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The Upside-Down Kingdom
In the anniversary edition of the classic book The Upside-Down Kingdom, author Donald B. Kraybill calls readers to imagine and embody the reign of God on earth as it is in heaven. Since its publication in 1978, The Upside-Down Kingdom has become the most-trusted resource on radical Christian discipleship. What does it mean to follow the Christ who traded victory and power for hanging out with the poor and forgiving his enemies? How did a man in first-century Palestine threaten the established order, and what does that mean for us today? What would happen if Christians replaced force with service, violence with love, and nationalism with allegiance to Jesus?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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April 7, 2025
"Up - and Down,
And who knows which is which?"
Pink Floyd
Dark Side of the Moon.
Back in my years of detailed study in literature (undergrad level) I remember students marvelling in a discussion at a certain points’ RAMIFICATIONS.
Well, those were the Hippie Years - even though my Button-Down U’s main thrust was professionally oriented - but, whatever they said, its arts students tended to be dreamers!
Which suited me just fine.
Ramifications and permutations of an idea were our delight. Such is my reading of Kraybill’s work today.
Desultory, heuristic marvelling - call it what you will - but its thesis invites our wandering wonderment...
Simply stated, Kraybill says the “normal” world is Upside Down.
It’s got its priorities ALL WRONG!
And most of us Christians would agree...
For, at very least, we now see the vast disparities between the rich and the poor, the disenfranchised minorities and the powerful lawmakers, the good... and the bad.
And, well, we can’t Swallow it.
Because in a world of transvalued values, where there is no “right” answer anymore - as Karl Barth reiterates in his Commentary to Romans, none of us can be the author of his own justification - Kraybill avoids the facts.
You know, in my 80’s and 90’s Me-Gen crowd of middle and senior managers a favourite caveat to newbies was “Don’t GO There!”
And that is what the rather doctrinaire 7th-Day Adventist Kraybill seems to endlessly repeat, Sotto Voce, to us - DON’T EXTRAPOLATE. And don’t you let your mind wander -
Away from traditional structures of thinking. And don’t get carried away with your ramifications!
But we, being only human, cannot HELP ourselves!
If we can’t think out a new line of reasoning under these rules, there is DEFINITELY something wrong with them.
We will NOT accept limitations on our Freedom of Thought.
***
Though this is a GREAT Discussion Piece of a Book, it never quite makes the grade as a five star book -
Cause Kraybill needs to be always strapped into his safety harness when he happens to venture into unknown territory.
If he proposes a novel new way of thinking, why does he disown our intellectual offshoots from it?
But we more independently-minded folks will stand by our objections, for:
‘We shall NOT cease from exploration...’
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to active back at the place we started -
And KNOW the place for the first time.
***
But, on the other hand, enough criticism. For though Kraybill sticks to the Christian party line, and walks a straight and narrow path throughout, I shouldn’t be too miffed about it. After all, isn't overthinking a root cause of depression?
Kraybill could just be making allowances for that. And isn’t it implicit in the book’s very thesis that the world will undergo a drastic role reversal at the End of Time?
For then the Downside will be raised Up!
And, by the way, don’t we all sing with George Frederick Handel - at Christmas - about that Same Ultimate Vision...
Every valley shall be be exalted
And every mountain and hill laid low?
Yes, on second thought, I think I’ll let old Kraybill rest his case.
And who knows which is which?"
Pink Floyd
Dark Side of the Moon.
Back in my years of detailed study in literature (undergrad level) I remember students marvelling in a discussion at a certain points’ RAMIFICATIONS.
Well, those were the Hippie Years - even though my Button-Down U’s main thrust was professionally oriented - but, whatever they said, its arts students tended to be dreamers!
Which suited me just fine.
Ramifications and permutations of an idea were our delight. Such is my reading of Kraybill’s work today.
Desultory, heuristic marvelling - call it what you will - but its thesis invites our wandering wonderment...
Simply stated, Kraybill says the “normal” world is Upside Down.
It’s got its priorities ALL WRONG!
And most of us Christians would agree...
For, at very least, we now see the vast disparities between the rich and the poor, the disenfranchised minorities and the powerful lawmakers, the good... and the bad.
And, well, we can’t Swallow it.
Because in a world of transvalued values, where there is no “right” answer anymore - as Karl Barth reiterates in his Commentary to Romans, none of us can be the author of his own justification - Kraybill avoids the facts.
You know, in my 80’s and 90’s Me-Gen crowd of middle and senior managers a favourite caveat to newbies was “Don’t GO There!”
And that is what the rather doctrinaire 7th-Day Adventist Kraybill seems to endlessly repeat, Sotto Voce, to us - DON’T EXTRAPOLATE. And don’t you let your mind wander -
Away from traditional structures of thinking. And don’t get carried away with your ramifications!
