WHY IS RELIGIOUS ANGER SO IRRATIONAL?
ACTS 22:21-22
ACTS 22:21-22 NKJ
21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’
22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”
These verses are a classic example of how strange religion and religious anger can be.
In verses 1-20, Paul tells a brief story of his life and conversion to Christianity. He talks about his Jewish background and then tells an incredible story of being blinded by a great light. Of hearing Jesus speak to him. Of having a vision of Jesus while in a trance. Of being a vessel that would see and hear directly from God. The whole time he is telling his story, the people listening are quiet. No one is questioning his visions, trances, mission. No one is scoffing at the supernatural events of his life. But he mentions going to the Gentiles and they literally freak out. It doesn't make sense. But then neither does most religious anger and religious pride. It seems to produce a reaction that is irrational and toxic. This religious anger almost killed Paul simply because he wanted to reach the Gentiles with the salvation message of Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION
Be aware of the things that make you angry. The scriptures warn us repeatedly about anger and what it can do. James said man's anger does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20) When we become angry over religious matters, we are treading on dangerous ground.
People have differing views on scriptures, music, church styles, and leadership. But the vast majority of things we get angry about are man-made, not God-inspired. If the only thing we can agree on is Jesus and Him being the only way to salvation, then we can stop right there and celebrate, not get angry.