“Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27).

Is sarcasm itself a sin, I don’t think so. Not by this definition: “a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.”
Read the orators of history, many use sarcasm quite effectively.
That being said, sarcasm used today in personal conversation and beyond is mostly done in an unhealthy way and I agree with much of this article in that context.

“Anything more than yea and nay is from the pit.”

Sarcasm, or rather “burning people” is very destructive because it makes you think of the worst part of that person, or what they were saying. If you tend to do this repeatedly, it becomes an automatic response to comments and you tend to automatically think negatively of a person. Also no matter where you are, (school, work, etc) people are watching you, and if you profess to be a Christian, you are an ambassador for Christ. If the people around you are not Christian and they see you speaking negatively of someone, they see that and usually don’t want to be associated with that, therefore you are turning people away from the Cross instead of to it.

It was great to see you again Thomas!

Also, I am learning a boat-load about this blogging and RSS stuff! Thanks Thomas!

First, some of my personal observations on sarcasm: I’ve noticed sarcasm doesnt translate well in writing. Its pretty much restricted to the spoken word. It is often a disingenuous way to illustrate a point. A tactic that allows the speaker to make a statement that he is unwilling to take responsibility for. It can hinder relationships and true fellowship.

I agree with most of what you wrote, however, I don’t agree with your premise that it is the language of bullies. When was the last time you heard a bully make a sarcastic comment? Usually, a bully is in control of the situation and can express his whole mind without any thought of hiding his harsh comments in a veil of innocence. In your example of sarcasm, you said that the bully told the teacher that he was “only joking”. But I’ll bet when the boy got back to school, the bully probably assured him that he was not joking at all. He said that to get out of trouble with others more powerful than himself – bullies are truly cowards after all.

I submit that sarcasm is actually the weapon of the weak. At least in my experience, I have seen sarcasm used as an outlet for those who felt unable to express their true feelings. They are able to make a harsh or foolish statement and hide from retribution behind their sarcasm. The reasons for them feeling the way they do vary. You touched on several of them in your article. Some are insecure, some don’t want others to ask questions, some are uncomfortable with their surroundings, others simply lack the ability to be genuinely funny. I try not to be overbearing towards those I sense are being excessively sarcastic. They may not feel free to be honest.

Not that those who are sarcastic are free from blame. Sarcasm is foolishness. Those who practice foolishness are fools. I admit that I have succumbed to the temptation to be foolish. I see the dangers it poses to effective communication and have purposed to focus on saying what I mean in an up-front manner – even if it is more boring. We should all focus on becoming more effective with the words of our mouth and be understanding towards those who are not as wise as we are. Good article, Thomas.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.