Satirical Polemics in History

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JH

Puritan Board Sophomore
Good evening all,

It seems to me that satire has been a historically polemic way of engaging in theological controversy, reductio ad absurdum, or mere humour.

For example,

1) "Julius Excluded from Heaven is a dialogue that was written in 1514, commonly attributed to the Dutch humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus. It involves Pope Julius II, who had recently died, trying to persuade Saint Peter to allow him to enter Heaven by using the same tactics he applied when alive."

2) "Disputatio nova contra mulieres, qua probatur eas homines non esse (English translation: A new argument against women, in which it is demonstrated that they are not human beings) is a satirical misogynistic Latin-language treatise first published in 1595, meant to parody the Socinian Anabaptist belief that Jesus of Nazareth was not divine."

In history, whether it be the middle ages of theological humanists or otherwise, does anyone know of notable satirical works regarding theological controversy, or are there other resources one could point me to for an index of historical works? Any help would be appreciated.
 
A quick search brings up the book God Mocks. Probably in some libraries and used copies start at around $16. I have no idea if it's actually a solid resource, but a synopsis seems to indicate it might cover what you're looking for

God Mocks is organized chronologically. Lindvall starts with chapters on satire in the Hebrew scriptures and classical Roman satirists and then dedicates subsequent chapters to early Christian writers, medieval satire, Protestant and Catholic satire of the Reformation era, better known works of the Augustan satirists from the long eighteenth century, and continental European satirists of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. He then turns to American and British satirists of the last three centuries and ends with one chapter dealing with contemporary religious satire. Obviously, not every satirist gets equal treatment; however, Lindvall pays more than adequate attention to significant authors and works.​
 
Some of the proverbs come across as satire in making their point.

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. - Proverbs 26:8

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. - Proverbs 27:3

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. - Proverbs 26:27

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: - Proverbs 30:15
 
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