Angry at God
Have you ever been angry at God? Recently CNN reports (Jan. 3, 2011) that a new set of studies in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology find that even self-described atheists and agnostics get angry at God - or the hypothetical deity they reject. In fact, this study finds that atheists and agnostics ("a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings") are more prone to being angry with God than are believers.
The irony, of course, is how an atheist can be mad at someone who, in their mind, doesn't actually exist. It's like me being mad at Superman or Batman. However, at times I wish they could be there to save me. But I can't get mad at them because I know they don't exist. But for an atheist to be angry at God is to acknowledge that He actually exists and is in control of all things.
The study finds that religious people are less likely to feel angry at God and more likely to see his plan or good intentions behind unfortunate events, rather than a mean-spirited attack.
Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist and lead researcher, said, "When people trust that God cares about them and has positive intentions toward them, even if they can't understand what those intentions or meanings are, it tends to help to resolve anger."
Most of us at one time or another have been angry at God for some pain, disappointment or loss that occurred in our lives. Maybe you are angry at God right now. And God even allows you to be angry at Him. How do you resolve this anger?
God longs to hear from you. Finding a safe place to express your anger can be cathartic. You can speak to God in silence or aloud. Find a trusted spiritual leader or other person to confide in will be helpful.
Some of you may not have much to say to God but if you would be still and listen to His whispers, you will feel his presence and be comforted with these words, "I love you, My child. I am with you. I care about you, and I will see you through it."
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11
The irony, of course, is how an atheist can be mad at someone who, in their mind, doesn't actually exist. It's like me being mad at Superman or Batman. However, at times I wish they could be there to save me. But I can't get mad at them because I know they don't exist. But for an atheist to be angry at God is to acknowledge that He actually exists and is in control of all things.
The study finds that religious people are less likely to feel angry at God and more likely to see his plan or good intentions behind unfortunate events, rather than a mean-spirited attack.
Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist and lead researcher, said, "When people trust that God cares about them and has positive intentions toward them, even if they can't understand what those intentions or meanings are, it tends to help to resolve anger."
Most of us at one time or another have been angry at God for some pain, disappointment or loss that occurred in our lives. Maybe you are angry at God right now. And God even allows you to be angry at Him. How do you resolve this anger?
God longs to hear from you. Finding a safe place to express your anger can be cathartic. You can speak to God in silence or aloud. Find a trusted spiritual leader or other person to confide in will be helpful.
Some of you may not have much to say to God but if you would be still and listen to His whispers, you will feel his presence and be comforted with these words, "I love you, My child. I am with you. I care about you, and I will see you through it."
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11