Jesus used story. Jesus used questions. Jesus understood the way people think, listen, understand and remember. Many are aloof to technical arguments, philosophical musings and scientific presentations for Christianity. Worldview issues are at times fatiguing to the masses. However, when we use story and other means, we can touch not only the mind, but also the heart.
This is not to criticize other methods of Christian advocacy, such as the classical apologetic arguments, Christian unity and brotherhood in Christ’s universal body, and even simply presenting the problem of sin and the powerful Gospel remedy. All I’m saying is that there are many inroads into the human, many circumvent the intellect and nudge the heart.
Plus Jesus, the ancient prophets and others used creative advocacy in their mission.
Today, we have at our disposal many amazing venues. Movie making, cartooning, music, the visual arts and many more media options exist. But we must not forget that humor can also be powerful means to seed the Christian worldview, to encourage others to walk in Christian advocacy and to expose society’s various odd views.
At times we may think that humor was never used by biblical people, we think of them as stiff, humorless people. But I would venture to say that there was humor mixed within some of their arguments. Whole books have been written on the humor found in the Bible, we miss it at times because of our different language, culture context and story familiarity.
Today, I think the humor of satire can be used in power ways. Yes satire. Satire helps us laugh at ourselves and at our culture, both inside and outside the Church. Satire humorously addresses cultural and sociological issues that so many know exist, at times it is more true than not. Satire presents the truth while tickling the funny bone. Satire is a powerful tool to point out the hard to express inconsistencies without great offenses.
We have degenerated into a super sensitive society. Our culture is where everyone is offended by everyone else. However, inflammatory topics can be touched through satirical and humorous methods that elicit chuckles and understanding nods. While it is still dangerous in a sense, because it can “offend” and some may not like the method, most are humored by it.
This site’s main thrust has been to interact with the intellectual issues in a serious manner. However, I think it is perfectly legitimate to use satire here as well. In the past, I’ve played around with satire, both within posts here and on other sites. I have also used literary freedom in story for making a point and encouraging engagement.
Satirical topics flood my mind. Just living life and reading the news are such rich sources for topics. The news itself is rich with story, so unbelievable at times, it seems like satire. In addition, satire is not only fun to read and powerful, but it is also easy, fun and fast to write. Creative story lines are made up, creative places and creative situations are introduced, and then you add the creative characters. Ideas and happenings in the real world are taken out for a spin, and when one takes them to their logical conclusions, bingo, silliness is exposed. A piece can now address some delicate idea but can be seen for the inconsistencies and foolishness it contains.
So you may see some satirical pieces coming in the future on this blog. I would encourage you to use your creative talents too, and I’m not necessarily talking about satire. Go ahead and try something different, and find what you can do and maybe what you are good at. Go out and change your world for Christ.
I have a passion to have answers for Christianity as Peter taught us to do. I would love for you to come along with me and not miss a post! In the future, I plan on giving more resources and answers you can share with both believers and sunbelievers. Plus, I want to send you a Free Quick Guide why I think science points to God. I would love for you to have this Free Quick Guide and the latest posts straight to your inbox.
You too can use your creative skills. What are they? Please share them below. How are you going to use them for Christian advocacy?
