Anger flows freely and conflict escalates in many sectors of life these days.  Tea party folks are mad at governmental heavy-handedness; other citizens are mad at the prospects of a mosque being constructed too close to Ground Zero in New York; some church folks burn copies of the Qu’ran because they are mad at militant expressions of Islam; many in our country are mad about immigration policies, healthcare reform, corporate bailouts, unemployment, a slow real estate market and recession woes.  Some are mad at elected officials at every level.

Bill Wilson, president of the Center for Congregational Health in Winston-Salem, NC notes that even conflict in church congregations is high and on the rise.  Whether you are a political activist, parishioner, or just plain private citizen, anger seems to be “in.”

Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t find free-floating conflict and expressions of anger particularly helpful. 

Demonstrating is an exercise of free speech and freedom of assembly in this country — so do it, and then come home and work for political reform and campaign for those candidates whom you believe represent what you value.  Enough, already, with just being mad; channel that anger into positive action. 

Exercise freedom of religion by living your faith and by upholding that freedom for those of other faiths.  This is the hallmark of America.  We are different from countries who repress certain faiths and who persecute those who differ from the majority.  Let’s model what we stand for. 

Participate in public life by hearing all sides, civilly discussing issues and working for constructive and realistic solutions to the difficult problems that face us.  Getting mad solves nothing.

At church, express your views, hear those of others, and realize that not everyone sees things as you do, either theologically or politically.  Some spirited discourse may result, but that is so much healthier than spouting off and daring anyone to disagree.

For my own spiritual and emotional health, I have stopped reading, watching or listening to those in public media who have only anger to share.  They need to share that in private therapy, not on a political soapbox or for my supposed entertainment.  Instead, I look and listen for those who redirect their frustration into discovering and proposing solutions.

Writing this article has helped me deal with my own frustration with worldwide anger and conflict.  I hope it helps you, too.  If it made you mad, we can talk about it.  That seems a lot healthier to me.

Bert Browning