Beatitudes From the Back Side: A Different Take on What It Means to be Blessed

by John Schroeder

isbn 13: 9780687650842

Suggestions for leading a study of Beatitudes From The Back Side by John D. Schroeder (pages 101-122)

Using his method of approaching Bible passages from an unusual angle or a unique starting point, J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the beatitudes, Jesus blessings from the Sermon on the Mount. When we start examining the beatitudes we realize that in Jesus view, happiness is not something we get by pursuing it; indeed, almost the contrary. We are told that we will be happy or blessed, if you prefer in what appears to be the near antithesis of happiness. If we choose to live by the beatitudes, we make a declaration of dependence. We put ourselves into bondage to such things as poverty of spirit, purity of heart, and a readiness for persecution. This isn't the sort of product they advertise on prime-time television; indeed, I m not sure that it appears overly often in our prime-time worship services. That is because this is not a spiritual quick fix. It doesn't come in a five-easy-lessons capsule. Instead, it is largely contrary to the way we live and to the way we think. Before we go any further, however, let me say that over the past twenty centuries a very great many people have found in these beatitudes a depth of peace and joy beyond anything our common culture promotes and seeks. But it isn't easy, and it isn't obvious. There s nothing easy or soft about this kind of dependence. Rather, it is an attitude that demands a huge store of courage. It s the kind of dependence the trapeze artist displays when he or she lets go of the bar and with no safety net awaiting, flies off into space, trusting. Welcome to the beatitudes. And may you be eternally happy, beginning now.

adapted from the introduction

Genres: Religion

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a number of books by this author. Kalas always has a special way of interpreting the scripture and the stories they contain. He makes the reader hear the stories in a new way. This book was interesting because Kalas thinks The Beatitudes are already written from the back side.

[Anna Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and refreshing take on the Beatitudes. This book really brings them to life and was very helpful in my teaching and preaching a series on the beatitudes.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adult Sunday School class. Discussions became slightly repetitive. Interesting but not stimulating.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accept the beatitudinal challenges to know reality, the reality of God. The following is adapted from the introduction. When we start examining the beatitudes we realize that in Jesus view, happiness is not something we get by pursuing it; indeed, almost the contrary. We are told that we will be happy or blessed, if you prefer in what appears to be the near antithesis of happiness. If we choose to live by the beatitudes, we make a declaration of dependence. We put ourselves into bondage to such things as poverty of spirit, purity of heart, and a readiness for persecution.

[Susan Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sunday morning group read and discussed this together. Very interesting interpretation.

[Wendy Waldt]

An interesting look into what Jesus meant by the Beatitudes and how to live those out in our daily lives.