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Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 10:58:10 AM
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AoibhinnGrainne
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You know how it is...
You're posting along, everything is going smoothly, and suddenly WHAM!!! a reply suddenly stings you with a sarcastic remark about your intellectual capacity, your ability to reason, the Church you attend, the Preachers you listen to, the books you read, the way you dress, the precepts you follow...
And so on and so on. All in the guise of "correcting my Brother" or "exchanging Truth for error".
Sarcasm.
The stuff of Jerry Seinfeld. The written eye-roll. The one-upmanship of internet discourse.
Is it Biblical? Is it Christian? Is it kind? Preferring our neighbours to ourselves?
Is it a part of Philippians 4:8 ~ In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.
Or, at the end of the day, is it part and parcel of the anonymity thing inherent in the internet cyber-space forum: no accountability. I can hit-and-run and not get caught (except for God, of course, who sees what we do in secret).
Anyway, I was just wondering...
Not only is sarcasm filling the internet amongst Believers (not to mention unBelievers) it is filling too many of our pulpits as well.
Is this something we should be embracing? Is it the mark of a Christian? Humour at another's expense?
Thanks for your thoughts...
Aoi.
_____________________________
Be a woman so wrapped up in the Heart of God, that a Man of God has to search the Heart of God to find you...
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 11:12:28 AM
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SonInMe1
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I prefer wit....biting humor. If ya can make 'em laugh...and think....its all good.
Sarcasm has a hurtful selfish purpose behind it. A bitterness we should not practice, in my opinion.
I will also caution...if you use humor to make your points be prepared to be completely misunderstood. I have had posts removed and rebukes from multiple moderators only beciuase they thought I was serious or did not understand my humor.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 11:23:17 AM
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bluestone
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On the Internet, it is very hard to tell at times if someone is being sarcastic, or just not wording themselves correctly. We can't see facial expressions, or hear the tone of voice. We don't know the person's educational level, or if they are speaking English as a second language. I try to give the benefit of the doubt. No, we should not be sarcastic in a way that hurts of offends. Yet many of us are . (I speak to myself, here.)
From the pulpit, I have been horrified by comments made that are just personal opinion, yet cause hurt and embarrassment to others in the congregation. This includes racial jokes, making fun of clothing, sections of town where people in that congregation live, etc.
You are correct that it is on the increase. 
Witty is one thing, being a jerk is quite another.
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Iron sharpens iron, while mush just sinks into the pot.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 11:24:14 AM
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GroupW
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I think SonInMe has a reasonable answer. Sarcasm has an intent behind it which I don't find uplifting. There is a difference between sarcasm and irony, a witty response and sharp retort.
Using positive humor can help people rethink a position. Sarcasm usually only serves to make people more entrenched. In our marriage, we have made an agreement to avoid sarcasm at all costs. It takes too great a toll on the relationship.
(Speaking as one guilty of being too sarcastic.)
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 11:56:59 AM
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JimboFletch
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Paul definitely used sarcasm, even with those who professed to believers. He tended to use it, not with those who had stumbled into bad doctrine and was desiring truth, but those who had embraced error and refused godly counsel. He would, IMO, get himself banned from some Christian forums.
There were certain passages that read like even Jesus used sarcasm (John 3 has some mild sarcasm with Nicodemus).
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 12:03:33 PM
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GroupW
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All I know is this - when I use sarcasm, it feels good. Unfortunately, the part of me that feels good isn't a part of me that I like very much. There may be a time and a place for it, but probably at less frequent times and in fewer places than we often use it.
BT
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 12:05:34 PM
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zamdad
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Another way to look at it is, do we have a right not to be offended? Sarcasm has its place. If the intended audience of that sarcasm doesn't get it and becomes offended, is that the fault of the person using the sarcasm? As has been stated, internet communication is void of all the non-verbal cues we look for in human interaction. All too often we can read into a post things that are not there as we bring our own perspective filled with our own biases into what we read. We give too much control to others when we're always trying to back pedal from a sarcastic comment we've made that was not taken as intended.
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You can't strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
A. Lincoln
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 12:07:42 PM
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gengwall
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Paul and Jesus' use of sarcasm is noted above. God is very sarcastic in speaking to Job. It appears that sarcasm is allowable if used in the correct context and if backed by love. Some may say that love and sarcasm can't coexist, but God, Jesus, and Paul all demonstrate that they can.
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DOGBERRY on posters:
They have committed false report;
moreover, they have spoken untruths;
secondarily, they are slanders;
sixth and lastly, they have belied;
thirdly, they have verified unjust things;
and, to conclude, they are lying knaves
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 12:09:38 PM
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GroupW
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I don't think that's the point of the OP. Clearly, I think we should do our best to communicate graciously,but misunderstandings are bound to happen. Somewhere in between the tossing of hand grenades and the walking on eggshells lies the happy medium that I'm in search of.
BT
Edit: As far as Paul's & Christ's use of sarcasm goes, I think those individuals most likely had the judgement to be able to guage the effectiveness of that form of communication.
Most of us I fear are a bit too optimistic on our own skills in that regard and too quick on the trigger.
And yes, both would have most likely been tossed out on their ear from most Christian forums.
< Message edited by GroupW -- 4/29/2008 12:23:21 PM >
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 1:02:58 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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My son (age 33) has a natural humor that comes across to some as sarcastic, while I am nearly falling down, laughing. Some people don't like it; others respond as I do. It is a personality thing.
