I realize now that I should have known better. I should have remembered that when it comes to Christian discourse, all forms of dramatic irony, metaphor, bathos, puns, parody, litotes and satire are to be left to the Piranha brothers.
I’m referring to the concerned comments about my satirical little parable on crime, justice and responsibility from last Friday. I had hoped that readers would see that like most parables, it was hyperbolic and had but one simple target: the increasingly absurd trend in our culture to absolve the individual of responsibility for the consequences of law-breaking, and to blame the authorities instead (in this case, the police, for being so irresponsible as to enforce the law).
Mind you, I was not offended by any of the responses, including those that suggested that by even imagining murder, I was being less than godly. But I was disappointed that some of our readers were unable to grasp the genre and point of the piece.
Perhaps I can console myself by wondering if Jesus ever got the same reaction. I can certainly imagine it. He’s just told one of his blistering parables, or used one of his intensely memorable illustrations, perhaps this one: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt 18:5-6).
And out of the corner of his eye, Jesus sees one of the wider circle of his disciples approaching him with a worried look on his face.
“Master”, says the disciple. “I’m hesitant to raise this, but there was something in that last illustration of yours that I found concerning. It’s the millstone language. I just thought that it was a rather insensitive image to use. You might not know this, but there have been several drownings in this area in the last 12 months, and what if one of those people who have lost loved ones had been listening today?”
Jesus looks at the ground and draws a shape with his toe. The disciple, gaining confidence from Jesus’ silence, goes on.
“But actually, Master, there was something that I found even more alarming. You seemed to be suggesting that some form of extreme and bizarre corporal punishment, involving agricultural equipment and seawater, was an appropriate response to those who have a negative impact on the faith of others. Now, I’m the first to admit that causing someone else to behave in a less than Christian way is a real problem, and should be approached with the utmost seriousness. But I really don’t see how it could be gracious or Christian to suggest that such a person be executed.”
Jesus stopped drawing with his toe, looked sadly at the disciple and walked away. The disciple looked down at the shape Jesus had drawn in the dirt. It was the unmistakeable outline of a raspberry.
Oh no, I’ve done it again. Sorry everyone. I can’t seem to help myself. Please ignore the last six paragraphs. What I meant to say was simply this: different forms of communication, including humour, hyperbole, parable, parody and satire, are part of God’s good gift of language. They can be found throughout the Bible, especially on the lips of the prophets and of Jesus. Let’s not be afraid to use them, and let’s learn to recognize them and read them appropriately.
Hi Tony
I guess it sounds a little bit like the preacher who is disappointed with his congregation because they failed to grasp the brilliance of his sermon.
are they are a bad audience or was it just bad preaching?
better luck next time.
I like satire – and wholeheartedly agree that its worth pursing and developing different genres of communication – especially preaching – for the sake of our hearers.
I think context and relationship are important factors here. Knowing TP and working alongside him, I thought his post was hilarious, and could understand his point. The internet—and, indeed, the written medium—removes much of that, and therefore it makes it easier for other people to be offended.
Even without knowing TP personally – only having read his articles in the Briefing and on the Sola Panel – I still thought it was hilarious.
Well put Tony.
Tragically, some who preach using such literary devices are pilloried, and the pressure on preachers to use anaemic, vague expressions that offend no one is increasing in many churches.
We need to pray for one another, because, in my view, the pressure to preach ‘nicely’ is increasing all the time at the moment.
Oh, and by the way, many will use the argument that Jesus can use satire, sharp language and the like, but we cannot. They might even argue that the Apostles may do this, but not us today.
I don’t think scripture supports this position. Do you agree?
Hi Tony,
Thank you for taking the time to explain your previous post.
Jesus probably did (and does) feel disappointed and frustrated when his disciples, & the rest of us regular Joes, had/have difficulty grasping the things he was saying (This can only be magnified as he was there when the universe was made,he knows all). Now you can probably guess that I am glad that the disciples asked and received explanations to some of these parables and teachings.
Now, raspberry…. (scratching my temple)… I know its meant to be funny, but….
(sorry another poor attempt at humour)
“He was a cruel man but fair….”
GP
Hi All
Thanks for the various warnings and encouragements. Always appreciated.
I was waiting for a Python quote in response, and Gav, you nailed it!
Philip, I agree with you that there is nothing in Scripture to prevent us following Scripture’s example of being satirical on occasion! It reminds me that we discussed these matters in a Briefing early last year—issue 353 it was, of Feb 08. I’ll see if I can get the relevant articles online at The Briefing site …
TP
Couldn’t Help Noticing and Up Front have always been my favourite part of The Briefing (Philistine, I hear you say!). This,largely as a result of Tony’s humourous take on the absurdities of the real world.
I think it would be a shame if the world had a mortgage on satire, as it is clearly a tool to get people thinking.
If a good post is judged by the number of comments, then the “Media to blame …” post has hit the spot.
Lets continue to rejoice in our differences and enjoy the robust discussion that comes from them.
“..then he loses his temper and nails my head to the floor…”
“..He nailed your head to the floor?”
spooky likeness with TP
GP
Tony – I thought you hit the nail on the head with both posts – keep at it.
Pete