by Chris Alexion, Copyright February 22, 2006, all rights reserved. 296 views
What should we think about the use of satire and sarcasm in communicating truth? Does it necessarily violate charity? What are the limits of satire? These are questions I've pondered lately and discussed with friends. Here are some more musings, hopefully in the right direction.
1. Satire does have didactic value. For evidence, look at the whole English literary tradition and beyond. My CLEP-related lit studies really opened my eyes to the satirical family tree. Trace it back through Chesterton, Pope, Swift, Dryden, Erasmus, and the Romans. Readers really have been instructed and edified by satire; the wit may sting, but it cuts through folly and lets us know what ideas we should avoid.
2. In Scripture, God's people have relentlessly employed the satiric lash against God's enemies. From Elijah to John the Baptist, Christ, and His apostles, the biblical writers have rebuked, taunted, and ridiculed false gods. And yet when someone today uses the language of Jesus, he's told to be more Christ-like.
3. Satire can be taken too far or inappropriately applied. It would seem that, generally, at least, satire is best applied to those outside the faith, those, who, in John Reuben's words, "need to be cut deep in order to have feeling." One writer targets this group as those exuding religious arrogance. Not a humble guy with some questions and a puzzled look. Scripture commands us to speak words of charity and grace to our brethren; but to assume that all satire must necessarily be uncharitable seems beyond the scope of Scripture. So I don't think we need rule satire totally off-limits within the church. Satire within this context, it seems, should be used to instruct, not merely to mock.
4. A friend raised the point that satire seldom persuades the target of the barbed end. This may be right. I think satire's didactic effect bears more on the fence-sitters who haven't made up their minds. It's also useful for the oft-needed preaching to the choir. For persuasion, face-to-face biblical exegesis and thoughtful debate is obviously better.
Any thoughts?
1 • Jenn • February 23, 2006 • 5:00 PM
One problem with satire is that some people just don't get it - and then feel offended (or snubbed). It's pretty much sarcasm - a humorous means of criticizing something. For example, if Melody was to ask me, "Did you guys drive here?" and I say, "No…I flew.", In a sense I'm putting down her question. People feel a little cheated because there's no good way to answer satire. It's a good thing to have on your side of an argument, though!
2 • LHR • February 23, 2006 • 10:42 PM
Thanks for writing a post on this subject! It was well done — good to get some more of your thoughts on satire. I'm inclined to agree with you. Satires can be very useful for instruction, yet they must be used with wisdom.