But we, being only human, cannot HELP ourselves!
If we can’t think out a new line of reasoning under these rules, there is DEFINITELY something wrong with them.
We will NOT accept limitations on our Freedom of Thought.
***
Though this is a GREAT Discussion Piece of a Book, it never quite makes the grade as a five star book -
Cause Kraybill needs to be always strapped into his safety harness when he happens to venture into unknown territory.
If he proposes a novel new way of thinking, why does he disown our intellectual offshoots from it?
But we more independently-minded folks will stand by our objections, for:
‘We shall NOT cease from exploration...’
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to active back at the place we started -
And KNOW the place for the first time.
***
But, on the other hand, enough criticism. For though Kraybill sticks to the Christian party line, and walks a straight and narrow path throughout, I shouldn’t be too miffed about it. After all, isn't overthinking a root cause of depression?
Kraybill could just be making allowances for that. And isn’t it implicit in the book’s very thesis that the world will undergo a drastic role reversal at the End of Time?
For then the Downside will be raised Up!
And, by the way, don’t we all sing with George Frederick Handel - at Christmas - about that Same Ultimate Vision...
Every valley shall be be exalted
And every mountain and hill laid low?
Yes, on second thought, I think I’ll let old Kraybill rest his case.
August 24, 2010
The kingdom of God can be elusive of simple definition. It is often something very hard to explain. It is understood, evidenced in practice, quite differently across the Christian community. In his book, The Upside Down Kingdom, Donald Kraybill takes up the challenge of explaining the kingdom. Apparent by his title, Kraybill offers that the kingdom is a realization that stands in stark contrast to the common ways of this world. It is most often the exact opposite of how we assume a rulership to function. Here, Kraybill provides a biblical framework for understanding the kingdom. He does so not by using common kingdom texts. His core text is Jesus' temptation before his ministry. But in using this he is able to compartmentalize the topic and provide a simple definition, if not of what the kingdom is, certainly of what it is not.
A predominant portion of the book analyzes the sociology of first century Palestine while reflecting on Jesus' temptation by the evil one prior to commencement of his ministry. Kraybill spends three chapters looking at the three areas of focus within their interaction. First, he speaks of the temptation from the mountain top. The author provides deeper insight as to what the political climate was during the time. He also gives significant effort in explaining the history of politics and power within the Jewish community. A broader understanding of the context allows the reader the opportunity to "read between the lines" of the tempter's offer to Jesus. And Kraybill is convinced that Jesus was also able to assume certain things within the temptation in front of him. What Jesus did not do though, was accept the offer to political authority.
In the same fashion, Kraybill goes into the next chapter explaining the religious climate of first century Palestine. He offers detailed explanation of the intricacies of Jewish life during this era. In doing so, he exposes the kind of power that existed within the Jewish religious structure. He contends that Jesus was cognisant of what he was being offered. He was conscious of what the enemy was alluding to. Again Jesus did not accept.
Kraybill ties in the last temptation to economics. He explains that the political and religious power plays of Jesus' day had drastic effects on the economic life of the majority poor. The author insists that Jesus was aware of what kind of power he was being offered by addressing hunger, and economics in the manner being suggested to him by the evil one. Once again, Jesus rejects this offer to him.
What does this have to do with the kingdom of God, you might ask? Everything, in Kraybill's mind. The chapter explores Jesus' announcement, quoting Isaiah in the temple. Here Jesus announces that the wonderful dreams read within the text he reads are being realized now. Jesus implies that these things are beginning within himself. Jesus ties the message of the kingdom of God to himself.
But what the original listeners within that room, hearing Jesus' statements may not have known was that Jesus was setting out to establish a kingdom without using the kind of powers mentioned above: political, religious or economic. Instead, Jesus was implementing a kingdom of radically different principles and values. A kingdom pulled from the imaginations of first century Jewish people, implying concepts they were familiar with, even if they had been exploited. Jewish principles such as Jubilees, Sabbath and Shalom were insinuated in Jesus' words and message. And he was announcing and demonstrating to those that heard and saw that he intended not to treat these principles as good ideas but truly embody them in everything.
Kraybill's book is a great help in putting together an understanding of the context in which Jesus announced the kingdom. Reading this book makes very clear how easily we can misunderstand much of what Jesus said and did if we do not appreciate his situation. It is here that Kraybill soars. His ability to communicate clearly the research he has collected to paint a picture of what was being "heard" by those listening to Jesus is imperative. What he is able to do, and well, is provide the reader the information to sort for themselves whether or not their previous understanding of the kingdom of God is cohesive with Jesus actions and teaching. As well, the clarification he provides in relation to Jesus' parables is deeply helpful, once again, in providing a cohesive understanding of Jesus kingdom pronouncement.
