The Angry Christian: A Theology for Care and Counseling

by Andrew D. Lester

In this work, respected scholar Andrew Lester discusses and incorporates the newest behavioral research models, contemporary biblical and theological scholarship, constructivist philosophy, and narrative theory into a comprehensive pastoral theology of anger. In revisiting through the lens of theological anthropology the very subject that brought him to the forefront of scholarship in pastoral care, Lester presents engaging new material and innovative new methods of interventions for dealing with this often-confusing human emotion.

Genres: Spirituality, Counselling

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2003

Reviews

[Alyssa Foll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was thrilled to come across a practical theology about anger and the role of anger in a Christian's life. Dr. Lester does an excellent job of looking at the emotion of anger from multiple angles -- neuroscience, church history, theology, and biblical studies.

However, I don't think this book was written in a cohesive way. Each chapter could have easily stood alone (helpful, if one is needing a quick reference) and it was clunky in its writing because of that issue.

I would certainly recommend portions of this work, but I was disappointed not to have a cohesive, compelling resource to turn to on this topic.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I believe that our capacity for anger is one of God's good gifts, intentionally rooted in creation and serving important purposes in human life."

As a pastor, I've had quite a few congregants come to me over the years wanting help with their anger. And I too, especially in the couple of years after my divorce, have wrestled with the healthy expression of anger (my therapist and I were just discussing it yesterday even).

This book was excellent. Smart, well-researched, compassionate. You come away with both a better intellectual understanding of anger and tips for pastoral care and counseling. Now, I only wish there were a shorter, more popular-style version that I could recommend to laypeople.

[Ben Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lester draws on a wide range of academic study to inform this pastoral book on anger. Lester's work is current with research in science and physiology, psychological theory, and various perspectives in theology. As such, it is nuanced enough to avoid simplistic answers and common pitfalls that prevent many Christians from truly learning to understand, manage, express, and reject anger biblically. Lester's thoughtful approach does not remove ethical or spiritual responsibility from Christians who are angry but rather gives them knowledge so that they can exercise that freedom and responsibility in a healthy, godly way. Some readers (especially those from more conservative theological traditions) will take issue with some of certain elements of the book, but there is more than enough that should be mutually agreeable to make the book helpful to any who read it. Those who enjoy being challenged in their faith will appreciate his breadth and depth; I was personally deeply enriched and found that it provided me much opportunity to grow in my faith.


**Each of the chapters is written to stand on its own and could be read alone (should one choose). As such, there is some overlap between each chapter. I felt that book was worth reading in its entirety, but for those with less time, it might be helpful to read only specific chapters.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lester's book "Hope in Pastoral Care & Counseling" was one of my favorite reads in seminary, so this one was equally helpful. Since I purposefully surround myself with people who exhibit joy in life, if I am not doing intentional pastoral counseling or employment coaching with a professional mindset, having someone suddenly cross my path that has unresolved anger issues really bruises my soul...Lester gave me some insight on why people may be acting that way --From the Publisher: In this work, respected scholar Andrew Lester discusses and incorporates the newest behavioral research models, contemporary biblical and theological scholarship, constructivist philosophy, and narrative theory into a comprehensive pastoral theology of anger. In revisiting through the lens of theological anthropology the very subject that brought him to the forefront of scholarship in pastoral care, Lester presents engaging new material and innovative new methods of interventions for dealing with this often-confusing human emotion.