Four Faces Of Anger Seneca Evagrius Ponticus Cassian And Augustine

Book Description

Four Faces of Anger presents timeless wisdom from four influential ancient thinkers who understood anger's profound impact on spiritual development. Author Gertrude Gillette brings together the insights of Seneca, the renowned Stoic philosopher whose moral teachings transcended religious boundaries; Evagrius, representing the desert monastic tradition focused on individual spiritual growth; Cassian, who adapted desert wisdom for Western monastic communities; and Augustine, who addressed anger both as a monastic leader and as a bishop guiding lay congregations.

These classical authors approached anger not primarily as a psychological phenomenon, but as a spiritual obstacle that disrupts the soul's relationship with God and undermines community harmony. Augustine's Rule dedicates an entire chapter to managing anger within communal settings, recognizing that genuine community building requires confronting the concrete struggles of human nature against individualism and egoism.

The book reveals how Augustine himself wrestled with anger in his personal life, congregation, and broader ministry. Through these historical examples and teachings, readers discover practical wisdom for detecting, controlling, and ultimately transforming anger's destructive potential.

Whether you live in a religious community or navigate secular relationships, this exploration of ancient wisdom offers essential guidance for anyone seeking to understand how anger affects spiritual growth and human connection. The authors' collective message remains clear: addressing anger sooner rather than later serves both individual development and communal flourishing.