After compiling such an insightful and informative presentation of context and biblical interpretation it is somewhat shocking how few practical applications Kraybill provides for the modern reader. At first glance, this seems a disappointment. Now that the reader has had the opportunity to reconsider her understanding of the kingdom of God, how does it effect one's life? But further reflection on Kraybill's style and approach may make one consider that this may be on purpose. Kraybill acknowledges that when providing an explanation of the biblical text that it can not be taken in it's exact form and applied to contemporary culture. Just as he provides context for the reader, he allows for contextual interpretation for those that wish to apply what they have learned from the text. And this might be the genius of this book. It never imposes context but rather exposes it.
For the purposes of those trying to uncover the reality of the kingdom in the twenty first century this book needs to be at the top of the list of reading. It is helpful in providing a framework for our own interpretation without being prescriptive. It makes clear what we can not assume about Jesus' message of the kingdom and provides insights as to where he was going with his message. The subject matter within this book is far from safe. What Kraybill makes clear is that the kingdom is not compromising to culture, powers or convenience. My only criticism of this book is that Kraybill seems to be accommodating from time to time for those who may yearn for personalized version of the Gospel of the kingdom and find this kind of interpretation repelling. Here, I believe his argument is strong enough to not need these accommodations. Otherwise, this book was incredibly educational and helpful.
A predominant portion of the book analyzes the sociology of first century Palestine while reflecting on Jesus' temptation by the evil one prior to commencement of his ministry. Kraybill spends three chapters looking at the three areas of focus within their interaction. First, he speaks of the temptation from the mountain top. The author provides deeper insight as to what the political climate was during the time. He also gives significant effort in explaining the history of politics and power within the Jewish community. A broader understanding of the context allows the reader the opportunity to "read between the lines" of the tempter's offer to Jesus. And Kraybill is convinced that Jesus was also able to assume certain things within the temptation in front of him. What Jesus did not do though, was accept the offer to political authority.
In the same fashion, Kraybill goes into the next chapter explaining the religious climate of first century Palestine. He offers detailed explanation of the intricacies of Jewish life during this era. In doing so, he exposes the kind of power that existed within the Jewish religious structure. He contends that Jesus was cognisant of what he was being offered. He was conscious of what the enemy was alluding to. Again Jesus did not accept.
Kraybill ties in the last temptation to economics. He explains that the political and religious power plays of Jesus' day had drastic effects on the economic life of the majority poor. The author insists that Jesus was aware of what kind of power he was being offered by addressing hunger, and economics in the manner being suggested to him by the evil one. Once again, Jesus rejects this offer to him.
What does this have to do with the kingdom of God, you might ask? Everything, in Kraybill's mind. The chapter explores Jesus' announcement, quoting Isaiah in the temple. Here Jesus announces that the wonderful dreams read within the text he reads are being realized now. Jesus implies that these things are beginning within himself. Jesus ties the message of the kingdom of God to himself.
But what the original listeners within that room, hearing Jesus' statements may not have known was that Jesus was setting out to establish a kingdom without using the kind of powers mentioned above: political, religious or economic. Instead, Jesus was implementing a kingdom of radically different principles and values. A kingdom pulled from the imaginations of first century Jewish people, implying concepts they were familiar with, even if they had been exploited. Jewish principles such as Jubilees, Sabbath and Shalom were insinuated in Jesus' words and message. And he was announcing and demonstrating to those that heard and saw that he intended not to treat these principles as good ideas but truly embody them in everything.
Kraybill's book is a great help in putting together an understanding of the context in which Jesus announced the kingdom. Reading this book makes very clear how easily we can misunderstand much of what Jesus said and did if we do not appreciate his situation. It is here that Kraybill soars. His ability to communicate clearly the research he has collected to paint a picture of what was being "heard" by those listening to Jesus is imperative. What he is able to do, and well, is provide the reader the information to sort for themselves whether or not their previous understanding of the kingdom of God is cohesive with Jesus actions and teaching. As well, the clarification he provides in relation to Jesus' parables is deeply helpful, once again, in providing a cohesive understanding of Jesus kingdom pronouncement.
After compiling such an insightful and informative presentation of context and biblical interpretation it is somewhat shocking how few practical applications Kraybill provides for the modern reader. At first glance, this seems a disappointment. Now that the reader has had the opportunity to reconsider her understanding of the kingdom of God, how does it effect one's life? But further reflection on Kraybill's style and approach may make one consider that this may be on purpose. Kraybill acknowledges that when providing an explanation of the biblical text that it can not be taken in it's exact form and applied to contemporary culture. Just as he provides context for the reader, he allows for contextual interpretation for those that wish to apply what they have learned from the text. And this might be the genius of this book. It never imposes context but rather exposes it.
