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For me, personally, it isn't about whether or not I *get* the satire or sarcasm--or irony, parody, or so-forth-and-so-on ad nauseam--but rather, is it appropriate? Is it kind? Is it useful? Wouldn't a direct, open, truthful, less confusing approach be better? Surely, those with a higher functioning level of "brain power" could understand directness just as well as the roundabout path of satire.

one needs to understand that there are different types of satire... I see nothing wrong with Horatian satire, which is what I consider the Barely Adventist articles to be. They aren't mean, caustic, or in any way related to Juvenalian satire. http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optional-subjects/group-v/english-literature/34302-satire-its-styles-types-devices.html

During the 1983 – 2005 civil wars in Sudan, some 20,000 young males were orphaned. Over the years, they were shuttled from country to country, traveling within Africa and to States outside of Africa. Some ended up living in the United States. One such person saw his parents alive for the last time at the age of six years. At one point in his travels, he lived with a Seventh-day Adventist family in Africa and at that time he joined the church. After life in refugee camps, he eventually came to the United States. During his travels in the U.S. he always searched for a SDA Church that he could attend. Presently, he attends that Sabbath school class that I attend. Recently we learned that he is about to become the Father of twins. He is a hard worker, employed at a low income job. The mother of the twins is also a hard worker employed in a low income position. As a class, we knew that the couple did not have anything that they needed for the coming babies—a boy and a girl. We have a fund set up to be used for needs. The class immediately authorized my wife to spend up to $1,500 to purchase the basic things that the two babies would need. Yesterday we held a shower for the couple and the class presented them with the more than $2,000 worth of things that my wife had been able to purchase, plus additional gifts that came from congregational members. As a congregation and as a Sabbath School Class, we believe in being involved in the community and in needs of its people. For more on The Lost Boys of the Sudan, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Boys_of_Sudan

"Barely Adventist" isn't an evangelistic tool... That said, the only thing that could be done differently is to have a statement very visible at the top of each article stating that it is satire. I can see why some don't like the articles -- they're reminiscent of April Fool's Day jokes (which I abhor)...

The Bible does tell us to let our yeas be yeas and our nays be nays. To me that is saying just say what you mean without any hint of deception.

​Can a prophet be right and also be wrong? If someone begins to be God-inspired (a prophet), does that mean he is God-inspired 100% of the time from that point on? Does "inspiration" come and go as in God inspired this thought ... but not that thought; God inspired the prophet to write this ... but not that? If so, how do you know which God inspired and which God did not inspire?

​And you have illustrated perfectly how sarcasm, satire, puns, etc. can hopefully get a point across, or can be misunderstood, but may just intentionally have a double meaning. Translators struggle with his sort of thing. Take it literally or metaphorically or both. To be removed from fellowship or to be "cut off from the people" may well have been what Paul actually meant. But the truth is the word he chose as it reads literally in the original Greek quite clearly means to amputate or mutilate by cutting. It is the very same word used to describe the action Peter took against the servant in the garden, cutting his ear off with his sword. Jesus very similarly used exaggeration or hyperbole, (some might even see it as sarcasm or satire) by saying if your hand offends you, cut it off (same word as used by Paul). Did Jesus mean it literally? Or figuratively? Many have been confused by this passage.

Barely adventist is a waste of time. But then, people find ways to justify anything.

​After looking at some of the SoP writings just yesterday, I'm wondering about my own sense of humor when joining the body of believers each Sabbath. Among other chapters, here is one that came up when putting humor in the search engine. God is Love! Jesus saves!

​I like your comment! I've thought of that a few times this evening, reading some of the replies. Have also been wondering and thinking about some of the jokes I've posted. Are they appropriate?

A young couple were driving down the road one day, happily, deliriously in love and due to be married the next day. Suddenly, a large truck swerved from the oncoming lanes into their car! BOOM! And they both died. At the Pearly Gates, the young couple confronted St. Peter. "Sir, you have to help us! We were to be married tomorrow. Is there any way we can be married in Heaven?" "Hmmm," replied St. Peter, "I don't recall there ever being a marriage in Heaven. Well, let's take it up with God and see what he says." So they approached God with their plea. God sat for a moment, pondering the request. Then he looked down and said, "Come back in five years and ask me again." Five years later, the couple approached God again, even more in love than ever and pleading that he allow their marriage. God paused for quite a while, musing over their request. Then he spoke, "Come back in five years and ask me again." And once again, five years later, the couple was again in the presence of God, more in love than ever and begging God's permission for the third time to marry. This time God smiled broadly and thundered, "Yes my children, you may marry!" Well, the wedding went off beautifully, the reception was huge, everyone thought the bride was simply breathtaking and the groom was soooo handsome, and everyone was happy! Until... Two years later, the couple was back before God, and things were not looking so good. The couple had come to the realization almost immediately that although marriages were made in heaven, they didn't last very long there! And, in spite of their struggles to come to terms with the situation, they had decided there simply was no alternative but to get a divorce. Black clouds fractured by lightening rolled across the sky, and the ground shook with explosive thunder. God glared down at the tiny couple before him, his face becoming dark and angry, and he roared, "Divorce?! Impossible!!! It took us TEN years just to find a priest in Heaven! Do you have any idea how long it will take to find a LAWYER?!!"

Mrs. White said if her statement conflicts against the Bible then, we should take the Bible. Having said that I am surprised how many SDAs do not read her writings, just take someone else's word for it. The other day about 12 retired couples went out to eat. Almost all of them are vegetarians, however, what surprised me was their appetite for cheese. The woman with only 3rd grade education stated the cheese is not fit for food has been vindicated by secular dieticians lately. These dieticians strongly recommend not eat cheese because of high content of saturated fat. We, the SDAs even have coined the word "haystack". What is in the haystack? If you do not know you should find out. Just being a vegetarian is not enough, one should follow recommendations of Council on Diet and Food written by the lady prophet.

Despite the commonality of usage, the question remains: is it appropriate (is it even Christlike) to use satire in promoting a Christian life?

Learning may require correction.

EGW, was, in my opinion, the most aggressive, liberal thinking person, we have ever had in leadership. As an Ordained Minister in the Adventist Church, she stood tall.

No, but they are more human that we like to think they are. Did sell some, any intellectual has no problem viewing other view points. Many would not disagree with some of the historical points. EGW was not the "in your face' that so many of her followers can be. Theories are theories, Truth, what ever that is, invites and begs for investigation. Judgement day is not going to be a test of 28 questions, (we used to think it was 27) but how we treated others.

Why does sarcasm, ridicule, satire, parody, mockery, or lampooning have any place in the Christian life?

I was saddened to hear that Elder Ron Halvorsen Sr has passed away. I never saw him in person, but I watched and listened to him many times on television. He just did an effort in Tennessee which was broadcast about a year ago. Because of that I was not aware he was that sick. I enjoyed his testimony about his days as a gang member and his miraculous transformation into a saint and a pillar of the church. He will be missed for sure.

What a wonderful man. He helped bring me to the lord through his sermons on TV. I will always be very grateful to him. Much love to you pastor Halvorson, Rest in Peace.