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The key to dealing with anger, then, is to recognize that we possess "the freedom to choose which events will activate our capacity for anger as well as how to express it." Lester insists, I think wisely, that simply expressing anger whenever it surges is as unwise as never expressing it at all. Maturing Christians are those who are able to discern and "decide what makes us angry."

Biblical writers ground the anger of God in the foundation of his love.

"Because God's love is heavily invested in the creation, that love becomes threatened when an aspect of the creation is being hurt or when God's desires for the creation are neglected," he writes. "Thus we may conceptualize God's anger as a response to threats to those in whom God is invested, and for whom he desires abundant life."

Similarly, love will stir anger within the disciple of Christ, particularly in the face of evil. At the same time, love will govern how we display and direct our anger. Apart from the bridling effect of love, anger spills over into self-righteousness and revenge.

As Lester puts it, "If separated from love's guiding light or foundational principles, anger's destructive powers will lead us into unethical behavior even as we try to confront unethical behavior."

Lester has provided the church with a helpful handbook on the nature, purpose, and wise use of anger. In addition, he reminds us all that anger is similar to spiritual dynamite. It is absolutely essential for certain demolition projects, but can blow up in our face if handled haphazardly. Lester's insights may deliver some readers from false misconceptions of anger that have harmed both them, their neighbors, and their enemies.

Christopher A. Hall is professor of biblical and theological studies at Eastern University.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today.Click for reprint information.

The Angry Christian is available from Christianbook.com and other book retailers.

More information is available from the publisher.

More on Andrew D. Lester is available on the Brite Divinity School web site.

Elsewhere on the Christianity Today International site is a collection of articles on anger from Christianity Today and its sister publications. Articles published since that page was compiled include:

Hulking Rage | An epidemic of anger at the Cineplex. By Jeffrey Overstreet (Books & Culture, Sept./Oct. 2003)

Wrath Control | Pop psychology teaches that restraining anger will only make you sick. Not according to Jesus. By M. Blaine Smith (Christianity Today, Feb. 12, 2003)

Righteous (and Other) Anger | The author of The Enigma of Anger cannot commit to a "messiah who doesn't knock over tables." (Christianity Today, Nov. 13, 2002)

The Enigma of Anger | Reflections on a sometimes deadly sin. By Garret Keizer (Books & Culture, Sept./Oct. 2002)

Taking It Personally | What do we do with all this anger? By Edward Gilbreath (Christianity Today, Sept. 14, 2001)

Release a Handful of Anger | A simple exercise calms the spirit. By John Trent (Christian Reader, May/June 2000)

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January 2004, Vol. 48, No. 1