Mockery

Listening to: Arcade Fire: The Suburbs

Peter calls us to give a explain our hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15). But at first sight that does not seem to fit with the strong language that other biblical authors deploy.

Amos calls people “cows” (Amos 4:1), Jesus and John the Baptist call people a “brood of vipers” and “hypocrites” (Luke 3:7; Matt 12:34, 23:35). Paul wishes false teachers would castrate themselves (Gal 5:12) and Elijah questions whether Baal is not displaying his power because he is asleep (1 Kings 18:27). The examples could be multiplied.

I am not exactly sure how to fit these things together, but I think it may be something like this...

Instances of mockery in the Bible are not within the context of ‘evangelism’ or preaching to a congregation but declarations of judgment upon certain people. They do not seem to be directed against ordinary people but are spoken about teachers or those in some other kind of authority. Jesus and Paul could be remarkably generous and open to people either in deep sin (e.g. Zacchaeus), or held deeply heretical beliefs (e.g. Corinthian church). However, these people tended to be the marginalised, powerless, or poorly taught. To teachers or leaders they tended to be scathing in their language and strikingly condemnatory.

Therefore it appears that when ‘speaking truth to power’ mockery is appropriate and we shouldn't hold back in our language. But when we are the one in a position of ‘power’, e.g. in the pulpit of our own church or leading a Bible study, we should be gentle and respectful. When on-the-level with friends we can ask searching questions and make people feel a little uncomfortable, but only in love and within limits.

Any thoughts?