For the purposes of those trying to uncover the reality of the kingdom in the twenty first century this book needs to be at the top of the list of reading. It is helpful in providing a framework for our own interpretation without being prescriptive. It makes clear what we can not assume about Jesus' message of the kingdom and provides insights as to where he was going with his message. The subject matter within this book is far from safe. What Kraybill makes clear is that the kingdom is not compromising to culture, powers or convenience. My only criticism of this book is that Kraybill seems to be accommodating from time to time for those who may yearn for personalized version of the Gospel of the kingdom and find this kind of interpretation repelling. Here, I believe his argument is strong enough to not need these accommodations. Otherwise, this book was incredibly educational and helpful.
March 18, 2022
Clarifying. Life-changing. Disturbing .
March 11, 2024
Kraybill’s ax to grind is how followers of Jesus need to embrace the upside down ethics of the kingdom, especially with regard to social action. He argues throughout that Christians are not to seek status, fortune, power, or privilege, but they are to seek service, generosity, reconciliation, and collaboration. Christians are to live by the principles of Jubilee. All of this is well articulated in simple language, making clear how the spiritual impacts the physical. He also gives ample caveats for contextual application(e.g. Jubilee cannot be done like prescribed in Leviticus because the US is not a theocracy). That being said, I do have some critiques. Several of the book’s earlier chapters were almost entirely historical background with two pages at the end saying ‘Jesus was not like this.’ This makes me wonder if the 25 page build up was worth that. I would have also appreciated more bibliography of primary sources, as he will sometimes quote without giving any way to follow that trail any deeper. I also find his understanding of the sacrificial system within the Bible incomplete.
October 6, 2017
The Upside-Down Kingdom is an incredibly challenging book, highlighting a lifestyle of service that leads to costly-discipleship. A must read for all who claim to follow Jesus, especially those in paid ministry.
August 25, 2023
What a breath of fresh air, to read a book on Jesus and His mission that is well-researched and challenging. To think this was written so long before such drastic experiences of Christian nationalism and political evangelicalism helps me see just how politics have been shaping Christianity in the last few decades. And, it also helps me recognize that I am not off-base in how I understand Jesus.
My actual review is 4.5 stars. The book lost half a star for the language use. Perhaps it can be justified as an example of the time it was written, but I just could not abide by Kraybill writing about how Jesus gave so much dignity to others while Kraybill himself used language to remove dignity from types of people in order to make a point. There are other ways to do that.
I read this for school and I have to write a much more in-depth review, but as it has to be passed in, I imagine I will not be sharing it here.
My actual review is 4.5 stars. The book lost half a star for the language use. Perhaps it can be justified as an example of the time it was written, but I just could not abide by Kraybill writing about how Jesus gave so much dignity to others while Kraybill himself used language to remove dignity from types of people in order to make a point. There are other ways to do that.
I read this for school and I have to write a much more in-depth review, but as it has to be passed in, I imagine I will not be sharing it here.
March 15, 2025
Such a good look at the political, religious and economic culture of Jesus’ time and how countercultural Jesus’ message was then and now, and how we can apply his upside-down kingdom in our own lives, religiously, politically and economically.
September 5, 2011
Let me say a few nice things about this book first.
The first thing is that Kraybill is obviously a very nice man. Second, he has a very helpful grasp of a number of historical details about first century Palestine that I found very constructive. I learned a number of good things from him on this count. Third, he has a good gift of phrasing a commonplace -- and comes up with the kind of thing that every biblically literate Christian would agree with, and learn from at the same time. That was good.
On the down side . . .
He is pretty clearly an Abelardian on the atonement, which obliterates any possibility of a true "up-side down" kingdom.
And this is why the book over all was pathetic. Kraybill is stuck in a profound paradigmatic blindness, one which does not enable him to see how radically he truncates his calls for radical discipleship. This is scratch n' sniff radical discipleship. This is radical discipleship lite. This is shadow boxing, pull-the-punch radical discipleship.
He gets all the rhetorical steam he can get out of passages like Luke 14:33. But then, when he discusses what this might look like in actual financial practice, this "let it all hang out" Jubilee lifestyle, the best he can come up with is a graduated tithe (p. 128). Someone who follows his advice still gets to keep a salary of 34K (even though on his reading Jesus said to give it all away), and despite the fact that he acknowledges a few pages later that this is wildly more than what the poor in other nations have to live on (p. 132). "The Jubilee message strikes home." Yeah, with a nerf bat. The point is not to do what you are actually maintaining that Jesus said to do. The point is to maintain rhetorical superiority over those of us who say that Jesus taught nothing of the kind.
He says that Jesus said that we are to live in a "up-side down" way. This can be accomplished, he goes on to reassure us, if we lean slightly to the left.
On p. 135, he equates babies with plastic litter and gas-guzzlers. Gkkk. In sum, this is a really poor book.
