Mocking

[Bro. Curtis]

I have read some posts where people are concerned that some of us "mock" other religions. So I wanted to ask a question.

1Kings chapter 18. The contest between God & the prophets of Baal. Verse 27 states...

"And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked."

Also, dumping all the water on the altar could be seen as mocking, although I like to think it was done only to show God's might. But verse 27 is clearly Elijah making fun of the false prophets. I cannot find any scripture where he repented or was chastised for saying these things...

So...was Elijah sinning by saying what he said in verse 27 ?

 

[DocCas]

Do you consider yourself an Elijah? A prophet of God? Do you believe your utterances to be inspired by the Holy Spirit?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Great questions.

No, I am not even close to Elijah. And I'm horrified that my post made you think I was comparing myself to him.

There have been times when I have posted something here that I know didn't come from me. There have been others that made me ashamed of myself because I didn't post more prayerfully.

Sometimes when I point out what I think might be error, I am accused of mocking.

Were Elijah's comments really God speaking, or was it Elijah being haughty ? You might say that if God wasn't pleased with him, he wouldn't have honored Elijah's altar. But Moses clearly disobeyed God when he smote the rock 2X, and God was still faithful to his people.

So...humbly now, my question still stands.

 

[GrannyGumbo]

Mr.Curtis, I did not think you were comparing yourself to Elijah & I understand what you are asking...I hope ya get an answer that meets your satisfaction! Personally, at first glance, replies like the one from T.C. scare me off. To me that is the"wrong" kind of mocking; sorry

 

[Gina B]

Originally posted by Thomas Cassidy:
Do you consider yourself an Elijah? A prophet of God? Do you believe your utterances to be inspired by the Holy Spirit?

Exactly what would be wrong with that if the answer was yes, which I believe is a good answer for Christians to have?

Gina

 

[HankD]

I believe it is possible for the Spirit of God to lead us to use the art of mocking to convince others of spiritual things.

However my guess is that most of it comes from the flesh.

HankD

 

[post-it]

I think it can be used if done with taste and care to public officials, as well as any person that make public statements. The doors are basically open once that happens. President Clinton, Bush, and this last week Carter, Priests, people from everywhere, all mocked and they understand it comes with the job or public forum. Most mocking is good if it gets a point across to others. Mocking shouldn't be done on a more private level or even to the public figure if something tragic just happened to the person like being in an accident.

Then some people have more latitude to mock such as Jay Leno. Last week he mocked the priests who have been in the news of late. It is very subjective and must be done with taste, but yes, I see where it is fine in the proper venue. Even in a debate here, people will mock others and if it is to make a point, then I see where it should not be taken personally by the person who posted a public announcement that is aware it can bring mocking from others. Again, taste and timing are everything in its use.

[ May 22, 2002, 04:13 PM: Message edited by: post-it ]

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Thanx for the responses, people.

Post-it, I really liked what you said. We have a history, you & I, of not agreeing, but that was a great post. Thanx.

 

[post-it]

I like and respect you too, Mr. Curtis.

But let's not let that get in our way.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

 

[Dr. Bob]

Okay, let's cut out the love fest!

(Sorry, didn't mean to mock you two . .

 

[Gina B]

Dr. Bob, go to bed! You're obviously unable to type properly at this time.

Gina

 

[Helen]

Um, has anyone read Psalm 1? It has something to say about mocking...

Best to go to God's Word, I think.

There is more:

Prov. 1:22
Prov. 3:34
Prov. 9:12
Prov. 14:6
Prov. 19:29

among others...

 

[Larry]

Helen, what a novel approach. It’s a shame more people don’t use the word of God to answer questions ………….that was a subtle mock. As you can see, mocking can be used for good AND it’s great fun. In this case, my mocking was intended to provoke readers into getting more familiar with their Bible, so they can quote relevant passages, like Helen did.

I’m sure there are many examples in the Bible where mocking is used in a good way. For example when Paul (I don’t consider myself to be a Paul) said “ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?” he was mocking the Corinthians.

On the other hand the sepal, I included about not considering myself to be a Paul, was mocking DocCass. I included it as an example of a “non productive mock”. No offence DocCass, just trying to illustrate a point.

 

[Gina B]

I do believe there's a difference between scorning other people and scorning false doctrines and such.
In other words, don't scorn truth. Deride falseness.

Although I wonder if it changes matters if a wise person does the mocking??? J/K, lol
Gina

 

[Sularis]

Some of our mocking occurs not of other religions - but rather of our ailing brothers

Catholics - yes there will be some in heaven
Pentecostals - Well nobody's perfect - oh wait God is, and He's the one that's gonna let em in

Mormons - oh wait mock them they aint my brothers
JWs - mock em too

But the top two dont mock

 

[HankD]

Dear Sularis,

Do you realize that you just mocked people who mock people?

HankD

 

[Sularis]

NOOOooooooo.......

*runs off to the Calvinist threads*