The Upside-Down Kingdom, by Donald Kraybill

Donald Kraybill first published The Upside Down Kingdom in 1978, and, despite frequent recommendations form a former pastor, I am just now getting around to reading it.  Kraybill has updated the text for this anniversary edition.  I don't know how many changes he has made after 40 years, but the message and impact of this book remains vital to the American church.

Kraybill focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus, which "appeared odd and utterly upside down in first-century Palestinian culture."  He writes, "the upside-down surprises of God's kingdom continue to startle people as it breaks into diverse cultures today."  Kraybill's strength is keeping the focus on the life and times of Jesus, so that the book remains relevant across time and culture. 

This is a great study, but more than other books about Jesus and the time and place of his life, Kraybill forces a paradigm shift for the reader.  For most modern readers, who live in the U.S. or other Western cultures where Christianity has dominated, viewing the gospel from the perspective of below is hard to wrap our minds around.  To attain power and authority in modern American culture, some semblance of Christian faith and values has been a prerequisite. 

There is some debate as to the extent to which it was practiced, but the principle of jubilee was still in place in Jesus' time.  Translating that into modern economies and lifestyles can be tricky, but using a graduated tithe and an open hand toward to poor points Christians in the right direction.  We should aim to where "generous giving replaces conspicuous consumption," a "Jubilee of generosity so that everyone has enough."

More broadly, Jesus surprises his listeners by honoring and commending those who have been excluded by society.  "Stigmatized occupations receive honor in the upside-down kingdom. . . . Instead of exchanging a new hierarchy for an old one, Jesus flattens hierarchies." 

Above all, Jesus ministry was about suffering and servanthood, two things that modern Christians don't readily embrace.  We tend to reject costly discipleship.  We have been told, "Just give our hearts to him . . . and we'll win more beauty contests, hit more home runs, make more sales, and receive more awards."  By contrast, Jesus' ministry is marked by the cross and the basin.  We should likewise be "willing to devote our energies in service of our King" with "compassionate service that flows from a vital experience of worship and prayer."

The Upside-Down Kingdom is a book that demands to be taken seriously.  Kraybill gives a template through which other books should be read, and a mindset to embrace while reading the gospels.  He takes the scripture seriously and wants to encourage Christians to take the life and example of Jesus seriously. 


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!