I can be sarcastic, and I have occasionally resorted sarcasm in order to make a critical point. However, while I find sarcasm as humor to be funny and entertaining, when it comes to actual criticism, in my opinion, sarcasm is the lowest form of criticism. Sacrasm is usually used as criticism as a last resort and possibly should be avoided, if you are not G-d.
I went to see Expelled Sunday night. Ben Stein has a point to make, and a very good point, and he does it well. However, Ben Stein is an entertainer, schooled in entertaining, and smart in entertaining. His intent was to educate people, to make people think, and to cause people to act, but in doing so, he used what he knows best -- entertainment. It worked. However, there were a few times when he resorted to what I call "the lowest form of criticism" -- sacrasm. A couple of those times, minimally, should have been eliminated, because they diminished his point.
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Abiyah
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
A tree's fruit is obvious; you have to look harder for the worm hole.
G-d has only one natural Son; EVERYONE else is adopted.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 1:09:50 PM
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Ps103
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In order for sarcasm as humor to translate onto the written page (or screen), the writer must have a great deal more talent than most posters possess 
On forums, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, sarcasm just comes across as snarkiness.
IRL, it is usually easier to spot, but not all people "get it," and misunderstandings and hurt result.
For that reason alone, we should avoid it, as Christians. (I am as guilty as the next person, though  )
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Fasten your seatbelts...it's going to be a bumpy night.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 1:30:32 PM
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LaurainAL
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When I post something sarcastic I always try in put in a smiley to let readers know I'm just playing around.
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My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 1:44:52 PM
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AoibhinnGrainne
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zamdad
Another way to look at it is, do we have a right not to be offended? Sarcasm has its place. If the intended audience of that sarcasm doesn't get it and becomes offended, is that the fault of the person using the sarcasm? As has been stated, internet communication is void of all the non-verbal cues we look for in human interaction. All too often we can read into a post things that are not there as we bring our own perspective filled with our own biases into what we read. We give too much control to others when we're always trying to back pedal from a sarcastic comment we've made that was not taken as intended.
This is an interesting perspective and one I have heard before.
And, yes, we all bring our own "grid" to the table as we read what we read.
But we also read books, magazines, the newspaper, Scripture... and, somehow, we are able to glean from context whether a particular writer's POV is cynical, gracious, snarky, informative, mystical, gracious, illustrative, informative, and so on, and so on.
When Scripture was written, it was, well, written. Paul traveled around and spoke to a great many folk who knew him and knew his method of delivery. They then, later, understood his letters. It would be like reading a book by Ben Stein after you've seen a couple of his movies. You get his POV.
But today, we read a lot of stuff from folk we do not "know". Including Paul. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit to illumine our understanding (and learning a bit of Greek helps <faint>). And, there were times past when "pen-pals" perhaps never met, face-to-face, but managed to be friends (even becoming Husband and Wife! one day) on the basis of written communication.
In a way, these Forums have taken the place of what letter-communication once did.
Yet...there is a deep river of sarcasm and cynicism in the America today. We are products of that culture. And few of us are Paul, who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may have done sarcasm brilliantly. Need I say, none of us are God.
Having done some overseas time (three years in England) it doesn't translate well. Especially among the Brethren.
I appreciate that we all do this from time to time. I've been convicted, more than once, for my rapier tongue, as well as fingers. And, as a newbie, who hasn't figured you'all out, it is particularly difficult to know who is joking...and who is not.
But as a general rule, maybe Colossians 4:5-6 could be remembered:
~ Behave wisely toward outsiders, making full use of every opportunity - let your conversation always be gracious and interesting, so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.
Just a thought...not unsolicited advice...
Aoi.
_____________________________
Be a woman so wrapped up in the Heart of God, that a Man of God has to search the Heart of God to find you...
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 4:17:41 PM
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LCannon
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Unless I have a relatively close, personal relationship I try to curb even the hint of sarcasm(or thinly veiled wit) except self deprecation. Sometimes it's hard though but it's not worth offense for my 'benefit'. Sarcasm like anger(or a drug), I would have to refresh my supply or look for others 'victims' for my sarcasm(as with anger) because it's effect is so short lived. Colossians 4:5-6 is appropriate too.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 4:20:39 PM
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GroupW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LCannon
...I try to curb even the hint of sarcasm(or thinly veiled wit) except self deprecation.
I keep my wit heavily veiled such that most people are completely incapable of ever getting a glimpse of it.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 4:24:23 PM
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GroupW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Ps103
 Sort of a wit burqa, eh?
Nice. Might have to use that sometime.
Edit: Doesn't a burqa (some of them anyway) at least let your eyes show a little?
< Message edited by GroupW -- 4/29/2008 4:32:25 PM >
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 4:30:16 PM
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Ps103
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Actually, I think *most* let the eyes show. Those really scary-looking ones are not the norm. I hope. (Although I would like to have one to run to the store in.)
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Fasten your seatbelts...it's going to be a bumpy night.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 4:47:27 PM
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GroupW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cow451
And you are doing an excellent job. 
Thanks.
I think. Maybe.
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RE: Should Christians Be Sarcastic? - 4/29/2008 5:20:41 PM
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AoibhinnGrainne
Posts: 103
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Actually, when I was in Thailand last year, I saw Muslim women wearing burqas with these tied-on metalwork face masks that concealed all but their mouths.
Interesting. Fascinating, actually. And the women wore gloves, heavy socks, and mostly, trousers and closed-toe shoes under the heavy dark-coloured burqas.
In Bangkok in 100-degree, 100% humidity.
Aoi.
_____________________________
Be a woman so wrapped up in the Heart of God, that a Man of God has to search the Heart of God to find you...
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