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Outlandish: An Unlikely Messiah, a Messy Ministry, and the Call to Mobilize
Jesus did everything Poor judgment picking a team of disciples. Ministering to the wrong people. Angering the wrong people. Having outrageous expectations of his followers. Questionable teaching methods. Allowing others to have unrealistic opinions about his mission. A humiliating end followed by an improbable surprise ending. And then, somehow, inspiring millions to attempt to change the world in his name.
An Unlikely Messiah, a Messy Ministry, and the Call to Mobilize shows how Jesus's ministry flew in the face of conventional wisdom, a ministry that would be described as misguided, mistaken, and miserable - and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Then, fast-forwarding two thousand years, learn how that kind of ministry is sorely needed today and the political, social, and organizational lessons to be learned from Jesus's radically different ministry.
An Unlikely Messiah, a Messy Ministry, and the Call to Mobilize shows how Jesus's ministry flew in the face of conventional wisdom, a ministry that would be described as misguided, mistaken, and miserable - and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Then, fast-forwarding two thousand years, learn how that kind of ministry is sorely needed today and the political, social, and organizational lessons to be learned from Jesus's radically different ministry.
- GenresNonfiction
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
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September 3, 2019
Who is Jesus? That is a question for the ages, with multiple answers given. The famous quests for the historical Jesus have often led to a picture that is more reflective of one's own identity than the Jesus who lived in the first century. Nevertheless, it is a fruitful process to seek to offer an answer. Some answers are better than others (at least in my estimation). In the end, we must admit that any answer we give is at best approximate. With that caveat, I approach Derek Penwell's book "Outlandish."
The subtitle of the book is rather revealing. Derek, who is a Disciple colleague, invites us to consider a vision of Jesus as "an unlikely Messiah," who engaged in "A Messy Ministry" with a "The call to mobilize." That last phrase might be the most telling, for this is a call for Christians to mobilize for social justice to emulate Jesus. If you want to know the true trajectory of the book, you might want to start by reading the final chapter: "What Do We Do?" This chapter makes sense of what has gone before. Of course, the author left that chapter to the end for a reason, so you might want to start at the beginning and move toward the conclusion, which is that "call to mobilize."
Derek's purpose in writing the book, at least as I read it, is to help us understand that Jesus' project was deeply political. By that he means, Jesus took up a prophetic ministry on behalf of the marginalized. In so doing, he gained the wrath of both the religious establishment and the political establishment. In reality, the two were intertwined, but the religious community was Jewish while the political establishment was Roman. The two parties collaborated for their own reasons, but at the expense of the poor and marginalized. Thus, when Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, he was offering a political program. The problem is that Jesus wasn't a very accomplished messiah. He had the opportunity to lead a revolt, but for whatever reason chose not to do so.
Jesus, as Derek introduces him to us, wasn't all that good of a teacher (his audience was often left puzzled). he wasn't a great judge of character (look who he surrounded himself with). In other words, if we emulate Jesus, we won't find a model of success. We will instead find one who pushed all the wrong buttons and ended up being crucified by the Romans, who saw him as a political threat. In presenting this vision, Derek draws on people like Richard Horsley, Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan. At points, I resonated with the presentation. At other points, I had my concerns and questions. Over time I've become sensitive to the portrayal of Jews both in the Gospels and in our readings of the texts. One group that has too often been mischaracterized is the Pharisees. At points, Derek drifted toward portrayals of them as uptight and legalistic. I think there is a need for a more nuanced presentation -- perhaps more dialogue with an interpreter such as Amy Jill Levine.
Where Derek and I might differ at points isn't so much the political side, but the religious side of the conversation. While Jesus was a prophetic leader, I see more spiritual elements present that Derek seemed to offer. Again, in part, this is due to the purpose of the book, which becomes clear in the end.
