The Serrated Edge: A Biblical Defense of Giving Offense

by Douglas Wilson

178 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

Reviews

[Jordan Litts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I am reminded that language is like a toolbox. You don't use a hammer to sand down an old chair. You use a hammer to nail something. Likewise, we do not use sarcasm to build up little children. We use sarcasm to tear down the idols of modernity. Sort of like the way Elijah did with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:27).

[Joel Newberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel an immense irony with writing a somewhat negative review of this book. It is the only book review I have ever written where I can call it terrible, claim my writing only to be a satirical help to the church, and no one can disagree with me. It is a little crazy that anyone can write this particular way, but that is the main crux of this book.

It gets two starts because Wilson does do a good job of listing all the biblical examples of satire and harsh statements. It also gets two stars because he does not actually make an argument for how Christians are allowed to practice it. I do agree that there are times in the Bible where offensive satire is used. I do see Jesus using harsh language toward the Pharisees. I am not disagreeing with the existence of satire, I am not even disagreeing that a Christian ought to never use it. I am disagreeing with his lack of guidelines and boundaries for it.

This is the newer version, so yes, it does have the appendix in the back where Wilson answers John Frame's critique with a list of multiple guidelines for satire. However, these are no more guidelines than an Christian guidelines is to be a part of a healthy church. Those listed are prerequisites, not guidelines for use.

Additionally, a book of this topic should not have to add in a generic list after a critique years later. A book of this topic needs to start with a list of guidelines and a strict warning to those who wish to practice this that it must be done with the correct heart, otherwise, you are only giving a book on loud sinning.

This is not a book on a Christian's use of satire for truth, this is a book on the existence of knives and why every toddler should be given one. We don't need permission, we need instruction.

[Gloriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the Canon Ploos audiobook for the new edition. Great stuff.

[Éowyn (Eliza) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content was good, storytelling was goood... cohesiveness was not good. If I'm not wrong, I beleive this was a set of article minimally edited into a paperback. Not a bad read, not a bad read at all. I just couldn't tell you what it's about besides the cover.

[Soeren Moya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!