Sarcasm: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain [Merriam-Webster]
Being sarcastic probably isn't thought of as being a theological topic, I'll agree. But for those of us who do tend to be sarcastic-- that is, taking it further than just light humor in casual conversation-- and know we have offended people with it before, might it be such a subject after all, as in scripturally "abstain from all appearance of evil?"
I'll share one example. A few years ago, in the week before Christmas, I was home and my doorbell rang, and it was a smiling woman who had some fruit for sale, who started talking about how their fruit is home grown and well-cultivated, while at the same time she was cutting a piece of something-- a peach or persimmon, maybe-- then offered me a wedge to sample. I just said "No." She repeated "No?" with a look of amazement. I said no once again, while she just stood there as if she had offered me a million dollars and I refused. I avoided laughing as we both stood there staring at each other, then I finally added derisively, "It's the negative response to a binary question." Then she finally unleashed her true self and motives as she angrily yelled, "Well, Merry ____'n Chistmas to YOU, too!" Then I did laugh as I shoved the door closed.
I made that woman mad, when it was unnecessary, by my tone and my belittling remark. But is there anything wrong with such interaction, especially when someone is doing a real "come on" to you? And then what about store clerks ["What makes you think I need any help?"], police officers ["You sure do know your penal code, Mr. PO-leese-man!"], a medical receptionist ["No, if you're behind, I don't mind waiting another half hour-- there ain't nothing I'd rather be doing"], employer ]Yes, SIRRR!/ MA'AMMM!"],...finally even God ["I know miracles are not usually your thing most of the time, and you know I'll be a suffering servant if you decide so, but this painful ____, that I'm supposed to count all joy, just might ruin my sunny disposition!"].
So, when is sarcasm 'alright,' when is it questionable, and when does it become sin?
Note that Jesus used sarcasm when in the Garden, when he came back to his 3 disciples and found them sleeping for the third time, and he said, "Sleep on now-- take our rest!" I think that was bitter irony, in line with the definition.
Being sarcastic probably isn't thought of as being a theological topic, I'll agree. But for those of us who do tend to be sarcastic-- that is, taking it further than just light humor in casual conversation-- and know we have offended people with it before, might it be such a subject after all, as in scripturally "abstain from all appearance of evil?"
I'll share one example. A few years ago, in the week before Christmas, I was home and my doorbell rang, and it was a smiling woman who had some fruit for sale, who started talking about how their fruit is home grown and well-cultivated, while at the same time she was cutting a piece of something-- a peach or persimmon, maybe-- then offered me a wedge to sample. I just said "No." She repeated "No?" with a look of amazement. I said no once again, while she just stood there as if she had offered me a million dollars and I refused. I avoided laughing as we both stood there staring at each other, then I finally added derisively, "It's the negative response to a binary question." Then she finally unleashed her true self and motives as she angrily yelled, "Well, Merry ____'n Chistmas to YOU, too!" Then I did laugh as I shoved the door closed.
I made that woman mad, when it was unnecessary, by my tone and my belittling remark. But is there anything wrong with such interaction, especially when someone is doing a real "come on" to you? And then what about store clerks ["What makes you think I need any help?"], police officers ["You sure do know your penal code, Mr. PO-leese-man!"], a medical receptionist ["No, if you're behind, I don't mind waiting another half hour-- there ain't nothing I'd rather be doing"], employer ]Yes, SIRRR!/ MA'AMMM!"],...finally even God ["I know miracles are not usually your thing most of the time, and you know I'll be a suffering servant if you decide so, but this painful ____, that I'm supposed to count all joy, just might ruin my sunny disposition!"].
So, when is sarcasm 'alright,' when is it questionable, and when does it become sin?
Note that Jesus used sarcasm when in the Garden, when he came back to his 3 disciples and found them sleeping for the third time, and he said, "Sleep on now-- take our rest!" I think that was bitter irony, in line with the definition.