For some readers, chapter seven will prove challenging. Here Derek deals with the resurrection. He's already made it clear that Jesus didn't die for our sins (penal substitutionary atonement). But what about the resurrection. He notes that many make the physical resurrection the center of the faith -- a la Paul -- but he suggests that the Enlightenment project has called the traditional view into question. The current liberal view is that the resurrection is to be understood metaphorically rather than bodily. Derek seems to take his place there, but he suggests that whether we embrace a metaphorical or bodily view, we would be wise to read it theologically. While I'm a bodily resurrection person (I have my reasons, which I think enhance the justice message, but that's for a different posting), I believe Derek is correct --- "the theological meaning of the resurrection precedes questions of historicity" (p. 119). We should ask what the message of the resurrection is, and that message is "God's big 'no' to the powers and principalities." That is, the resurrection is an act of judgment on those powers and principalities that have resisted God's realm and thus God's vision of justice. With that, Derek suggests that the church "is the embodiment of the resurrection." If the church, as it so often has, fails to embody the resurrection then it is under the judgment of God (as Martin Luther King revealed in his "Letter from the Birmingham Jail." All of this is revealed in the resurrection.
That leads to the final chapter, which reveals Derek's vision of the implications of Jesus' ministry -- a ministry that has political, even subversive intent. Here he offers advice to those who might take up the cause of the kingdom of God, noting that such a calling could get you killed or at the very least arrested.
So, what do I make of the book? It is a challenging read. It is written with wit that can be biting (but then Jesus was known to do the same). I will admit that as a writer, I am much more sedate! Derek pushes buttons and does so intentionally. Justice is needed. It is the heart of the kingdom. And he aims to make that plain. I might say it differently, and I am probably more "orthodox" theologically than Derek, but on the question of whether the gospel has political implications, I think we're in agreement.
The subtitle of the book is rather revealing. Derek, who is a Disciple colleague, invites us to consider a vision of Jesus as "an unlikely Messiah," who engaged in "A Messy Ministry" with a "The call to mobilize." That last phrase might be the most telling, for this is a call for Christians to mobilize for social justice to emulate Jesus. If you want to know the true trajectory of the book, you might want to start by reading the final chapter: "What Do We Do?" This chapter makes sense of what has gone before. Of course, the author left that chapter to the end for a reason, so you might want to start at the beginning and move toward the conclusion, which is that "call to mobilize."
Derek's purpose in writing the book, at least as I read it, is to help us understand that Jesus' project was deeply political. By that he means, Jesus took up a prophetic ministry on behalf of the marginalized. In so doing, he gained the wrath of both the religious establishment and the political establishment. In reality, the two were intertwined, but the religious community was Jewish while the political establishment was Roman. The two parties collaborated for their own reasons, but at the expense of the poor and marginalized. Thus, when Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, he was offering a political program. The problem is that Jesus wasn't a very accomplished messiah. He had the opportunity to lead a revolt, but for whatever reason chose not to do so.
Jesus, as Derek introduces him to us, wasn't all that good of a teacher (his audience was often left puzzled). he wasn't a great judge of character (look who he surrounded himself with). In other words, if we emulate Jesus, we won't find a model of success. We will instead find one who pushed all the wrong buttons and ended up being crucified by the Romans, who saw him as a political threat. In presenting this vision, Derek draws on people like Richard Horsley, Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan. At points, I resonated with the presentation. At other points, I had my concerns and questions. Over time I've become sensitive to the portrayal of Jews both in the Gospels and in our readings of the texts. One group that has too often been mischaracterized is the Pharisees. At points, Derek drifted toward portrayals of them as uptight and legalistic. I think there is a need for a more nuanced presentation -- perhaps more dialogue with an interpreter such as Amy Jill Levine.
Where Derek and I might differ at points isn't so much the political side, but the religious side of the conversation. While Jesus was a prophetic leader, I see more spiritual elements present that Derek seemed to offer. Again, in part, this is due to the purpose of the book, which becomes clear in the end.
For some readers, chapter seven will prove challenging. Here Derek deals with the resurrection. He's already made it clear that Jesus didn't die for our sins (penal substitutionary atonement). But what about the resurrection. He notes that many make the physical resurrection the center of the faith -- a la Paul -- but he suggests that the Enlightenment project has called the traditional view into question. The current liberal view is that the resurrection is to be understood metaphorically rather than bodily. Derek seems to take his place there, but he suggests that whether we embrace a metaphorical or bodily view, we would be wise to read it theologically. While I'm a bodily resurrection person (I have my reasons, which I think enhance the justice message, but that's for a different posting), I believe Derek is correct --- "the theological meaning of the resurrection precedes questions of historicity" (p. 119). We should ask what the message of the resurrection is, and that message is "God's big 'no' to the powers and principalities." That is, the resurrection is an act of judgment on those powers and principalities that have resisted God's realm and thus God's vision of justice. With that, Derek suggests that the church "is the embodiment of the resurrection." If the church, as it so often has, fails to embody the resurrection then it is under the judgment of God (as Martin Luther King revealed in his "Letter from the Birmingham Jail." All of this is revealed in the resurrection.
