Sarcasm--Not appropriate for Christians

[Cat]

When I was praying the Rosary this Tuesday, I was using a little book with beautiful artwork and the Scriptural Rosary.

I became very aware of the sarcastic treatment that Our Lord received at the hands of his tormentors when theycrowned Him with thorns, dressed Him in a military robe, handed Him a reed, and then mocked Him by kneeling and calling Him “King of the Jews.”

Then they proceeded to beat Him on the Head with the reed that they themselves had made.

I personally think this Mystery must have been worse than the beating and even the Crucifixion (where the sarcastic, mocking behavior continued from His torturers). It’s bad enough to be hurt, but it’s even worse to be mocked.

I see a lot of sarcasm on this Board. I don’t see sarcasm used often in daily conversation, since most of us aren’t quick enough to think of sarcastic replies in real life. It seems that sarcasm is a particular danger of written communication. It seems clever and witty to the writer.

I don’t think it’s appropriate for Christians in a conversation setting, spoken or written. Whenever people have used sarcasm in these Boards against me, I am so hurt in my spirit that I want to cry. When I say this in a post, people usually make fun of me and say “You need to grow a tougher skin” or something to that effect.

To me, all of this treatment seems eerily similiar to what happened to Jesus.

Also, sarcasm is sometimes rather obscure, and people like me don’t always get it, and then we end up looking even more foolish when we respond to it.

To me, sarcasm seems to be mockery, which is an acting out of hatred.

I’m not condemning sarcasm in a stage or film setting, or in a fiction novel or story. In these settings, it is obvious to the audience that the comedian or actors or fictional characters are being sarcastic because we know that it just theater or fiction.

And I know, too, that there are humerous sarcastic replies, written and spoken, that are not sinful at all. E.g., “Wow, I’m sure GLAD that it’s snowing AGAIN in late March. Lucky us! We didn’t want any of that ol’ warm spring weather anyway!”

I’m saying that I think sarcasm in these religious topics should be eliminated from our conversations, both written and spoken. I think it’s sinful.

I’m going to try to never be sarcastic again on this Board or on any other Board that I am a member of.

 

[Belle10]

Good points. I think you’re right, when engaging in serious discussion there is no place for it, for it only inflames and hurts.

I probably will keep using it here and there in real life though when it is completely obvious that I’m joking and it isn’t used with the intention of being hurtful. Now that you’ve mentioned it though, I can recall times when I’ve used it inappropriately in real life, and how much it probably hurt people. Thanks for pointing this out.

When I meditate on the crowning with thorns, I usually think about the times when I’ve heard our Lord mocked and failed to speak up. I think that’s almost worse than doing the mocking, for He expects more from us who claim to love Him.

 

[strngrnrth]

Elisha used sarcasm. It’s not always bad. It’s only bad when it’s used to maintain a block or to avoid telling someone what you do think instead of just what you don’t think.
I was talking to a friend and we agreed that sarcasm is the allergic reaction to an overdose of absurdity. Of course, some people use it to avoid a truth instead, which I consider an abuse of sarcasm. but, used judiciously and only when it’s really the best way to make a point, it’s not a bad tool.

 

[Scottgun]

We need to keep our terms clear between things like:

Sarcasm
Flippancy
Irony
Hyperbole
*Reductio ad Absurdum–*or showing the absurdity of something by giving an absurd example.

Flippancy is usually off the table. Sarcasm is risky, but depends on the contex as you say. Or a saying I heard: “Sarcasm–it may be witty, it my be clever, but gets you closer to God–never!”

The last three are usually (but not absolutely) fair play.

 

[HelenRose]

We need to keep our terms clear between things like:

Sarcasm
Flippancy
Irony
Hyperbole
*Reductio ad Absurdum–*or showing the absurdity of something by giving an absurd example.

Flippancy is usually off the table. Sarcasm is risky, but depends on the contex as you say. Or a saying I heard: “Sarcasm–it may be witty, it my be clever, but gets you closer to God–never!”

The last three are usually (but not absolutely) fair play.

Every now and again a sarcastic comment will come to my lips or fingers. I am ALWAYS sorry if I give into that temptation. No matter how clever a comment may be, sarcasm is meant to inflict pain The cleverer and funnier sarcasm is, the deeper the pain is felt.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

God seems to use a bit of sarcasm in answering Job [38-39]:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements–surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 "Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth from the womb . . . “Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and spreads his wings toward the south? 27 Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? 28 On the rock he dwells and makes his home in the fastness of the rocky crag. 29 Thence he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it afar off. 30 His young ones suck up blood; and where the slain are, there is he.”

 

[hasikelee]

I try to never use sarcasm in written media because the lack of inflection and nonverbal language renders it either useless or confusing.

To say that sarcasm is not an appropriate medium for Christians is a bit far fetched.

 

[brigid12]

It’s hardest for me to keep from being sarcastic/flippant when I’m actually speaking. I have caught a few sarcastic/flippant remarks when I’m posting tho’ (since I usually preview to see how some else might see my remarks) and I really hope I’ve caught all of them, it’s definitely a habit which is usually stupid/hurtful/not of God (unless you are God - then you can get away with them ). My family is ok with them because they’re used to me and know when I’m teasing, but others have no idea.
I ask any of you reading my posts that if something sarcastic or flippant shows up that you call me on it. Please!

 

[Miserissima]

When Our Lord said “Render unto Caeser what is Caesar’s” (talking about paying taxes, if I recall correctly) that may not have been taken as such a profound answer – actually, to the Romans and other listeners, I imagine a chuckle from the Jewish people because of what I beieve could have been taken as a sarcastic answer.

