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A Serrated Edge: A Brief Defense of Biblical Satire and Trinitarian Skylarking
by
Douglas Wilson (Goodreads Author)
Satire is a kind of preaching. Satire pervades Scripture. Satire treats the foibles of sinners with a less than perfect tenderness.But, if a Christian employs satire today, he is almost immediately called to account for his "unbiblical" behavior. Yet Scripture shows that the central point of some religious controversies is to give offense. When Christ was confron...more
Paperback, 128 pages
Published
June 3rd 2003
by Canon Press
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Very few books are written on the humor of Jesus, and interestingly, this book seems to point out why in the process of defending satire as a biblical discipline. I read this on the Kindle and it was very difficult to read because there are some formatting issues. It was also difficult to read because the author, Douglas Wilson, quotes biblical texts from the KJV only (Mardel share holders, can I get a what what?) This book is priceless, though! Wilson spends a considerable amount of ink usi...more
The brevity of this book is one of its chiefest strengths, along with its solid and honest Biblicism. Goody-two-shoes Christians and Nanny-nanny-boo-boo liberals beware.
Fun little book on why satire is biblical and not used enough by us sentimental American Christians.
Apparently a response to criticism over several years, this book defends the use of satire (both Horatian and Juvinalian) by Christians towards others (including other Christians). I was completely convinced. John Frame was not, though he has high regard for Doug Wilson. Wilson defends himself online. Again, I was completely convinced. (Thanks to Dustan Chevalier for pointing me to the review/rebuttal.) As a side note: I put smiley faces next to parts in the book that I think are funny. I put 59...more
John
rated it
Recommends it for:
people who grew up in the church during the 20th and 21st centuries, and particularly pastors
I loved this book because it was an excellent defense of using satire against certain enemies of the church (including and mostly consisting of those WITHIN the church) while also doing it for those same enemies - with love for them.
To use Wilson's own comparison, many in the church today model their view of Christian charity after these ridiculous pictures of Hallmark-card sentiments that have no place in Scripture, ignoring Scripture's clear teaching that love often includes using ...more
To use Wilson's own comparison, many in the church today model their view of Christian charity after these ridiculous pictures of Hallmark-card sentiments that have no place in Scripture, ignoring Scripture's clear teaching that love often includes using ...more
As a whole, a wonderful book.
I feel like people could take isolated passages and run wild, but the book itself is a firm exhortation to always go back to the Scriptures and to earnestly seek to honor God. I think this is an area that takes a lot of wisdom and prayer and should only be motivated by love (the real kind).
Lots of food for thought and discussion. Really enjoyed the book. Was truly convicted. And laughed...a lot. :-)
I feel like people could take isolated passages and run wild, but the book itself is a firm exhortation to always go back to the Scriptures and to earnestly seek to honor God. I think this is an area that takes a lot of wisdom and prayer and should only be motivated by love (the real kind).
Lots of food for thought and discussion. Really enjoyed the book. Was truly convicted. And laughed...a lot. :-)
This is a great defense of biblical satire. Wilson shows how the Bible is full of satire--from Amos, to Isaiah, Jesus, and Paul. He argues that it is not only biblical--but a model for us. He does state clearly that it ought to be reserved for seasoned prophets. The book is full of food for thought and is a great help in understanding scripture. I highly recommend this one!
Humor and satire is an essential element in Christian preaching that has often been neglected and needs to be taken up again. Wilson clearly demonstrates and defends the use of appropriate ridicule in this book, dealing with objections along the way. A quick read with a word that deserves to be heeded.
Good book about how sarcasm and strong language was used throughout the Bible in polemics, from Elijah to our Lord. Wilson argues that the use of sarcasm and even strong language is Biblical. I think I should reread this in light of the walking controversy named Mark Driscoll.
I like most all of the book - but I'm not so much of a fan of how it come to be a biblical justification for any and every kind of sinful sarcasm and cynicism by Christians. An unfortunate consequence of an otherwise to book.
Yes you are allowed to use that cutting wit of yours. Wilson explains from the Bible just how we can use our sense of humor on the things that really deserve it.
Great book. Not only is it a great and spirited defense of biblical satire, but also a salient critique of modern mainstream evangelicalism.
Wilson gives evangelical kitsch, sentimentalism, and irrationality the merciless beating it deserves. This book was… refreshing.
This is a really fun book that illustrates very helpful Biblical examples of how we should use satire.
Aaron Carlberg
added it
Wonderful book full of wisdom and humor. This is a book that was fun to read.
I liked it at the time. I have since come to feel that most of what it represents is unhelpful.
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The book to read on Christian satire.
Defense of sarcasm, from Scripture
Don't get shrill. Get satire.
Lots of fun. Pastor Wilson makes his point and makes it sharply: satire can be completely biblical-in fact it was one of Jesus' most commonly used tools. (John Frame has pressed him on some weaknesses though, and I hope he includes an appendix from materials on his blog.)
Helpful little book about sarcasm and satire. Solid argumentation and biblical defense that i am sure will come in quite handy for the person who is frequently accused of being "un-Christlike" due to their sarcasm and wit.
Quick fun read. Could get someone into a lot of trouble.
Vanity, vanity all is vanity. Commentary on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. Sola Deo Gloria!
Michael Wilson
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I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.
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