That leads to the final chapter, which reveals Derek's vision of the implications of Jesus' ministry -- a ministry that has political, even subversive intent. Here he offers advice to those who might take up the cause of the kingdom of God, noting that such a calling could get you killed or at the very least arrested.
So, what do I make of the book? It is a challenging read. It is written with wit that can be biting (but then Jesus was known to do the same). I will admit that as a writer, I am much more sedate! Derek pushes buttons and does so intentionally. Justice is needed. It is the heart of the kingdom. And he aims to make that plain. I might say it differently, and I am probably more "orthodox" theologically than Derek, but on the question of whether the gospel has political implications, I think we're in agreement.
February 12, 2019
This book’s title, Outlandish: An Unlikely Messiah, a Messy Ministry, and the Call to Mobilize summarizes its contents. This is a book about Jesus. It’s not a Christology. It emphatically isn’t about a divine superman with X-ray vision, superior strength, social charm, or intellectual brilliance. It’s simply about Jesus as presented in the gospels (though differently from most things you’ve heard before), and about Jesus who confronts the time and place where we are today (namely, in the era of Trump).
Author Derek Penwell’s reason for writing this book may well be your reason for reading it—to find answers to questions raised in the current American political context about what calls people to follow Jesus, or why non-Christians expect followers of Jesus to say “no” to abusive power. If you appreciate a word of hope—not of shallow optimism but of genuine hope—you’ll be glad you read Outlandish. This hope is “about a new reign in the present where God—and not Caesar—calls the shots.” (p. 155) It is truly the hope of the Resurrection, whereby God gets the last word about the desire for a new world.
Outlandish ladles palatable portions of theological insight and biblical interpretation into a mix of amusing anecdotes, political commentary, and a compelling call for action in solidarity with social justice organizations.
This appeal cuts through my defenses. I’ll never be a Derek Penwell, or a William Barber II, whose prophetic voices I so admire. Nevertheless, their confidence in God’s reign, which upsets the political and cultural order where I live, challenges me to follow Jesus more nearly. The visionary hope of Outlandish inspires me, as I’m sure it will you, too.
February 13, 2019
The Reverend Dr. Penwell‘s book is a fresh, funny, humble, and insightful reflection on Jesus. This book counters the co-optation of the Christian Savior by folks who seem to want to do anything but follow Christ’s example of leadership. Penwell seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and theological references into an immensely readable text suitable both for those new to the Christian faith and for those who have long been students of Christian scripture and doctrine. He makes complex theological concepts easily digestible without diluting the intellectual contribution his book makes. This timely discussion of Jesus and his word challenges the anti-scriptural political nightmares of the last few years and gives voice to the values of those who are both progressive and religious. If you want to see Jesus with fresh eyes and engage in religious conversation with a perspective that is anything but stuffy and prim, Penwell’s Outlandish is the book for you.
February 12, 2019
In Outlandish Penwell gives concrete voice to what Johann Baptist Metz called ‘the dangerous memory of Jesus.’ Peeling back once again the syrupy story ofJesus—either as a magic happy loving Jesus or the return of a kingly future son of God—that coats an active radical outlandish Jesus, Penwell reiterates the extraordinary idea that God is for the here and now, calling his disciples to be at one with the poor and oppressed and the captives —and actively committed to their release. The political nature of Jesus’s love for God and the people God loves makes his radical message and his untimely death at the hands of the religious and the despotic the pivot of understanding and action rather than merely a spiritual transaction with dividends paid out primarily in eternity.
Outlandish is a great read for progressive faith communities everywhere —with enough chapter questions to make a lively actionable study for Sunday school classes, book club reads, and church wide study. Readable, interesting, (and funny
in places) Outlandish is just right.
If you’re not at all a church person this is still your book! In Outlandish, the Jesus that many post- Christians and nonChristians want to see is stripped of his veneer of sappy spirituality, inexplicable requirement of atoning blood and formulaic moralisms.