The first thing is that Kraybill is obviously a very nice man. Second, he has a very helpful grasp of a number of historical details about first century Palestine that I found very constructive. I learned a number of good things from him on this count. Third, he has a good gift of phrasing a commonplace -- and comes up with the kind of thing that every biblically literate Christian would agree with, and learn from at the same time. That was good.
On the down side . . .
He is pretty clearly an Abelardian on the atonement, which obliterates any possibility of a true "up-side down" kingdom.
And this is why the book over all was pathetic. Kraybill is stuck in a profound paradigmatic blindness, one which does not enable him to see how radically he truncates his calls for radical discipleship. This is scratch n' sniff radical discipleship. This is radical discipleship lite. This is shadow boxing, pull-the-punch radical discipleship.
He gets all the rhetorical steam he can get out of passages like Luke 14:33. But then, when he discusses what this might look like in actual financial practice, this "let it all hang out" Jubilee lifestyle, the best he can come up with is a graduated tithe (p. 128). Someone who follows his advice still gets to keep a salary of 34K (even though on his reading Jesus said to give it all away), and despite the fact that he acknowledges a few pages later that this is wildly more than what the poor in other nations have to live on (p. 132). "The Jubilee message strikes home." Yeah, with a nerf bat. The point is not to do what you are actually maintaining that Jesus said to do. The point is to maintain rhetorical superiority over those of us who say that Jesus taught nothing of the kind.
He says that Jesus said that we are to live in a "up-side down" way. This can be accomplished, he goes on to reassure us, if we lean slightly to the left.
On p. 135, he equates babies with plastic litter and gas-guzzlers. Gkkk. In sum, this is a really poor book.
September 13, 2014
The Upside-Down Kingdom was one of those books that influenced me before I even read it. It was released in 1978 and has been updated numerous times (recently a line-by-line edit, in fact). Today, it is still just an important—as the chasm of income inequality grows, the stratification of society, and perpetual war looms.
It is an old favorite of many in the Brethren in Christ. And it is has helped form much of our “Anabaptist” understanding of the world. It is a call to counter-cultural living. It is a gentle, but convicting commentary on who Jesus is and why he is truly turning everything about the world upside-down.
It is a Biblical book, highly based in the Scripture. It is an apology of Christianity, surprisingly, a defense of the way of Jesus. It is a radical call to revolution too.
Kraybill outlines religious, social, and political life in Ancient Palestine and articulates why Jesus would invert all of them. He surrounds much of the text in the temptation story and makes a great argument for why the bread Jesus was tempted with was referring to economics, the temple religious power, and the high mountain political power. Jesus is bringing another way beside the world.
Kraybill introduces the idea of radical redistribution through Sabbath Economics and Jubilee forgiveness. How Jesus loved the poor, rebuked the wealthy, how he lived simply. How stratification of social groups, war and violence, and even the Jewish law were subverted by Christ.
I think my favorite part of the book were the detours the author went on. So often when we are preaching a radical Gospel, detractors want to deconstruct our arguments. The identity of Jesus is where he starts—was Jesus really who he said he was? He then proceeds to articulate why the Bible points toward simply living and addresses one-by-one common “biblical” arguments for why the endless pursuit of wealth is justified. Finally, he does the same with peace and why the Bible points toward it.
It is an old favorite of many in the Brethren in Christ. And it is has helped form much of our “Anabaptist” understanding of the world. It is a call to counter-cultural living. It is a gentle, but convicting commentary on who Jesus is and why he is truly turning everything about the world upside-down.
It is a Biblical book, highly based in the Scripture. It is an apology of Christianity, surprisingly, a defense of the way of Jesus. It is a radical call to revolution too.
Kraybill outlines religious, social, and political life in Ancient Palestine and articulates why Jesus would invert all of them. He surrounds much of the text in the temptation story and makes a great argument for why the bread Jesus was tempted with was referring to economics, the temple religious power, and the high mountain political power. Jesus is bringing another way beside the world.
Kraybill introduces the idea of radical redistribution through Sabbath Economics and Jubilee forgiveness. How Jesus loved the poor, rebuked the wealthy, how he lived simply. How stratification of social groups, war and violence, and even the Jewish law were subverted by Christ.
I think my favorite part of the book were the detours the author went on. So often when we are preaching a radical Gospel, detractors want to deconstruct our arguments. The identity of Jesus is where he starts—was Jesus really who he said he was? He then proceeds to articulate why the Bible points toward simply living and addresses one-by-one common “biblical” arguments for why the endless pursuit of wealth is justified. Finally, he does the same with peace and why the Bible points toward it.
November 23, 2011
This book is absolutely fabulous. I may not agree with the author about everything he said, but he brought up many good points and it was very convicting. So the question is, am I living in the upside-down Kingdom--or am I just a pharisee?
