Psycho-social perspectives on Matthew 5:21-26: a hermeneutical response to the anger problem in contemporary Uganda

Abstract

This study combines social science critical approaches to the Bible and hermeneutics of appropriation to examine the theme of anger in Mathew 5:21-26. Jesus taught about the problem of anger from the perspective of murder. Accordingly, the root cause of murder is anger, which has to be dealt with. The study takes a documentary analytical approach, and it endeavours to generate theological reflections on the theme of anger in contemporary Ugandan context. Social science criticism of the Bible involves the exegetical task which analyses the social and cultural dimensions of the text and of its environmental context through the utilization of the perspectives, theory, models, and research of the social sciences. In this study, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21-26 elicits significant questions on the relationship between anger and murder. Anger is a psychosocial problem, which is well articulated in social science disciplines. Although the narrator of Matthew 5:21-26 does not connect Jesus to any formal social science backgrounds, Jesus’ ability to analyse murder from the context of anger is interesting in the theological reflections of the person and character of Jesus. Anger related emotions generally have far-reaching consequences, which affect both individual persons and the community. Furthermore, the hermeneutical approaches centre the problem of the spoken words in fuelling anger. Anger, apparently is conveyed through communicative utterances by use of words and expressions. The study concluded by emphasising the need for proper anger management skills, and all stakeholders (counsellors, pastors, teachers, social workers, etc.) approach anger emotions from a broader perspective. This may include understanding the anger generating factors and history of both culprits and victims of anger.