Lots of scripture and additional quotes from several sources make this a useful guide for faith communities and individuals interested in connecting communal justice activity to scripture. (You'll even like the footnotes!) But it’s also a good read for any groups wondering how to connect spirituality and social justice or hear why religious bigots got it wrong.
But be prepared—you’ll want to take action once you have reached the last page!
Outlandish is a great read for progressive faith communities everywhere —with enough chapter questions to make a lively actionable study for Sunday school classes, book club reads, and church wide study. Readable, interesting, (and funny
in places) Outlandish is just right.
If you’re not at all a church person this is still your book! In Outlandish, the Jesus that many post- Christians and nonChristians want to see is stripped of his veneer of sappy spirituality, inexplicable requirement of atoning blood and formulaic moralisms.
Lots of scripture and additional quotes from several sources make this a useful guide for faith communities and individuals interested in connecting communal justice activity to scripture. (You'll even like the footnotes!) But it’s also a good read for any groups wondering how to connect spirituality and social justice or hear why religious bigots got it wrong.
But be prepared—you’ll want to take action once you have reached the last page!
February 14, 2019
Outlandish is not a book to read if you are satisfied with your current image of Jesus as the meek and mild shepherd with only spiritual aspirations during his ministry. This book turned everything I thought about my Jesus upside down and pricked my conscience as a Christian at the same time. The author uses his knowledge and insight to lead the reader on a journey with Jesus as he confronts government and religious leaders of his time as a subversive who is crucified because they fear him. Then he wraps His story into current, and even not so current, events NOT asking "What Would Jesus Do" but, based on his example as a subversive, what should we do as His people to follow Him in confronting racism and discrimination against immigrants, women's rights, gender equality and the list goes on. I also want to add that Derek Penwell's style of writing is a conversation with the reader and his sense of humor adds a great deal to that conversation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about the role of the church, as followers of Jesus, in social justice, including a "how to" chapter at the end of the book. It was a great read!
February 12, 2019
Derek does an amazing job both humorously sharing about his life and bringing the reader into poignant theological discussions. His conversational style and depth catches both the theologically trained as well as the uninitiated. I would recommend this book for any small group and/or congregation for discussion, education, or just delight. Derek reminds me how much I love Jesus, the mystery/gift of faith in today's world, and just how we can respond to Jesus's call in an increasingly complex world. I am hopeful that this book will help Christians find ways to exercise Jesus's love for the world. Maybe after reading it, more people will join Derek at fairness rallies, welcome the stranger in their community regardless of religion, ethnicity, or skin color, and find effective ways to alleviate poverty in our world.
February 12, 2019
Penwell has the knack of bringing he reader into deep theological thoughts with humor and self deprecation. His writing is easy to read, humorous and thought provoking. A must read for anyone concerned about the direction our current culture is heading.
February 12, 2019
Derek Penwell’s new book gets to the heart of who Jesus really was- Outlandish. This is a timely reminder that Jesus was not the prosperity gospel-send me all your money-MAGA hat-imperialist-white guy that the right seems to worship. Instead, Penwell shows us all of the ways that Jesus was expressly NOT that guy. Of particular interest to this reader was Chapter 2 where Penwell addresses the issue of LGBTQ+ folks and how Jesus would have responded. Spoiler alert: He would have responded with love. Penwell asks, “What if our commitment to Jesus is measured more by how we love LGBTQ people through actions than by how loudly we shout at them about it though bullhorns?” As an LGBTQ+ person, I was buoyed by the amount of love Penwell (and Jesus) preach in this chapter. The whole book is like this- turning the white-washed Jesus ideal on its head and giving us a picture of a Jesus, and a church, that looks a little bit more like the beautiful, broken world in which we live. I’ve gotta be honest though, If you’re not comfortable with that whole “love your neighbor…YES THAT NEIGHBOR…thing? This book might not be for you. Penwell’s words convict us and inspire us to be Outlandish in our love for others.
February 12, 2019
Derek Penwell truly defines Micah 6:8 - "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" - in his new book and urges us to be intentional and "Outlandlish" in our own walk in our communities. He makes us aware with statements such as: “What does your community value, and how far are they willing to go to support those values?” “People should have confidence that—whenever families are put at risk, whenever young black men find themselves disproportionately and systematically penalized because they’re black, whenever dead refugee children on distant shores evoke grief but refugee children in our own country evoke fear, whenever LGBTQ people are bullied and discriminated against, whenever poor people are belittled for needing help to eat or to take their children to the doctor, whenever women have to remain vigilant against the humiliations launched by insecure men, whenever creation is threatened by our rapacious plunder of it— those who follow Jesus will stand together with the embattled.” I urge you to read Outlandlish and allow yourself to be changed.
