along with everyone else in the theater. That is, until I saw his face flash on the screen... and began to cry. I am assuming everyone else saw a big, tree-like thing beating up bad guys, followed by a child-like grin, seeking approval from his friends. Or something like that.
Me? I'm not sure what I saw. Rage, I think describes it best.
Rage, according to Merriam-Webster, is out-of-control anger (or the new, hottest thing). Stepping back from uncontrollable anger, simply gives us anger. But where does anger come from?
Every therapist/counselor worth their salt will tell you that anger is a secondary emotion. So few people seem to care that this is a fact, and fewer, still, ever talk about the primary emotions.
We're content judging people for their outbursts of anger, for letting the 'rage monster' out. There are too few people willing to actually engage other people in truth. It's no surprise to me that violence--in movies, on Saturday mornings, in our video games--is so popular, and has been for decades; it's the only outlet some people seem to have. It's why the Incredible Hulk is a Superhero idolized by millions. It's why depression is a plague.
With a rolling of the eyes and a quick glance at our friends, we think, "Wow, he's angry." Which really means: God, how annoying...
It's everywhere. It's even in the Christian church (some might say especially in the church).
And how do we Christians deal with it? One popular message in many churches is simply this: Anger is sin. So stop it.
"Man's anger doesn't bring about the righteousness of God." No, God brings about the righteousness of God, so we can all take a deep breath and relax.
"The Bible tells us to not be angry." Translated: No one cares enough to deal with what might be causing your anger. We're content with status quo and you should be, too. So please, just be quiet and go away; that's what good Christians do.
"Don't be angry", they say, and that's where the conversation is supposed to end. Scripture followed by alienation.
I take issue with these approaches, mainly because I believe they're unbiblical -- at least according to Jesus. We need to approach each other like He did--if, of course, we really are His disciples...
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matt. 11:28
You're hurting? Come here and rest.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3 The opposite of 'be quiet, you're annoying and need to repent.'
Paul talks about anger, instructing us to not sin "in our anger"--which I find interesting (see Ephesians). Jesus' brother, James, tells us that the anger of man doesn't accomplish the righteousness of God. He also tells us to "get rid of all moral filth". It would seem the other hidden sins being committed don't bring about God's righteousness, either...
Ashley Madison might have as much to do with the anemia of the church as anger does... same disease, different self-medication.
But I digress.
Don't be angry (or carousing, drunk, worried, greedy, dissatisfied, or afraid)...
Paul talks about anger, instructing us to not sin "in our anger"--which I find interesting (see Ephesians). Jesus' brother, James, tells us that the anger of man doesn't accomplish the righteousness of God. He also tells us to "get rid of all moral filth". It would seem the other hidden sins being committed don't bring about God's righteousness, either...
Ashley Madison might have as much to do with the anemia of the church as anger does... same disease, different self-medication.
But I digress.
Don't be angry (or carousing, drunk, worried, greedy, dissatisfied, or afraid)...
Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. - Jesus, Luke 21:33-35
Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, we may boldly say:
The Lord is my helper;I will not be afraid.What can man do to me? - Hebrews 13:5-7
Few people seem to care why a person might possibly be angry, as long as that person will just stop being angry. It seems we can't handle feeling uncomfortable for more than 0.8 seconds. Every angry person I've ever encountered (when I've taken the time to talk with him or her) has expressed feelings of pain--shame, loneliness, loss--and more often than not, began to cry.
Why do we live in a society where emotional pain is ignored or mocked? (Man up!, we say.)
Why does it take a movie theater or an elementary school being shot to pieces before ANYONE asks, "Well, huh, what do you think was wrong with him?"
Why does a celebrity's suicide create a resounding parade of condolences and sentiment (and scripture ensuring we know that celebrity's eternal outcome)? Because no one cares when it actually counts.
No. Not one.
It's not allowed. Don't talk about your pain. No one wants to hear it. "Who cares what your [family member of your choice here] was like?" "Grow up!" "When I was your age..."
We are all the priest or the Levite passing by the dying man on the side of the road: No mercy; no compassion.
"Someone else will help".
Or maybe we pass by because God doesn't want us associating with those people?
But maybe God, in His mercy, says -- no, shouts (as CS Lewis might say): "I CARE! I WANT TO HELP! I'LL HOLD YOU! I'M WILLING TO DIE IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES!"
But not me. ... No, not us.
We'd rather gather in the marketplaces and discuss the latest horror to come across the CNN/FOX newsfeed than reach out beforehand, because we really wanted to go see The Dark Knight Rises without having to think.
"But he was such a nice guy..." we say, surprised.
Who are we kidding? We never take the time to understand the 'nice guys' before these catastrophes take place. So how can we be surprised by anything they might do? There are too many people on the sides of the roads (and in our churches!) and too few Good Samaritans.
God, send more Good Samaritans! Please.
When anger rears its ugly head, people are quick to slap a scripture band-aid on the angry person, or worse, choose to be afraid of the "rage monster" (which, by the way, is a direct disobedience of God, His angels, and Jesus: 'Do not be afraid', 'Fear not', '... we have not been given a spirit of fear').
