We explain what wrath is, how it manifests itself physically and why it is usually rejected socially. Also, other deadly sins.
What is wrath?
It is known as anger, hatred, or rage an emotion that is expressed through irritability, aggressiveness, and even violence, and that is among the most primitive and primordial of the human being.
Its physical manifestation occurs, on the one hand, through facial and body expressions, or the increased tone of voice, changes that resemble the way in which animals react to threats. On the other hand, it causes physiological reactions such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, and the secretion of adrenaline and norepinephrine, as the body prepares to flee or defend itself.
Despite its natural characteristics, or perhaps precisely because of them, the go to it is frowned upon in modern societies. It is understood as an irrational, immature or uncivilized response in the face of frustration or discomfort. Such a judgment, moreover, obeys the moral tradition of most religions, from Islam to Hinduism and Christianity, which understand wrath as a negative or even sinful feeling.
In fact, according to Catholic doctrine, wrath is one of the capital sins or mortal, the most serious that exist, since they usually lead to commit other later sins, and it is traditionally associated with the demon Amon. This encompasses excessive wrath towards others, capable of leading to homicide, or towards oneself, capable of leading to suicide; moreover, it contradicts patience, which is one of the theological virtues.
However, it is common to distinguish between wrath and anger, terms associated with excessive aggressiveness or blind and uncontrollable aggression, and on the other hand rage and wrath, much more manageable versions of the same.
Other deadly sins
According to the Catholic tradition, there are seven capital or mortal sins. In addition to wrath, they include:
- The arrogance, understood as the excess of self-love that leads a person to put himself in the place of God, and therefore to violate his norms and engender other sins. For that reason it is considered the supreme sin of all.
- The envy, understood as love for others, capable of driving the sinner to theft and violence, or to make him rejoice in the face of other people’s misfortunes, contravening the love for neighbor that religion preaches.
- Gluttony, understood as the irrepressible love for food and drink, which leads the individual to drink and / or overeat, beyond what is necessary to sustain himself. It is the sin contrary to all forms of measure.
- Lust, understood as an irrepressible, insatiable and uncontrollable sexual desire, that does not respect limits and that leads to harm towards the individual or others.
- Greed, understood as the excessive love for the accumulation, both of properties and things, as well as money. The miser is one who possesses more than he needs and still denies others access to resources, even knowing that they need or deserve them more than he does.
- Laziness, understood as the lack of will and dedication to guarantee their own sustenance, that is, to ensure their own existence and well-being. Those who commit such sin contradict the divine order to take care of themselves, and disrespect the gift of life that God gave them.