Angry Americans

If it seems as if the level of anger in our country is at an all-time high, you are correct in that assumption.  A perfect storm of a national pandemic, racial tension and a contentious political climate has raised the level of angst to an explosive level.  As a person of faith. I struggle daily to remain hopeful and positive.  Like John in his closing thoughts of Revelation I find myself saying, “Come quickly, Jesus.”

A recent report from Pew Research has helped me understand not just the source of the anger but the alarming intensity.  Over 70% of those polled were “angry” about the current state of our country.  Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of those who took the survey were “fearful” about the state of the country.  Probably, the most surprising thing was how universal the feeling of “dread” was across generations.   Anger was strongest among young adults ages 18-29, 76% “very” or “somewhat” angry, but all other generational groups were in the 65%-67% range.  The feeling of “fear” was also consistent across all generational groups, 65%-67%.

The degree of anger is rooted in the fact that the level of “satisfaction” with the direction of our country is at an all-time low. Just 12% of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in this country today – a 19 percentage point decline in national satisfaction since April. Nearly nine-in-ten (87%) now say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going.

While it can be disheartening to live in a culture where negativity seems to run so high, it really underscores the higher calling for those of us who know Jesus.  The history of God’s people is full of examples.  The wanderings in the wilderness, and the Babylonian captivity come to mind.  The New Testament church lived under the constant threat of persecution.  There were plenty of reasons for anger and fear.  Instead, the early disciples were moved all the more to share the message of grace and hope.    

The church was created for such a time as this.  “God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  (2 Timothy 1:7) There should be no room in our lives for anger and fear.  We need to be people of hope and encouragement.