Wrath vs Anger
Wrath and Anger are two different terms between which we can identify certain differences, even though they refer to displeasure or rage that a person feels. According to Christianity, wrath belongs to the seven deadly sins. This highlights that unlike anger, wrath is much stronger in its form. Anger is a displeasure that we have. But, wrath is not a mere displeasure but anger with vindictive motives. For example, a person may become angry, shout and harbor negative feelings towards another but he learns to get over this. In wrath, it is not so simple. As time passes, his wrath only increases. Through this article let us examine the difference between wrath and anger.
What does Anger mean?
The Oxford Dictionary defines anger as a strong feeling of displeasure. We all feel anger at different occasions in our daily lives. It is quite natural to feel anger. This has to be viewed as just another emotion such as happiness and sadness. People feel angry when a disturbance occurs. For example, one can get angry at a friend or partner for something that he said or did. This is a natural reaction. When a person feels angry, it results in a number of changes physically and emotionally. Physically the person begins to have an increased heart beat, and emotionally the person feels either hurt or threatened. This leads to a physical response such as shouting, slamming the door, walking away, etc. However, anger is not something unusual or negative. For example, imagine a student who works hard but does not get good results. There is a possibility that the student feels angry at himself and give up. This reaction can be negative. If the student channels his anger towards working even harder this can be a positive instance. Anger can become a problem to people when they cannot control it. This can lead to a higher intensity where anger manifests itself to rage or even wrath.
Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure
What does Wrath mean?
Wrath can be defined as an extreme form of anger, which can even be vindictive. This highlights that a significant difference between anger and wrath is that while anger is only a displeasure that a person experiences, when it transforms into wrath anger goes out of hand. The person can even engage in vindictive thoughts and even actions. This is why Wrath in considered as a deadly sin that manifests itself. The person fails to distinguish between what is right and wrong, which leads the person to engage in immoral activities. In Christianity, there is a concept of God’s wrath as well. But, unlike human actions, this is never immoral, it is holy. It is only a manner of responding to the sins of human beings.
What is the difference between Wrath and Anger?
• Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure that all individuals feel when they are hurt or challenged. It is quite normal to feel angry.
• Wrath is an extreme form of anger, which is destructive as well as vindictive. This can lead the person to engage in extremely destructive behavior towards others and even self.
• Unlike Anger, Wrath is considered one of the seven deadly sins.
• Anger is natural, but Wrath is unnatural.
• In anger, the individual is aware of what is right and wrong, but in wrath the individual loses his sense of morality as he is overcome by hatred.
Images Courtesy:
- Scolding by RichardMcCoy (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- A fight in ice hockey: LeBlanc vs. Ponich by Artur Andrzej (CC BY-SA 2.0)
