#writingtap day 057 — Surviving in an Angry World by Dr. Charles Stanley: a book review
This was an old review of mine written in 2019, and this book for sure changed my view.
We live in a world of constant, quick changes. In between our activities and relationships with others, things happen in a blink of an eye, and suddenly we need to respond to it; action-wise or emotion-wise. Occasionally we meet people that say or do mean things to us, which affect us, leads us feel probably one of the emotions we call as anger.
Through Dr. Stanley’s perspective written in his book “Surviving in an Angry World” (2010), he told us from his experience meeting people throughout his ministry. Most of the things here were told in biblical perspective, yet still provide relatable example of daily experience dealing with anger.
I know, as I have said earlier, that this is told from biblical perspective. But this issue addresses us as humans, that with the complexity of our emotions, we should manage it — anger is no exception. The overall content of this work helps to recognize, to identify, and to deal with anger. I hold this belief that we can learn from, each other — and this shows that every belief teaches good. I hope through this review, everyone can get the universality this book has to offer.
Dr. Stanley wrote the book into an introduction, 12 chapters, plus a conclusion to wrap everything up. Basically Dr. Stanley wrote this book with nice underlying reason. The big picture could be easily grasped: we live in an angry world. And it’s no exception that everyone might hold anger to some degree, admit it or not. The question would be: Do you recognize the anger in you? How do you manage then respond anger in you? What about the anger others might hold either against or not against you? This book takes us on a journey to a deeper understanding of ourselves towards anger to deal with it. Not only that, there’s also a short tips of what comes after the knowledge of this matter.
Just a little preview of what each chapter covers:
Why this book was written (introduction); The definitions of anger; How anger is expressed; What are the consequences; What may be the roots of anger; how to release and cure anger. After understanding anger deeper, we learn the kind of rebellion, anger aimed to God; how we find peace afterwards, what character we should pursue, and how to deal with conflict after we understand how anger works. Last but not least, understanding that anger has purpose.
Dr. Stanley addresses anger with neutrality and provides real life examples. Anger can either be good or bad, or even more: destructive. What determines the kind of anger we have is merely our response. Us people, often feel the “entitlement” of being angry, and expressing anger. But as I excerpt from one part of this book “… They are legitimate emotions, but they don’t need to be expressed in negative behavior. …”
It is completely human to feel anger since God allows it in our lives. Anger helps human survive in the world, in some sort of way. When anger is channeled positively, it can move people to do good. For example, there’s no way we don’t feel certain degree of anger to see the news about murder of the innocents, the tale of a friend living abusive family environment, stories of bullies, etc. But with wisdom, this anger can serve bigger, positive, good causes.
Dr. Stanley mentioned that to be angry is not a sin but the bible does say something about anger differently. In the midst of anger, it is likely that the devil would likely seizing its opportunity. Further speaking, anger channeled wrongfully could obliterate everything in its wake: families, relationships, works, even health. It is only wise to, once again, manage.
Through this book, we are constantly reminded that to cure anger we need God’s help to forgive entirely. To forgive doesn’t necessarily put us in weak spot nor that we are dismissive of the consequences, but rather leave the justice up to God and choose peace over chaos. To forgive is not form of denial, nor that we aren’t hurt — in fact we might still feel it. But again, peace over chaos. Moreover, to forgive is God’s command (Ephesians 4:32).
For me personally, I get that the book emphasizes on the character we have while we are faced with something and it is not limited only to anger. It teaches that in every situation, our response and how we do it, matter. In order to have peace, we must let go of anger. Without realizing it, holding anger has been an issue for everyone. I am constantly reminded of how forgiving benefits the forgiver. It has not been easy for me for I am still working on it. Still, I am blessed to find and read God’s guidance through Dr. Stanley’s work.
I would like to close my first book review with a verse excerpted from bible:
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger -Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
I suggest everyone that encounters this post to try reading this very book. I would provide the book info below. I am open for book discussion in the comment section. May we constantly learn to dwell and live among people in this world and bring about positive impact. It all starts inside us.
Book information:
Stanley, Charles F. (2010). Surviving in an Angry World. New York: Howard Books. ISBN 978–1–4391–8356–4. ISBN 978–1–4391–8999–3 (ebook). Image courtesy of: theversesproject.com