Rev Carol Wieger, Pastor of New Life in Christ Christian Church (DOC)
Rev Carol Wieger, Pastor of New Life in Christ Christian Church (DOC)
April 14, 2019
I read this with a group at church for Lent. The group met weekly to discuss 1-2 chapters. I appreciated the discussions more than the book itself. Penwell does take some teachings from the bible and turn it on its head and makes you think of things from another perspective, which I enjoyed. However, some of the points of the book were redundant and it felt like beating a point to death. This book is very much for today and references the current political climate, which may prevent it from aging well. I think this is a great book to read as a group, as the discussions were well worth it and helped me personally reframe or understand the information presented.
February 12, 2019
I really enjoyed Penwell's book Outlandish because it was accessible and substantive--rare for books on faith and justice. I have been a pastor and Christian Educator for 15 years and I am always looking for thoughtful books that are accessible for a lay audience and introduce new ideas for Sunday School and book discussions. This books is the perfect resource to think through who Jesus was, how Jesus is calling us to live and serve in a world that seems overwhelmingly unjust.
February 13, 2019
Everything Derek Penwell writes, teaches, or preaches about is something I pay attention to. His finger is on the pulse of what it means to be present in this world and to be a presence for good in this world. I enjoy his style and his heart for people. Outlandish is proving to be another great book as I make my way through the story. Thanks Derek!
February 27, 2019
Outlandish. This is the book I was talking to someone about that when you read you cannot go back to what being a pastor leader was like before. Some books are like that. Once you read them your comfortable existence gets put on full display. Now something’s got to change in me so that I live and lead more faithfully.
May 12, 2020
Definitely worth the read. This is a timely read for practical, proactive ministry in contemporary (complicated) times.
April 9, 2023
This was a difficult book to read, because some of it was clashing with everything I have been taught. However, it asks hard questions about are we living the life that Christ wants us to live?
March 1, 2019
In a world where those outside the church (and a growing number of us inside the church) are disgusted by the church's identification with prejudice, bigotry, and privilege, while too many within the church (and while too often and for too long the institutional church--judicatories, congregations, and national/global denominations) are comfortable being the enforcers and protectors of that same prejudice, bigotry, and privilege, my friend Derek speaks a word that reminds us of the commitments of the real life Jesus.
To Borrow from Walter Brueggemann, Derek identifies Jesus clearly with the protocols of neighborliness (consistent with the Hebrew Bible prophets) over against those who would make Jesus and his followers the ritual purity police.
All the while, the writing is readable, not overly academic or polemical.
This is a Jesus worth following and a faith worth embracing. Thanks, Derek
To Borrow from Walter Brueggemann, Derek identifies Jesus clearly with the protocols of neighborliness (consistent with the Hebrew Bible prophets) over against those who would make Jesus and his followers the ritual purity police.
All the while, the writing is readable, not overly academic or polemical.
This is a Jesus worth following and a faith worth embracing. Thanks, Derek
February 12, 2019
Penwell tackles the toughest challenge that non-conservative, non-evangelical, largely non-political people of Christian faith are currently facing. We're going to have to talk about our faith in the public discourse in order to live into it fully....and we're not thrilled. In common language, with scholarship both solid and visionary, he grabs our hands and runs away from fast fading comfort zones to the edges where faith is most relevant and most necessary. My favorite part was the intellectual argument (chapters 1-7) which had me alternately hyperventilating and swearing, but the practical section grounds the work where it longs for us all to be - where the rubber meets the road. And whatever you do, don't miss the footnotes. For one thing, it's a great reading list. For another, well, just read them!
February 23, 2019
Although I'm still reading Outlandish, I highly recommend it. It's like sitting down with a good friend and having a conversation about Jesus' ministry. However, it probably isn't the Jesus you think you know. Derek points out that our Savior's ministry didn't fit the norms of His day, and in fact He upset the apple cart time and again. If you want a good read that will challenge your view and bring a new understanding of just how "Outlandish" His ministry was this is it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews