Downside Up

by Peter Walker, Stacey Chomiak (Illustrator)

Did your faith evolve to a means of impeaching? Have you been a part of the damage, far-reaching?
In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says that whatever is done to "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine" is done to him (Matt. 25:40 NIV). Jesus identifies himself with the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the socially-reviled. Just as striking, Jesus puts himself at odds with the religious establishment of his day. This fact leaves many of us inside and outside the Church asking, "What happened?"
Jesus turned everything all downside-up, Replacing the whole world's measuring cup: Some wanted the safety of self-certainty, But black-and-white rules don't set anyone free...
Downside Up: A Gospel Story, Re-Dreamed is a picture book for grown ups that combines rhyme and verse with biting satire and colorful illustrations. It explores what's gone wrong in modern Christianity, and whether there is any hope left for Jesus' fearless, downside-up message of peace and love.

50 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2016

About the author

Peter Walker is completing a Masters of Divinity at George Fox Seminary. He has contributed to several books including Out of the OOZE: Unlikely Love Letters to the Church from Beyond the Pew (NavPress), The Church of the Perfect Storm (Abingdon Press) and Banned Questions About Jesus (Chalice Press), as well as various magazines, e-zines and blogs. He is interested in civil rights, advocacy, and good-natured conversations between liberals and conservatives. Peter is married to Rev. Jennifer Butler and can be found at www.downsideupjesus.com.

Reviews

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a children's book for grown ups; rhymes about who Jesus is...I mean who he REALLY is.
"But Jesus turned everything all downside-up
Replacing the whole world's measuring cup:
Some wanted the safety of self-certainty,
But black-and-white rules don't set anyone free."

Stacey Chomiak's illustrations are gorgeous. I want her work in my house.

[Robynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks like a children's book, but it's for adults. Rhyming cadence like Dr Seuss for children, but with endnotes like an academic text for adults. A message of redemption that's often misread. That's downside up just like this book, which is quite wonderful.