May 12, 2007
makes me step outside my lifelong evangelical bubble enough to approach my newfound anabaptism.
November 30, 2007
This is a book from the evagelical tradition. It is a must read for any orgnizer working with a pentacostal church!
February 17, 2009
A must-read for anyone who takes their existence seriously.
May 29, 2024
"Our human propensity to pull the kingdom apart into logical, manageable categories shatters its integrity. The kingdom of God should instead shatter our puny human categories...We want to understand it, examine it, and analyze it. But God enjoins us to enter it. God calls us to turn our backs on the kingdoms of this world and embrace an upside-down home. Underlying all Jesus' teaching about the kingdom is a call to respond."
"When the values of Jesus' upside-down kingdom become our bread of life, the economic institutions of society lose their grip. Rich folks who accept the etneral bread freely share their mundane bread...those with abundance, moved by God's mercy, stop hoarding and give generously."
"Jubilee acts of social justice aren't motivated by heavenly badges of merit. They're the natural and joyful response to the good news of God's liberation...Jubilee is upside-down revolution. Here the flames of revolution burns at the top. God's grace moves those in seats of power, the rich and influential. They now see with compassionate eyes and join the Jubilee by redistributing natural and human resources. This flattens the socioeconomic pyramids. Those at the top begin freely giving as God has given them."
"Faithful stewards are frugal when calculating their own needs and generous when responding to others."
"God's love for us transforms our economic behavior. Mercy, not accumulation, becomes our new yardstick for measuring success. Generous giving replaces conspicuous consumption. God's highest law forms the core of this upside-down way."
"How do we distinguish between the kingdom and the institutionalized church?...The kingdom refers to the rule of God in hearts and relationships...is the reign of God in the lives of believers. It becomes visible in form and practie as persons yield to God's dynamic rule...The church is the assembly of persons who have welcomed God's reign in their hearts and relationships. The church consisten of the citizens of the kingdom..It's the visible community of those who live by kingdom values...the kingdom transcends the church...Finally comes the structures. The people of God need social vehicles--institutions and programs--to meet their own needs and those of others...[structures[ are not, however, the church or the kingdom...Expressing the vision of one kingdom, the structures we create will take on diverse forms in different cultures. They should, however, not be mere reflections of their culture. Their diverse skins should be culturally relevant but not culturally determined. The kingdom message, anchored in the biblical story, should design the social architecture of the church's programs."
"When the values of Jesus' upside-down kingdom become our bread of life, the economic institutions of society lose their grip. Rich folks who accept the etneral bread freely share their mundane bread...those with abundance, moved by God's mercy, stop hoarding and give generously."
"Jubilee acts of social justice aren't motivated by heavenly badges of merit. They're the natural and joyful response to the good news of God's liberation...Jubilee is upside-down revolution. Here the flames of revolution burns at the top. God's grace moves those in seats of power, the rich and influential. They now see with compassionate eyes and join the Jubilee by redistributing natural and human resources. This flattens the socioeconomic pyramids. Those at the top begin freely giving as God has given them."
"Faithful stewards are frugal when calculating their own needs and generous when responding to others."
"God's love for us transforms our economic behavior. Mercy, not accumulation, becomes our new yardstick for measuring success. Generous giving replaces conspicuous consumption. God's highest law forms the core of this upside-down way."
"How do we distinguish between the kingdom and the institutionalized church?...The kingdom refers to the rule of God in hearts and relationships...is the reign of God in the lives of believers. It becomes visible in form and practie as persons yield to God's dynamic rule...The church is the assembly of persons who have welcomed God's reign in their hearts and relationships. The church consisten of the citizens of the kingdom..It's the visible community of those who live by kingdom values...the kingdom transcends the church...Finally comes the structures. The people of God need social vehicles--institutions and programs--to meet their own needs and those of others...[structures[ are not, however, the church or the kingdom...Expressing the vision of one kingdom, the structures we create will take on diverse forms in different cultures. They should, however, not be mere reflections of their culture. Their diverse skins should be culturally relevant but not culturally determined. The kingdom message, anchored in the biblical story, should design the social architecture of the church's programs."
May 7, 2017
In this book, the author confronts us with the fact that we often don't take Jesus and His message seriously. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus' day, we are good at finding ways to soften the radicalness of Jesus' teaching to fit better with our culture and make us more comfortable with it. Kraybill looks in detail at Jesus' teaching about God's Kingdom. In particular, he focuses on what Jesus's words and actions say with respect to power, religion, and wealth. In all these areas and more, he shows how "upside-down" His Kingdom is compared to the kingdoms of this world.
I found this book to be well-researched and well-reasoned. It was also a challenging read because it called my own faithfulness to Jesus' Kingdom into question. This is a book I will read again. I highly recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in learning more about Jesus' Kingdom and its implications for how we live here and now.
