Humor
Just for a Lark
by Tim Lien
Although not for the literal or the super-sensitive. LarkNews has a great monthly “newsletter” that exposes the terrible aspects of American Evangelical Christianity. I guess that’s why I love satire so much— in being so close to reality, the ludicrous and ridiculous come into stark relief. I have heard this from many pulpits, however: “Sarcasm has no place in the Christian’s world.” I had actually bought that line, until I attended Covenant Seminary. Much of the prophet’s writing in the OT is filled with sarcasm and irony. It must be used with sensitivity and circumspection— much like anything else….but it’s a great tool nonetheless.
Posted by Tim Lien at August 13, 2006 04:36 PM
Hi, Tim, I’m an old friend of Steven Crawford’s and was just surfing around your site (admiring Steven’s handiwork) when I saw your post. I hope it is ok for non-members to post.
I struggle with some of the ideas you mention on this post. I also grew in appreciation of satire during seminary, but wrestle between the lines of constructive, good-natured sarcasm and lazy, arrogant cynicism on a daily basis. On a side note, I saw the title of a philosophy lecture on postmodernism a few weeks ago called, “The Wages of Cynicism is Death”. I love creative titling.
Anyway, I also love the way Jesus used ridicule at times and Scripture uses satire, but wonder about it’s place in my heart. I confess, I often use sarcasm as a lazy way of appearing smart or superior.
I was wondering if you had any advice for me on the “sensitivity and circumspection” part. I could sure use it. And I’m certain my wife would appreciate me using it. :)
It brings a couple of movie quotes to my mind:
“We live in a cynical, cynical world,”—Jerry McGuire.
“It’s the hard part of my job and the hard part of just walking down the street,”—Magnolia.
Thanks for the post.
Hey Wes, thanks for checking out the site…Steven is incredibly talented….he’s blown us away with his work.
thanks for the comments, man, i really think this will be a continual struggle for me, as well. i’ve often told people that it took seminary for me to become really jaded and cynical. Part of that was a deepening realization of the depravity of man, namely, the depravity i was discovering in my own soul. however, i do think there is a sharp and distinctive difference between “cynicism” and “sarcasm.” If both are used interchangeably, there are grave consequences. I think that sarcasm can breed cynicism(and it often does, but I do not think that one is necessarily being cynical when one is sarcastic. When the motivation/purpose of the observation is bring TRUTH to light, then I believe it is warranted. (Especially to a jaded audience, like the prophets in the OT) However, when it is a sharp quip to belittle my wife/child/adversary— I see no lasting benefit. I also like to delineate(among fellow philisophical musers)between “critical” and “cynical.” the critic is always seeking to see Truth and reality through a responsible grid of interpretation. A true critic can see redeemable qualities and possible reclamation. The cynic strives to see the same reality, but refuses to ascribe quality, hope, or redemption. Thanks for the post….hopefully, you’ll be back.