Back in June I wrote a post about Christ Cleansing the Temple. My point was that we have no biblical evidence that he did it in a spirit of anger. I challenged:
“So, here is my request: Please show me in the scriptures where it said Christ was angry when He cleared the temple – either time? (It was twice, you know.) In fact, please show me in the New Testament ANY reference as to the Savior’s emotional state when He cleared the temple. I challenge you. Better yet – I dare you!”
Then I said a bunch of profound stuff.
Today, Vatermann the Wise clued me into a new Church video that was just released that deals with the subject. Take a look. (It is really short.)
What do you think? How would you describe his demeanor?
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I think some of us confuse anger with authority and rebuke. The Lord rebukes us not because he’s angry with us but out of love. If we parent our child with that we still discipline and even talk sternly. However, we don’t regret what we did. When we discipline our child out of anger, we are usually filled with remorse and regret. He felt neither because he was not angry. He was rebuking and he looked stern. I think we see anger because that is what we as humans know more commonly. We recognize it more even when it’s not there. Sometimes I have to give my kids “THE LOOK” while I’m laughing inside. The emotion is not there but the point is.
I think He looks upset (whether that is anger, frustration, or just disappointment). I can imagine Him thinking these guys don’t get it. Their commandment to sacrifice animals was supposed to be in similitude of His sacrifice (the atonement). The moneychangers were not in the business of saving souls. Unfortunately, I feel that I am often guilty of similar sin. I have temples surrounding me, and I often neglect doing temple work as regularly as I should, and often lose sight of the purpose of the temple (it points me to Christ & allows me to participate in the salvation of souls). They aren’t just pretty buildings.
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I think he looks resolute. He is going about his Father’s business, and keeping His house holy is part of that business.
I’ve been thinking about this all day since I unfortunately lashed out at my daughter. The thing that keeps coming to my mind is the scripture in D&C where it says “reprove betimes with sharpness.” To me this is what Christ is doing. Reproving sharply not reproving angrily. There is a fine line I think…one that I need to stay far away from….
“My thoughts are not thy thoughts.” Even recognizing that Jesus grew from grace to grace, by this point in his ministry (either the beginning or the end) I think he had developed the self-discipline to garner his thoughts and his reactions to them. I find it unlikely that someone as adept at slipping through crowds rather than yelling, “Ya wanna step outside?!” would have even slipped into the uncontrolled indignation that is so common in our politicized culture.
I love that, at least once, he took the time to braid a whip. It’s what I tell myself when I feel my hackles rise: Bonnie, braid a whip – consider how you do this thing you have to do. What would our society be like if we expected that of ourselves and each other? Restraint, civility, courage with containment? I think it’s entirely possible and we should stop pretending like it’s not.
My kids have shivered more than once when I have corrected in a complete lack of anger. Of course I was threatening to feed them carrot lasagna.
I’m afraid to confess that I don’t really like the Church bible videos. I’m not criticizing Church leaders for doing it by all means, they’re well made and the actors are talented, and I’m sure they have their usefulness… However, no matter how inspired, I feel that trying to depict the Savior, what he was really like and how he acted, is, in some ways, equivalent to the NIV translation of the Bible. So I won’t comment on the video clip.
Now, original translations, connotations, and nuances aside, my question is this: Regardless of how much we discuss and study this topic, is it really even possible for us to truly understand and come close to reaching His level of control in this life?
If not, then we would definitely have no right to justify anything that even resembles anger in our own actions by the so-called “righteous indignation” manifest by the Son of God.
That being said, the story of Joseph Smith rebuking the jail keepers comes to mind as the same brand of power and indignation -or “anger,” if you will, that I imagine Jesus possessing and can’t rightly be portrayed on the big screen without God Himself backing you up.
Some more food for thought: President Thomas S. Monson: “To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that such is possible.” (“School Thy Feelings, O My Brother,” October Conference, 2009)
It is possible to get to that level. Prophet said.
I trust the Prophet knows what he’s speaking about –and probably from experience. And what you said about the key to (legitimate) righteous indignation being the presence of the Holy Ghost is true as well because the Spirit would depart as soon as you yielded to the influence of Satan.
Still, isn’t President Monson talking about fostering the absence of anger in our lives in general? I can’t help thinking that the absence of anger in the act of powerfully reproving people as Christ did is a step higher and most people should not even attempt it whether it’s possible or not.
This is a great topic considering anger is one of the most glorified and glamourized cardinal sins in the media of our day (think big green guy here). So by all means let’s keep talking about it, so that perhaps we can each aspire to such a thing as President Monson is talking about. Of course, just talking isn’t enough so I will appreciate all the opportunities I have for practice each day :). Kids are such a blessing.
Thank you for the enlightenment you provide, I look forward to subsequent posts.
I wasn’t going to say anything until you bagged on the Hulk. Isn’t he a great metaphor for not getting mad? He has damaged all his relationships and is occasionally jettisoned into space (for the safety of the planet), because he can’t control his anger. For the record, Bruce Banner usually avoids getting angry in the first place, where possible. Last but not least, I love the actor who portrays Christ in these recent bible videos. I don’t care that he has an English accent and doesn’t look old-school Jewish. He has managed to capture the essence and complexity of Christ better than any other actor I have seen. Just look at his face at the end of this clip. There are at least 3 emotions exhibited there. Amazing actor and excellent choice.
