Review: Angry at God?

Why review a biblical counseling book on a blog on theology and apologetics?  Check out our post “Why Apologists Should Read Biblical Counseling Books”

Robert Jones. Angry at God?: Bring Him Your Doubts and Questions. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, April 1st 2001. 28 pp.

5 out of 5

Purchase: Westminster | Amazon

Is it moral and right for Christians to be angry at God?  You might be surprise at the answers some Christians might tell you.  That doesn’t mean they are biblical.  This helpful biblical counseling booklet tackle head-on this question as part of the “Resources for Changing Lives” counseling booklet series.  The author Robert Jones responds in a way that is biblical, balanced, “pastoral” and practical.  Even if you think you know the answer this booklet is still helpful.  I would also say even if you don’t struggle with being angry with God this work is worth reading: not only because there are people around you who struggle with being angry with God but also you be surprised at the subtle way people can be “angry with God” though they might not come out overtly thinking they are mad at God.

This title packs a big punch for its small size.  I appreciated the many realistic examples and scenarios the author Robert Jones presented to the readers throughout the book, from the first page down to the last page.  It makes it more real and more relatable.  I imagine the author’s experience as a biblical counselor shapes the examples he’s given.

Often you hear two perspective concerning the issue of being angry at God.  On the one hand some wil say being angry with God is something that’s ok or even encouraged as a way of venting with God.  On the other hand you have those who say “Good Christians don’t complain.”  The author states on page three a third way.  This third way he says “encourages transparency without endorsing blasphemy.”  I think this third way is biblical and is really a nuanced view of the second view (that it is not ok to be angry with God).  Yet nuances and being biblical is what we really need with this issue.  So this book goes a long way for readers who struggle with being angry with God.  It’s also a good reminder and contain contents filled with grace and truth for those who know it is not ok to be angry with God but struggle with it.

I highly recommend this book.  It is useful for the person struggling with this but also something to read and know even if someone is not suffering.  Or to be more accurate not suffering yet.  Often I feel with the issue of suffering it is worthwhile to teach a biblical view of suffering and dealing with trials before someone suffer so there’s a biblical foundation for them to handle the difficulties that would arise.  Biblical counselors, church leaders and pastors should also consider reading this book to be equipped to handle this issue.  Being someone who read a lot on apologetics and intellectual defense of the Christian faith I think this work is also worth the apologist’s time to be more well rounded since sometimes when people are in danger of leaving the faith there’s issues of being angry with God.  Again I highly recommend this title in this series.

Below I have also attached some good discussion questions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Under the section “Your Situation,” is there anything that describes you here (Pages 2-3)?
2. Why is it wrong to be angry with God (Pages 4-5)?
3. What are some biblical instance where people were angry with God (Pages 5-10)? How does Scripture evaluate them?
4. According to John Calvin what is the root problem of being angry with God (Pages 11)? What did he say is the remedy to counter this tendency (Pages 12-13)?
5. Describe Don’s situation and how did he make progress with his issue (Page 13-16)?
6. What is the third option presented in the book and what are some biblical example of this being applied (Pages 16-19)?
7. How did Alex change in his response after biblical counseling (Pages 22-23)?
8. How should we respond (Pages 23-25)?