Man and Beast: Understanding Righteous Anger

The complexities of righteous violence

Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

-Saint Augustine of Hippo

Men,

In a world filled with injustices and moral degeneracy, the concept of righteous anger and its potential expression through righteous violence is a topic that has long stirred debate and reflection within the Catholic tradition. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the rich theological heritage of our Holy Mother Church, understanding the nuances of these concepts requires careful consideration of moral principles, historical context, and contemporary challenges.

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The Nature of Righteous Anger

At its core, righteous anger within Catholicism is not about personal vendettas or unchecked aggression. Instead, it is a response to injustice, oppression, and the violation of human dignity. In Scripture, we see Jesus himself expressing righteous anger when he overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). This act was not driven by personal resentment but by a zeal for the sanctity of God's house and the dignity of worship.

Similarly, throughout history, Catholic saints and theologians have grappled with the notion of righteous anger. St. Thomas Aquinas, for example, distinguished between anger that arises from a desire for revenge and anger that arises from a desire for justice. He argued that the latter, when directed by reason and tempered by charity, can be virtuous and in alignment with God's will.

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The Challenge of Righteous Violence

While righteous anger is theoretically justifiable within Catholic moral theology, the question of whether it can ever justify violence is far more contentious. The Catholic Church's stance on violence is unequivocal: it is morally permissible only in rare and extreme circumstances, such as self-defense or the defense of others.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the deliberate decision to deprive an innocent person of his life is always morally evil and can never be justified" (CCC 2261). This absolute prohibition against the taking of innocent life underscores the Church's commitment to the sanctity of human dignity and the value of every human person, regardless of their actions or beliefs.

Just War Theory

Within Catholic moral theology, the concept of "just war" provides a framework for evaluating the moral legitimacy of resorting to violence in certain circumstances. Developed by thinkers such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, just war theory sets forth criteria that must be met for a conflict to be considered morally justifiable.

These criteria include:

1. Just cause: The reason for going to war must be just, such as self-defense or defense against aggression.

2. Legitimate authority: War must be declared by a competent authority, such as a legitimate government or international body.

3. Right intention: The intention behind going to war must be to secure a just peace and protect innocent lives, rather than for self-interest or aggression.

4. Last resort: All peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted before resorting to war.

5. Proportionality: The harm caused by war must not outweigh the good achieved, and the means used must be proportionate to the ends sought.

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The Challenge of Application

While just war theory provides a principled framework for evaluating conflicts, its application in practice is fraught with challenges. In an era of asymmetric warfare, terrorism, and complex geopolitical dynamics, determining whether a conflict meets the criteria of just war requires careful discernment and moral reflection.

Moreover, the rise of non-state actors and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have blurred the lines between combatants and civilians, raising profound ethical questions about the conduct of war and the protection of innocent lives.

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The Call to Nonviolence

In response to these challenges, many within the Catholic Church advocate for a greater commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking as essential expressions of Christian discipleship. Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, proponents of nonviolence argue that violence only begets further violence and undermines the pursuit of true justice and reconciliation.

Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for nonviolence, calling on Christians to reject the "logic of violence" and embrace the "logic of love" as the true path to peace.

In his 2017 World Day of Peace message, he stated, "May nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships, and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms."

The Catholic Man and Violence

For a Catholic man, discerning righteous anger and righteous violence is a deeply personal and spiritually charged endeavor. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the moral tradition of the Catholic Church, the process of discernment requires a commitment to prayer, reflection, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

First and foremost, a Catholic man must cultivate a deep interior life grounded in prayer and the sacraments. Regular participation in the Mass, reception of the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Reconciliation provide spiritual nourishment and strengthen one's connection to God. Through prayer, one can seek clarity and wisdom in discerning the moral complexities of anger and violence.

Additionally, a Catholic man should immerse himself in the teachings of the Church, particularly those related to morality and social justice. Familiarity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the writings of the saints, and papal encyclicals can provide invaluable insights into the principles that guide moral decision-making.

Furthermore, discernment should involve consultation with a trusted spiritual father who can offer perspective and counsel. Engaging in dialogue and seeking guidance from those who possess a deep understanding of Catholic theology and moral principles can help illuminate the path of righteous action.

Ultimately, discerning righteous anger and righteous violence requires a profound commitment to love, mercy, and justice. A Catholic man must always be mindful of the inherent dignity of every human person and the Gospel imperative to love one's enemies and seek reconciliation. While righteous anger may sometimes be justified in the face of injustice, the use of violence must be approached with caution and humility, guided by the principles of just war theory and the call to nonviolence.

In the end, the journey of discernment is an ongoing process that requires attentiveness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to surrender one's own will to the divine will of God. Through prayer, study, and consultation with others, a Catholic man can navigate the complexities of righteous anger and violence in a manner that is faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the moral tradition of the Catholic Church.

Pax Vobis
Nick | Catholic Manhood

Links

https://www.veritascaritaslibertas.com/medical-freedom/righteous-anger

https://aleteia.org/2021/01/16/saints-who-used-righteous-anger-for-gods-work/

https://www.archstl.org/growing-up-catholic-righteous-anger-should-motivate-us-to-act-in-a-positive-manner-3081

https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-a-just-war

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_01111885_immortale-dei.html

https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius11/p11pertu.htm