I thought Bruce’s secret is that he is ALWAYS angry?
Anyway, I’m not criticizing the actors of the Church’s new bible films, I rather like this particular actor too. I also appreciate the fact that they screen these guys for worthiness and such now (wouldn’t want another Legacy fiasco). Still, it is a very difficult thing they are attempting to do, and I would hate to have anyone think that it is a viable substitute for studying the scriptures and getting to know Christ personally.
That said, I still show them to my kids to teach important lessons. (I refuse to show them the animated scriptures stories though, and I will probably get some flak for that.)
Sorry MMM for the hijack.
The Savior never did anything that was contrary to His teachings. He is very specific on His doctrine when it comes to anger in 3rd Nephi 11:29-30.
But there are many scriptures that also speak of the wrath of God. Such as Colossians 3: 6,8.
The Merriam Webster online dictionary states that one definition of Wrath is: retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement.
So, Jesus angry? No. Handing out a good dose of divine chastisement? Yes. I would say that fits this situation just about right.
“The wicked flee when no man persueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” Proverbs 28:1
Since this isn’t actual footage of the event, it is possible for us to argue/interpret all kinds of things. How about we say that the end goal we are shooting for is to eliminate all anger, but realize that we are not perfect yet so we keep trying but not be surprised or give up when we mess up and get angry? Some might be able to attain this particular perfection in this life, but still be working on something else. That is the point of the Atonement, after all. That after all we can do, the rest is taken care of. And that we repent and try again and repent and try again. and again. Isn’t that enough? I figure we can ask Him about it when we see Him again, if we want. 🙂
I am so disappointed to learn that this was not actual footage of the event.
Doug Solstad says it well. He present an authoritative countenance…obviously the people take his actions seriously or they wouldn’t run away.
And, as Kristin Klein describes it, he is angry. We are equating anger with loss of control, I think. He is in control. And, he is angered at the disrespect shown the temple and what it is intended for.
But scripturally He is not described as angry. That is purely conjecture.
I think someone with a commanding presence, showing strong emotion and speaking sternly can come across as angry. I think anger for me on the giving and receiving end is usually accompanied by bad feelings. I think a level of frustration was seen but I don’t get the sense of bad feelings. I don’t know if that even makes sense. That’s how I see it though.
A little frustrated, sad, and on the verge of tears.
I agree completely with Doug Solstad as well. The first thing that came to my mind was Sadness. He was disappointed that his father’s house and been turned into a house of merchandise.
I agree with Doug Solstad.
The first word that came to my mind was indignant. The look on his face and the tone of his voice are sadness and authority. To me he seems righteously annoyed at the inappropriate behavior of others. He is in complete control. Not the typical behavior I exhibit when I’m upset with my children.
I think he was sad about the disrespect shown to His Father.
Hmmm . . .
“anger |ˈa ng gər|
noun
a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility : the colonel’s anger at his daughter’s disobedience.”
I’m get a certain sense of that particular noun from this video
Kristin
He looks sad and a little sick at heart. But just think how one man frightened off so many others ! There was power there.
Who picked everything up afterwards?
I have seen pictures where He tipped over cages of birds, but I cannot believe He would hurt the innocent birds.
*Squeeeeaaaallll* I was there for the filming of this video. One of the best days of my life. Seriously.
Oh, come on! You’ve got to tell us more than that! How about writing a guest post about it?
It took me three posts to blog about it when it happened. I was also there for filming Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem and there’s a great shot of my backside in that one!
http://beautopotamus.blogspot.com/2011/09/that-was-one-of-most-awesome-things-i.html
http://beautopotamus.blogspot.com/2011/09/most-awesome-day-of-my-life-part-2.html
http://beautopotamus.blogspot.com/2011/09/yes-its-still-most-awesome-day-of-my.html
Can’t wait! Thanks for supplying me with some Sunday reading. I’ll do that instead of writing.
Are there academy awards for extras! Seriously, you deserve one! : )
Looks like me when I am telling my kids to get their things out of the living room, just cleaning house. Not really angry maybe disappointment and I imagine some frustration
Looks like me when I am telling my kids to get their things out of the living room, just cleaning house. Not really angry maybe disappointment and I imagine some frustration
I would compare it to Elder Holland’s. In his talk this conference and others. Power. Not anger. He in no way lost control of his emotions. I have ALL SORTS of theological insight on this event I recently gained -but I wont bore you. I will just say, he handles things better than me.
oooo. like.
I have no problem believing he was angry. Whether there is evidence in the new testament or not. They were desecrating the house of God. Good reason to be angry, in my book.
He looked angry to me.. or very frustrated..
I know I may get flogged for this by your readers but I still love Ted Neeley’s depiction in Jesus Christ superstar. Anger always sounds better in falsetto.; )
I’ve watched the ending like 10 times, and I still can’t figure out his exact emotion. He looks more disappointed than angry. Kind of like “don’t you know better?”
Agreed!