A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
Good and Angry, a groundbreaking book from David Powlison, contends that anger is more than a problem to solve. Anger is our complex human response to things we perceive as wrong in a complex world, thus we must learn how to fruitfully and honestly deal with it. Powlison undertakes an in-depth exploration of the roots of anger, moral judgment, and righteous response by looking in a surprising place: God’s own anger.
Good and Angry sets readers on a path toward a faithful and fruitful expression of anger, in which we return good for evil and redeem wrongs. Powlison offers practical help for people who struggle with irritation, complaining, or bitterness and gives guidance for how to respond constructively when life goes wrong. You, your family, and your friends will all be glad that you read this book.
Quote & Unquote
- At its core anger is very simple. It expresses, “I am against that.” (39)
- Every time you get angry (or don’t get angry) you broadcast what matters to you. (42)
- Patterns of anger—both bad and good—become characteristic. (69)
- To do good to someone who does wrong, who has hurt you or others—this is a marvel. (89)
- First, in love, the anger that your sin deserves fell on Jesus, not on you. (116)
- Formerly angry people are enabled by God to give love and to make true peace. (139)
- The reasons for realistic hope run deeper than any hurt. (173)
- The more insoluble and heartbreaking the problem, the smaller the action that is called for in any particular moment. (177)
- Complaining is inexcusable—but forgivable. (193)
- Guilt, shame, and self-reproach are ways anger at self feels and thinks. (202)
- Where there is no evil, you will find no anger. (234)