Ironically, throughout the Old Testament, the phrase, "In my anger" (referring to God, Himself) abounds; the number of times varies according to the translation of your choice.
Jesus was angry when He thrashed the temple.
As Jesus approached the home of Mary and Martha, just after their brother, Lazarus, had died, He "saw [Mary] crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved." (John 11:33, HCSB, emphasis added)
So, I have another question: if Jesus can be angry, is anger truly a sin? Or is it simply an emotion, you know, something that makes most of us uncomfortable?
Now, for those of you who are becoming... upset(?), I hope this isn't being read as a plea for anger to be accepted as normal Christian behavior. I hope it's seen for what it is: a plea for us to stop treating anger like we treat homosexuality.
Being so in love with the Law, that we ignore the dying people under it, is not from the heart of God. And for those hurting people who are in Christ? I say let those of us without anger cast the first stone at them, too.
But I don't know what to do with an angry person! Have you tried prayer? Don't know what to pray? That's fine:
During the movie, while I was watching a giant tree-thing save his friends, I cried for a moment--while everyone else laughed. Looking back, I realize I was seeing a microcosm of the church's response to anger: it's entertainment until it's personal.
Then it becomes political. And still un-dealt-with.
Don't let it get that far. Reach out to someone today. Please. For your sake and theirs. You never know what catastrophe you might avert. Our schools and colleges and stores will appreciate your efforts.
*A recent Ted talk inspired an article, which served as yet another catalyst for me to repost this. You can read the article here.
Why do we live in a society where emotional pain is ignored or mocked? (Man up!, we say.)
Why does it take a movie theater or an elementary school being shot to pieces before ANYONE asks, "Well, huh, what do you think was wrong with him?"
Why does a celebrity's suicide create a resounding parade of condolences and sentiment (and scripture ensuring we know that celebrity's eternal outcome)? Because no one cares when it actually counts.
No. Not one.
It's not allowed. Don't talk about your pain. No one wants to hear it. "Who cares what your [family member of your choice here] was like?" "Grow up!" "When I was your age..."
We are all the priest or the Levite passing by the dying man on the side of the road: No mercy; no compassion.
"Someone else will help".
Or maybe we pass by because God doesn't want us associating with those people?
But maybe God, in His mercy, says -- no, shouts (as CS Lewis might say): "I CARE! I WANT TO HELP! I'LL HOLD YOU! I'M WILLING TO DIE IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES!"
But not me. ... No, not us.
We'd rather gather in the marketplaces and discuss the latest horror to come across the CNN/FOX newsfeed than reach out beforehand, because we really wanted to go see The Dark Knight Rises without having to think.
"But he was such a nice guy..." we say, surprised.
Who are we kidding? We never take the time to understand the 'nice guys' before these catastrophes take place. So how can we be surprised by anything they might do? There are too many people on the sides of the roads (and in our churches!) and too few Good Samaritans.
God, send more Good Samaritans! Please.
When anger rears its ugly head, people are quick to slap a scripture band-aid on the angry person, or worse, choose to be afraid of the "rage monster" (which, by the way, is a direct disobedience of God, His angels, and Jesus: 'Do not be afraid', 'Fear not', '... we have not been given a spirit of fear').
Ironically, throughout the Old Testament, the phrase, "In my anger" (referring to God, Himself) abounds; the number of times varies according to the translation of your choice.
Jesus was angry when He thrashed the temple.
As Jesus approached the home of Mary and Martha, just after their brother, Lazarus, had died, He "saw [Mary] crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved." (John 11:33, HCSB, emphasis added)
So, I have another question: if Jesus can be angry, is anger truly a sin? Or is it simply an emotion, you know, something that makes most of us uncomfortable?
Now, for those of you who are becoming... upset(?), I hope this isn't being read as a plea for anger to be accepted as normal Christian behavior. I hope it's seen for what it is: a plea for us to stop treating anger like we treat homosexuality.
Being so in love with the Law, that we ignore the dying people under it, is not from the heart of God. And for those hurting people who are in Christ? I say let those of us without anger cast the first stone at them, too.
But I don't know what to do with an angry person! Have you tried prayer? Don't know what to pray? That's fine:
In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. - Romans 8:26Jesus left us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5) and we are butchering it. We can't even worship in the same buildings without calling each other demonic or ignorant. We're angry people angered by everyone else's anger. We're drunk on our own sense of superiority. We're blind guides who have a form of Godliness, yet deny its power. If we could start confessing (to each other) the pain we feel instead of lying (to each other) about it, we might become the agents of change Jesus said we would be.* (James 5:13-20)
During the movie, while I was watching a giant tree-thing save his friends, I cried for a moment--while everyone else laughed. Looking back, I realize I was seeing a microcosm of the church's response to anger: it's entertainment until it's personal.
Then it becomes political. And still un-dealt-with.
Don't let it get that far. Reach out to someone today. Please. For your sake and theirs. You never know what catastrophe you might avert. Our schools and colleges and stores will appreciate your efforts.
*A recent Ted talk inspired an article, which served as yet another catalyst for me to repost this. You can read the article here.
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