I found this book to be well-researched and well-reasoned. It was also a challenging read because it called my own faithfulness to Jesus' Kingdom into question. This is a book I will read again. I highly recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in learning more about Jesus' Kingdom and its implications for how we live here and now.
November 18, 2018
The basic premise of the book is that the Kingdom Jesus announced in his day was revolutionary and totally at odds with the political, economic and religious expectations of the day; nothing is new under the sun, and the author argues it is just as upside-down today, and calls for us to embrace and live out these Kingdom values in our day-to-day.
The author starts by framing Jesus' temptation in the desert as real temptations to avoid the way of the Cross, but instead to use brute-force power to achieve political, economic and religious goals. The author shows that these temptations were very real and very tempting, and believers alike today: one can see how politicians have used the name of God to achieve political power; pastors who promote wealth and prosperity instead of the way of the cross; and churches which so want to preserve their status quo that they run the risk of missing God's heart entirely.
Instead, the author argues that the "Jubilee" spirit is precisely the spirit of the Kingdom that Jesus announces, challenging our views of power, wealth, piety: Kingdom values should open our pocket books, bring our religious structures back to the heart of God, and shatter walls and hierarchies that divide us from each other through Jesus' agape love. The author urges us to identify and take up our "basin ministry" whereby we serve each other and be a witnessing community through our service to one another.
The author's scholarship is outstanding, and I learned so much about the political, economic and religious climates in Jesus' day, which helped bring out just how outrageous Jesus' teachings and parables sounded to that ancient audience. And today. Just that in itself was worth the read. Definitely challenged me to think intentionally how we ought to live.
The author starts by framing Jesus' temptation in the desert as real temptations to avoid the way of the Cross, but instead to use brute-force power to achieve political, economic and religious goals. The author shows that these temptations were very real and very tempting, and believers alike today: one can see how politicians have used the name of God to achieve political power; pastors who promote wealth and prosperity instead of the way of the cross; and churches which so want to preserve their status quo that they run the risk of missing God's heart entirely.
Instead, the author argues that the "Jubilee" spirit is precisely the spirit of the Kingdom that Jesus announces, challenging our views of power, wealth, piety: Kingdom values should open our pocket books, bring our religious structures back to the heart of God, and shatter walls and hierarchies that divide us from each other through Jesus' agape love. The author urges us to identify and take up our "basin ministry" whereby we serve each other and be a witnessing community through our service to one another.
The author's scholarship is outstanding, and I learned so much about the political, economic and religious climates in Jesus' day, which helped bring out just how outrageous Jesus' teachings and parables sounded to that ancient audience. And today. Just that in itself was worth the read. Definitely challenged me to think intentionally how we ought to live.
May 6, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free, digital ARC of this book.
I have always been a little confused as to what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the "kingdom". Kraybill makes the kingdom seem clearer in this book. He delves into what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the kingdom both spiritually, socially, and economically. One thing that really stood out to me was how Kraybill makes the connection between God's Jubilee economic system in the Old Testament to Kingdom living. Also, He connects the beatitudes in Matthew 5 to what God expects from His kingdom citizens. Overall, this was a very informative book, and I walked away a little less confused about what living the Kingdom in this world is all about.
I have always been a little confused as to what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the "kingdom". Kraybill makes the kingdom seem clearer in this book. He delves into what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the kingdom both spiritually, socially, and economically. One thing that really stood out to me was how Kraybill makes the connection between God's Jubilee economic system in the Old Testament to Kingdom living. Also, He connects the beatitudes in Matthew 5 to what God expects from His kingdom citizens. Overall, this was a very informative book, and I walked away a little less confused about what living the Kingdom in this world is all about.
December 19, 2023
A friend recommended this to me, and I am so glad she did. Even though it was originally published decades ago, this felt incredibly relevant today, especially in my life.
If you grew up going to a church, you have some idea of who Jesus is, what he said, what he did, who he hung out with, and why he did all that he did. No one can really be certain how correct their perception of Jesus may be, but it’s safe to say that there’s probably a great number of things that might be off from reality. This book puts so many things into context and shares a lot of insight, especially around the culture and history that Jesus lived in.
If you want to re-think your understanding of Jesus and his movement in a healthy way, this is a great place to start.
If you grew up going to a church, you have some idea of who Jesus is, what he said, what he did, who he hung out with, and why he did all that he did. No one can really be certain how correct their perception of Jesus may be, but it’s safe to say that there’s probably a great number of things that might be off from reality. This book puts so many things into context and shares a lot of insight, especially around the culture and history that Jesus lived in.
If you want to re-think your understanding of Jesus and his movement in a healthy way, this is a great place to start.
