This is the 4th installment in a continuing series of essays on the seven deadly sins. You can find Bagholder’s other articles on sloth here pride here envy here Wrath is defined as “persistent and inappropriate feelings of hatred and anger.” Wrath is particularly deadly as a sin because it impedes moral growth by replacing critical thought with unchecked emotion. Those infected by wrath are incapable of personal growth as their anger and rage literally define who they are. Sadly, an entire industry is built on the premise that anger must be “managed.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Hatred and anger are what psychologists call “secondary emotions.” In layman’s terms, they mask deeper and more profound issues. Focusing on those negative emotions as though they are something to be “managed” is akin to treating a symptom, not the cause. As a consequence, the underlying issues never get addressed and thus never resolved. This goes a long way towards explaining why racism, a perfect example of inappropriate hatred and anger, will not be cured in my lifetime, or yours.
It is a weird feeling being in awe of the powers that be. I tend to reserve “awe” for more positive things though it undoubtedly can still be towards evil. :/
It is a weird feeling being in awe of the powers that be. I tend to reserve “awe” for more positive things though it undoubtedly can still be towards evil. :/