The relationship of anger to attack is obvious, but the relationship of anger to fear is not always so apparent. Anger always involves projection of separation, which must ultimately be accepted as one’s own responsibility, rather than being blamed on others. Anger cannot occur unless you believe that you have been attacked, that your attack is justified in return, and that you are in no way responsible for it. Given these three wholly irrational premises, the equally irrational conclusion that a brother is worthy of attack rather than of love must follow. What can be expected from insane premises except an insane conclusion? The way to undo an insane conclusion is to consider the sanity of the premises on which it rests. You cannot be attacked, attack has no justification, and you are responsible for what you believe. T-6.in.1:1-7
A Course in Miracles . Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition.
The emotion underlying anger is fear. Whenever you are angry or perceive another as being angry you can ask, “What am I or they afraid of?” Dealing with the fear is much more constructive than dealing with the anger.
Jesus of Nazareth as he is being crucified on the cross says, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Where is the anger, the resentment, the hate, the grievance? He has risen above it and recognizes that the powers that be are afraid of his teaching and so wish to expunge it by killing him.
In Unitarian Universalism we covenant together to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. There is no anger in this principle. The principle is based on a fear of separation and division and a loss of solidarity around our purpose of encouraging the spiritual growth of one another.
Today it is suggested that we be aware of our anger and our underlying fears. What is it that we are afraid of? If we can discern what we are afraid of we have a better chance of managing it so that we can achieve and experience of peace and joy.
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