About the Course
Taking Anger Seriously is a lengthy course for good reason. In general, people need every feter and this study carefully attends to the many indispensable truths in God’s Word that wisely speaks to the many and diverse loopholes that we overlook in addressing our anger. However, this course was primarily written for inmates who struggled with deep habitual anger that requires a serious effort. Therefore, this course feeds a royal diet, rich in Biblical study and consequently builds on the indispensable evangelical doctrines of the Bible. Perhaps, the most exciting thing to me is that men love this course. People do not embrace what they do not respect.
Many of the inmates often say “we are evangelized but need more discipleship. We get a lot of milk but are hungry for meat. We have a lot of time and want our time to count.” They desire greater pastoral leadership and it is our goal to feed and disciple men so they can grow mature in their walk with God.
Taking Anger Seriously is also aimed at helping those who have suffered reproach due to their anger. People will learn to diagnose their triggers and deny their habitually destructive emotions. They will learn to walk with God and take His hand as they demonstrate a new consistent temperament.
In order to control our angry emotions, we must become a To be a DOER of the Word that grows robust in practical obedience to the grace of Christ. If not, we are only a deceived hearer. I believe the unruly can become an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it will bring glory to God for the violent troublemaker to become a gentle peacemaker and reconciler in their homes and on the streets.
The teaching on DISCRETION is a pivital lesson in the course. It provides a clear, practical, and realistic means of changing the habitual, emotional responses that led to their ruin. It allows people to put into practice all the truths they have learned. As a disciple (a learner) the participant sets the goal of personal growth (always getting better) continually developing a plan to execute when they face the next offense. Discretion is a critical practice to master before the men leave their cells and return home to their wives and children.
The Taking Anger Seriously, Video Series was filmed in the Wallace Unit, Colorado City, Texas in December 2022. Reading the book or watching the video series will allow them to complete the workbook. At the end of the course, the inmate recieves their diploma from the Chaplain. Because this course requires an emmense amount of work, they have a feeling of great accomplishment. These have always times of great elation and celebration.
The reason I am confident of the impact of this course is due to the superiority of God’s counsel over man’s counsel. Taking Anger Seriously points people to a faithful God who has the answer for all our evils. And it is God who produces life change within the heart that turns the tide of violent and threatening behavior.