I also think that our Lord was being both dramatic and sarcastic when he invitied Saint (doubting) Thomas to put his hands into His wounds.

 

[HelenRose]

When Our Lord said “Render unto Caeser what is Caesar’s” (talking about paying taxes, if I recall correctly) that may not have been taken as such a profound answer – actually, to the Romans and other listeners, I imagine a chuckle from the Jewish people because of what I beieve could have been taken as a sarcastic answer.

I also think that our Lord was being both dramatic and sarcastic when he invitied Saint (doubting) Thomas to put his hands into His wounds.

I guess that is how some people may look at it. I don’t.

With Thomas, I believe that Christ was, in great compassion and love, inviting Thomas toward a greater understanding of His suffering.

 

[Miserissima]

I guess that is how some people may look at it. I don’t.

With Thomas, I believe that Christ was, in great compassion and love, inviting Thomas toward a greater understanding of His suffering.

Please, HelenRose, I didn’t mean to make light of your point; I was just offering my point of view. I think that there are a number of things that Christ could have said sarcastically, such as [poorly paraphrased] "take the beam out of your eye before you start looking for motes in others’.

To me, sarcasm seems to be mockery, which is an acting out of hatred.

To me, sarcasm can be a tool to get peoplr to think and ponder a deeper meaning.

I’m not condemning sarcasm in a stage or film setting, or in a fiction novel or story. In these settings, it is obvious to the audience that the comedian or actors or fictional characters are being sarcastic because we know that it just theater or fiction.

I agree, but since we know that Christ lived, I believe that he MAY have used sarcasm as a teaching tool.

With love,

-Mis

 

[Simon_X]

Personally, I think sarcasm can be useful as a way to make a point or to defuse a situation with a bit of humor. Yes, if used in the wrong situation, can be cruel and hurtful. But if used in normal, every day life, it can even help break up stressful situation. I, myself, always appreciate a quick wit even if directed at me. I use it against myself and find it very humbling to show that I am not always right or perfect…so depends on where and to whom it is directed at would be my answer…

 

[HelenRose]

Personally, I think sarcasm can be useful as a way to make a point or to defuse a situation with a bit of humor. Yes, if used in the wrong situation, can be cruel and hurtful. But if used in normal, every day life, it can even help break up stressful situation. I, myself, always appreciate a quick wit even if directed at me. I use it against myself and find it very humbling to show that I am not always right or perfect…so depends on where and to whom it is directed at would be my answer…

Sometimes it is good idea to define a word. The Random House Dictionary defines sarcasm: 1) a sharply sneering or cutting remark. 2) the use of such remarks intended to hurt or wound another.

This is the meaning that I have connected to the word sarcasm and as such, it is not useful in any discussion of religion. There are other ways to express humor. One can be ironic, witty and humorous without being sarcastic.

 

[Miserissima]

Sometimes it is good idea to define a word. The Random House Dictionary defines sarcasm: 1) a sharply sneering or cutting remark. 2) the use of such remarks intended to hurt or wound another.

This is the meaning that I have connected to the word sarcasm and as such, it is not useful in any discussion of religion. There are other ways to express humor. One can be ironic, witty and humorous without being sarcastic.

Ahhhh, now think I see your point. To use feedback: Sarcasm is meant to wound, not use humor. Sarcasm can be very close to to “attacking” another Christian.

Am I understanding you correctly?

Becaue I was wondering why there would be a “winking smiley”
( ) if humor, irony, or a bit of sarcsasm wasn’t involved.

 

[Simon_X]

Sometimes it is good idea to define a word. The Random House Dictionary defines sarcasm: 1) a sharply sneering or cutting remark. 2) the use of such remarks intended to hurt or wound another.

This is the meaning that I have connected to the word sarcasm and as such, it is not useful in any discussion of religion. There are other ways to express humor. One can be ironic, witty and humorous without being sarcastic.

Agreed, maybe not talking about the same thing. Again, I was leaning towards humorous and witty, not being cruel. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[HelenRose]

Agreed, maybe not talking about the same thing. Again, I was leaning towards humorous and witty, not being cruel. Thanks for pointing that out.

I have noticed so often, that people can be simply arguing over a meaning of a word. They will be agreeing on the intent and content of what they are trying to say but not realize this because of they need to define a key word.

Humor can play a very important part in a discussion. I think “irony” is a better word to use in this context. If you knew me, and the way I so often misuse words, you would find it “ironical” that I am discussing the meaning of words with anyone.

 

[Miserissima]

“ironical” that I am discussing the meaning of words with anyone.

You’re not “ironical at all.” In fact, Mark Twain made up his own words – often. Many homilists do too (at least at my old parish).

I think you are wonderful just the way you are, and keep trying to get your point(s) across – we’ll catch on sooner or later.

Know what? I edit and re-edit my posts. A lot. You can see it, too. I have trouble getting my point across – a lot.

I have also found that opening up MS word helps me to organize my thoughts before I post here… I am not suggesting this to specifically you, but it certainly helps me.

God bless,

• Mis

 

[HelenRose]

I do use my word editor. To be honest I am trying to learn how to express myself better.

I tend to fly of the handle and often say unkind things. I am unashamedly using this forum as a means to learn, not only what to say to defend my faith, but how to and how not to reach others.

Not to mention the fact that there are some really lovely people here to learn from.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Sometimes it is good idea to define a word. The Random House Dictionary defines sarcasm: 1) a sharply sneering or cutting remark. 2) the use of such remarks intended to hurt or wound another.

This is the meaning that I have connected to the word sarcasm and as such, it is not useful in any discussion of religion. There are other ways to express humor. One can be ironic, witty and humorous without being sarcastic.

Good point. Thanks - Joe

 

[Mirdath]

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Ouch.