A Small Book About a Big Problem by Edward T Welch

Each of us has experienced anger. Each of us has been hurt and hurt others because of it. Welch decided to take a slow walk through the issue, writing 50 short vignettes to be read over 50 days. Each reading includes a question for thought.

This is a good book about anger but I was disappointed in that it lacked clear and practical ideas to deal with anger. Welch explores the relationship of anger to fear and blame. He reminds us Jesus was hard on anger because it destroys. Welch also explores how anger is formed, beginning as a desire but then having that desire thwarted. He helps us understand what anger reveals about our relationships, including with God.

A confusing aspect of the book for me was Welch writing about anger's opposite. He writes that wisdom is anger's opposite (Loc 276/1400), love is the opposite of anger (Loc 300/1400), humility is the opposite of anger (Loc 487/1400), and asking forgiveness is anger's opposite (Loc 598/1400).

Unfortunately, Welch gives some suggestions but includes no strategy to carry them out. An example is Day 50. “Cast off anger and all its affiliates,” he writes. “Cast off everything that has to do with darkness and the Evil One.” (Loc 1325/1400) A good admonition but carrying it out is left up to the reader. No practical strategy is included.

If you are looking for readings about anger and a few general suggestions, this book is for you. If you want a book with some practical strategy in dealing with your anger, such as identifying its roots, you will have to look elsewhere.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/EWelch

My rating: 3/5 stars.

Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a Ph.D. In counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. He has counseling for more than thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. He and his wife, Sheri, have two married daughters and eight grandchildren. Find out more at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.

New Growth Press, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.