Upset At Sarcasm

From: BS
To: truthfortodaysyouth@insightbb.com
Subject: funeral feedback

Upon reading the article titled, "Foolishness at a Funeral" I immediately went for the feedback link, but was disappointed to find that section of the website not functioning at this time.  I did not 
wish to add to this article's material, but rather to voice my displeasure with the entire tone and point of it.

As Christians we are commissioned to spread the gospel, the literal "good word."  We are told to do this so that we may bring as many people closer to God as possible, and some day join him in  Heaven...regardless of what activities will occur there.

First of all, the tone of the article was unnecessarily sarcastic.  The article ends with a tag line that sounds like something out of Seventeen magazine rather than a Christian publication.  It might as well have said, "What things have you heard at funerals that we can point out as wrong?"  That would really make me want to grow closer in fellowship with God's people if I were not a Christian.

Secondly, what good is supposed to come from this?  I guess the point of the article was to keep us from thinking foolish things like this young man thought.  The writer says clearly in his own article regarding our time in heaven, "What exactly that will consist of, I am not sure..."  He should have left it at that, because it's one of a few comments in this writing I would back.  We don't know what Heaven will be like other than eternal happiness.  And again I can't help but think of what someone who has never obeyed the gospel would think after reading this.  I have serious doubts that they would seek out the nearest Church of Christ.

Sincerely disappointed,
BS

Dear B,

You have a “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:2).

You are disappointed with the tone and point of the article, Foolishness At A Funeral.  Could the same be said for your email?  The only thing you do is attack me.

You deplore the sarcasm of the article, yet you said

The article ends with a tag line that sounds like something out of Seventeen magazine rather than a Christian  publication.  It might as well have said, "What things have you heard  at funerals that we can point out as wrong?"  That would really make me want to grow closer in fellowship with God's people if I were not a  Christian.

Was that sarcastic?

It would do you well to read Romans 2:1.

Further, you wrote, “I guess the point of the article is to keep us from thinking foolish things like this young man thought.”  The young man is in his 40s; old enough to know better.  Too, you have it right.  The point is to keep you from allowing your emotions drive your understanding of heaven or any other spiritual matter. We must walk by faith, not sight (2 Cor. 5:7).

By the way, what’s wrong with asking people to give examples of wrong attitudes, beliefs, or behavior at a funeral?

Now to the heart of the matter.

You need to read your Bible more often and/or pay closer attention.  It is filled with sarcasm.

Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs. 18:27).

Paul sarcastically said the Corinthians were “full,” “rich,” “wise,” “strong,” and “distinguished” (1 Cor. 4:8-10).

Ahab knew the prophet Micaiah wasn’t telling the truth because he used sarcasm with the king (1 Kgs. 22:15, 16).

Some believe Jesus was using sarcasm with Pilate in John 18:34; when Pilate asked if Jesus was the king of the Jews.

B, sarcasm is a legitimate tool in promoting truth.  Yes, there some non-Christians will read an article like Foolishness At A Funeral and be turned away.  These same people are turned off by the Word of God.  It bites too hard (Jn. 6:60-66).

Do you believe Jesus was perfect?  Do you think He always had the best interest of others at heart?  If so, why did men become so angry with Him at times?  Read Luke 11:37-54, to see an excellent example of how Jesus went on the attack and angered men.  He used irony in verses 39-44.  Was Jesus wrong for calling them “foolish ones” in verse 40?

I encourage you to think on these things and realize that the Lord and His people often used strong, straight-forward, even sarcastic, language to persuade men. We should too.

Sincerely,
Steven F. Deaton

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.
- Proverbs 11:22

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