Anger Is a Choice

by Tim LaHaye, Bob Phillips

What you need to know to control the emotion of anger and find healing for damaged relationships.Anger is something everyone struggles with--whether it’s our own emotion threatening to explode out of control or the anger of others that makes us feel intimidated and afraid. But when we understand where anger comes from, how it shows or doesn’t show, then we can do something about it. Either it will control us or we will control it, because Anger Is a Choice.Best-selling authors Tim LaHaye and Bob Phillips tell us what we need to know to control the emotion of anger. They not only examine it from beginning (its origins) to end (its effects), they also help us evaluate our own “Irritability Quotient” through the Anger Inventory and other exercises throughout the book. In learning how to handle conflicts and anger, we are enabled to heal damaged relationships and help others deal with their anger as well. We can make our lives more peaceful, rewarding, and meaningful by putting anger in its proper place and under our own control.Topics include:* Meet the angry family* Anger and body language* Anger and your health* Anger and your temperament* Is it ever right to be angry?* Anger and forgiveness* Anger in the Bible

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Christian, Nonfiction, Health, Personal Growth, Religion

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Timothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.

He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Frank Cardenas · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about this book is that it makes us conscious of the fact that at the end of the day, no matter what the situation is, we are the only ones responsible for the anger we experience and the health problems that come with it. Although it is hard sometimes to stop expressing anger in healthy and unhealthy ways, we must take the time to understand that letting go of resentment might align our inner spirit. Personally, I would say that although applying those concepts in practice is sometimes hard, it would do a lot to stop anger running our health. What I would add though, something that wasn't discussed in the book is that we need to create lots of opportunities to enhance dopamine so that we can overcome some of these health-related issues.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good informative book, thoughts I liked:

The moment you start hating a man, you become his slave.

Forgiveness means justice will not always be fulfilled. Vengeance does not belong to you!

To get even only makes your even with your enemy. You bring yourself down to his level and below.

Love diminishes when you stop doing loving activities together.

The tongue is in a wet place and easily slips.

[Sherri Moorer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights, although I was surprised that it took the turn toward the "power of positive thinking." It seems that's a rising theme, both in Christian and secular works. But then again, if they agree then there must be something to it.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about anger, yours and mine. The authors write in a down to earth style that is easy to understand. All of us will feel anger at one time or another. The authors believe that anger may be inevitable, but we have a choice about how we handle that anger. We can stuff down with food, lash out at others, withdraw into silent depression, and several other coping techniques. The authors believe there are healthier ways to handle anger, and that is the topic of this book. I am finding its message helpful already, having faced very stressful week after the death of a loved one.

[Ross Heinricy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a major disappointment. Though I was able to glean scattered truth throughout the book, I wasn't able to get any real help or deeper insight in the area of anger. Chapters 6 and 7 were good but the rest blew.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the chapter on one sided forgiveness.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on anger. Makes you take a hard look within.

[Dena Napoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research material for a project. Informative and insightful.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of useless filler with a few good suggestions in the next to the last chapter. Don't get with this book unless you can borrow it for free. Even then, don't go in with high expectations.

[Rachelklara of YHVH · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The most unrewarding task in the world is trying to tell people the truth about themselves before they are ready to hear it; and even Aesop, who cast such truth in fable form, was eventually thrown off a cliff because his morals struck too close to home." Sidney Harris

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book during a very dark time in my life. It really helped me to learn how to control my temper, as well as to let certain things go. It's a very helpful book, or at least was for me.

[Mia Randria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 9 chapters or so were 99.5% secular. If you picked this book because it was written by christian writers and were looking for christian or biblical ways to deal with anger, don't despair (or just skip several chapters). The later chapters have very solid biblical ways on dealing with anger.

[Patty W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book. Now, to just apply what I read to real life. Big lesson is that you have use your mind. Train you mind. When you are thinking bad thoughts, bad experiences, change the thought to something pleasant. Tell yourself this is not good for you. Then think of a good experience.