March 10, 2024
This was a required book for my Mission Theology class, and I am incredibly happy it was. The author provides a cultural context of Jesus' time in the Middle East and applies Jesus' teaching to our current society. It opened my eyes in many ways to discipleship and what life in His Kingdom on earth means and should be like. It dares not only the religious hypocrisy of Jesus' time, but the modern church as well. This book really helps us stop and understand what Jesus would do in any situation, and it is just relevant now 2,000 years later as it was during His time. This book captured and fascinated me not only from a religious perspective but also as a sociologist. Very clear, easy-to-follow and energizing writing style. Definitely recommended.
January 28, 2025
I have a new favorite book!!! This volume has re-contextualized Jesus' teaching and ministry for me in a way that radically strengthens my faith that God is good, and the Kingdom of Heaven is love. This is yet another banger that I believe EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD READ! Some reviewers have complained that the author goes too deep into historical context, but I think that is what makes this book so powerful. The Bible truly comes to life, and Christ's teachings take on new dimension as you more fully grasp the world which Jesus was speaking into. I feel like I understand the Bible better than ever, and I hope to continue reading the Bible through the lens of God's upside-down Kingdom.
May 25, 2025
Growing up in Christian environments has meant that I heard all about "The Kingdom of God" from a very early age. However, not until the last 5 years have I earnestly begun to learn what Jesus said it actually was.
Kraybill has furthered my understanding of the Kingdom through this helpful book. A few of the chapters can feel slightly repetitive but it helps underline his key points. I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about digging into the nuanced, subversive, and upside-down kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.
Kraybill has furthered my understanding of the Kingdom through this helpful book. A few of the chapters can feel slightly repetitive but it helps underline his key points. I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about digging into the nuanced, subversive, and upside-down kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.
January 2, 2023
Um livro “must read” para qualquer cristão. Traz de forma simples, clara e totalmente compreensível os ensinamentos de Jesus e o novo Reino que ele vem estabelecer. Achei o livro excelente e todas as reflexões que ele traz. Porém quando você chega as 80% fica doido pra acabar logo e se torna um pouco repetitivo e longo. Por isso 4/5. É um livro que provavelmente revisitarei trechos e marcações que eu fiz, mas que por hora, não leria novamente.
February 14, 2023
Five out of ten.
This book disappointed me. I was expecting something a little more groundbreaking. It's not that the life of Jesus has no unsettling implications for our lives today - but I think most Christians know that. The entire book seems a little theologically facile even if it is largely correct in its focus.
I don't recommend this book in and of itself. It's worth reading if you're interested in the development of Anabaptist thought as an independent tradition.
This book disappointed me. I was expecting something a little more groundbreaking. It's not that the life of Jesus has no unsettling implications for our lives today - but I think most Christians know that. The entire book seems a little theologically facile even if it is largely correct in its focus.
I don't recommend this book in and of itself. It's worth reading if you're interested in the development of Anabaptist thought as an independent tradition.
April 25, 2021
This book changed my life when I first read it 25 years ago. I was volunteering full-time for a Mennonite organization after my college graduation. Throughout the years, the meaning was in my heart, but I forgot why. Rereading the latest edition is like visiting an old friend who I would like to introduce to everyone I now know.
July 25, 2021
In spite of being over 40+ years, this anniversary edition enriches the original content. The whole book is a very relevant and grounded look in the teaching, life and sacrifice of Jesus. A fantastic portrait of what it truly looks like to follow and serve Jesus and his church. All citizens of the kingdom of heaven should give this pointed book a read.
January 9, 2024
I ran out of time before I finished this fascinating book--at least in terms of the first chapters describing the historic setting in Israel before and after Jesus' birth.
I ended up buying the book to better access that information.
Insightful and important for anyone interested in Jesus' kingdom.
I ended up buying the book to better access that information.
Insightful and important for anyone interested in Jesus' kingdom.
August 28, 2024
An excellent book that is well researched on the context around Jesus's teachings. And it seems to mostly harp on Jubilee and promotion of physical charity. I feel it could have had more on the spiritual aspects of forgiveness, love and kindness, but perhaps that was outside of the scope of the book, as the scope was in the historical context, rather than the deeper message of Christ.
July 27, 2020
This is a classic book written from an Anabaptist perspective. Kraybill looks at how Jesus turned society on its head with his servant leadership model. It is an excellent antidote to our consumerist, elitist society.
January 25, 2021
É um bom livro para estudar aspectos históricos, teológicos, e até geográficos do contexto que envolve a vida de Jesus e a chegada do Reino de Deus na Terra. Também relaciona estes fatos com nossa cultura pós- moderna, implementando importantes fundamentos do Reino para os dias atuais.
December 30, 2024
For a book that is nearly fifty years old, what a discovery and what a wonderful reminder of what the Upside-Down Kingdom Among Us is like. I would recommend this reading to anyone considering calculating the cost of being a follower of King Jesus.
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