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The World Turned Upside Down: Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things
What could the supernatural world of Stranger Things have in common with the Bible?
The paranormal television series Stranger Things taps into the mysterious elements that have fueled spiritual questions for millennia. The otherworldly manifestations in Hawkins, Indiana offer compelling portrayals of important spiritual truths--and many of these truths are echoed in the supernatural worldview of the Bible.
For Michael Heiser, Stranger Things is the perfect marriage of his interest in popular culture and the paranormal. In The Unseen Realm , he opened the eyes of thousands, helping readers understand the supernatural worldview of the Bible. Now he turns his attention to the worldwide television phenomenon, exploring how Stranger Things relates to Christian theology and the Christian life.
In The World Turned Upside Down, Heiser draws on this supernatural worldview to help us think about the story of Jesus and discover glimpses of the gospel in the Upside Down. He argues that this celebrated series helps us understand the gospel in unique and overlooked ways. The spiritual questions and crises raised by Stranger Things are addressed the same way they are in the gospel, with mystery and transcendent power.
The paranormal television series Stranger Things taps into the mysterious elements that have fueled spiritual questions for millennia. The otherworldly manifestations in Hawkins, Indiana offer compelling portrayals of important spiritual truths--and many of these truths are echoed in the supernatural worldview of the Bible.
For Michael Heiser, Stranger Things is the perfect marriage of his interest in popular culture and the paranormal. In The Unseen Realm , he opened the eyes of thousands, helping readers understand the supernatural worldview of the Bible. Now he turns his attention to the worldwide television phenomenon, exploring how Stranger Things relates to Christian theology and the Christian life.
In The World Turned Upside Down, Heiser draws on this supernatural worldview to help us think about the story of Jesus and discover glimpses of the gospel in the Upside Down. He argues that this celebrated series helps us understand the gospel in unique and overlooked ways. The spiritual questions and crises raised by Stranger Things are addressed the same way they are in the gospel, with mystery and transcendent power.
120 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2019
133 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Michael S. Heiser
78 books957 followersMike Heiser is a scholar in the fields of biblical studies and the ancient Near East. He is the Academic Editor of Logos Bible Software. Mike earned the M.A. and Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Semitic Languages at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. He has also earned an M.A. in Ancient History from the University of Pennsylvania (major fields: Ancient Israel and Egyptology). His main research interests are Israelite religion (especially Israel’s divine council), biblical theology, ancient Near Eastern religion, biblical & ancient Semitic languages, and ancient Jewish binitarian monotheism.
Mike blogs about biblical studies at The Naked Bible, and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at PaleoBabble. He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, MEMRA.
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His UFO Religions blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut theories of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, The Facade, which intertwines many of his interests.
Mike blogs about biblical studies at The Naked Bible, and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at PaleoBabble. He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, MEMRA.
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His UFO Religions blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut theories of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, The Facade, which intertwines many of his interests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 4, 2021
You have to be careful using a pop culture piece to illustrate the gospel. Too often it sounds like the Boomer youth pastors who try to relate Marvel to Jesus. I’ll be honest, I read this book primarily to see what Heiser’s take on Stranger Things would be. From that angle, it’s fun. The book isn’t deep or profound, and if you have read anything from Heiser then you know what to expect.
He does deal with some angles that evangelicals and conservatives might not want to approach, mind control and spiritual warfare. Regarding mind control, I just want to link the info Heiser gives. Of course, if you have been aware of MK-ULTRA for some time, none of this is new.
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/searc...
I always thought “the upside down” was a brilliant description of Sheol. Sheol/Hades isn’t a burning furnace, pace popular imagination. It is the realm of Death. It is where the Rephaim live.
Speaking of which, the section on spiritual warfare was quite good. He recaps his take on the Nephilim. Although Esau’s relatives killed off the Nephilim in Moab (Dt. 2:8-22), they were still in Bashan and Canaan (Dt 2:23-3:11; Num. 13:22, 28ff; Deut. 9:1-2; Josh. 11:21-22). God specifically targeted them in the invasion.
While the Bible doesn’t specifically say that demons are the spirits of the dead nephilim, we do have some clues. In the NT a demon is called an unclean spirit. Things that are unclean are improperly mixed. These spirits resulted from the improper mixing between man and heavenly beings.
He does deal with some angles that evangelicals and conservatives might not want to approach, mind control and spiritual warfare. Regarding mind control, I just want to link the info Heiser gives. Of course, if you have been aware of MK-ULTRA for some time, none of this is new.
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/searc...
I always thought “the upside down” was a brilliant description of Sheol. Sheol/Hades isn’t a burning furnace, pace popular imagination. It is the realm of Death. It is where the Rephaim live.
Speaking of which, the section on spiritual warfare was quite good. He recaps his take on the Nephilim. Although Esau’s relatives killed off the Nephilim in Moab (Dt. 2:8-22), they were still in Bashan and Canaan (Dt 2:23-3:11; Num. 13:22, 28ff; Deut. 9:1-2; Josh. 11:21-22). God specifically targeted them in the invasion.
While the Bible doesn’t specifically say that demons are the spirits of the dead nephilim, we do have some clues. In the NT a demon is called an unclean spirit. Things that are unclean are improperly mixed. These spirits resulted from the improper mixing between man and heavenly beings.
May 6, 2020
I first became aware of Dr. Heiser a few years ago when two events converged. The first was seeing him pop up in my Logos Bible software. It was an ad for Unseen Realm and that got my attention. I ordered the book, read it and was challenged by it! I'm an associate pastor and frankly had never heard of Heiser's take on the Bible and the Old Testament in particular.
The second event was when our preaching pastor made mention of Unseen Realm when he was preaching on Ephesians, Chapter 6. We had never discussed Heiser prior, but it was clear we both had been influenced by Unseen Realm (although we would both fall short of giving the good doctor an endorsement for all his views without exception.)
Nevertheless, I started to follow Heiser's podcast in order to learn more on his take in order to connect the dots of his theology. This led me to read some of his other works. Reversing Hermon in particular was a helpful read.
My wife and I are big fans of Stranger Things. Whatever else one might think of the series the Duffer brothers sure know how to tell a good story. When I saw that Heiser wrote a book on the first three seasons I had to get it, just for fun and to see to what extent Heiser could connect the series to the gospel.
I was aware of the spiritual connections in the series. It's obvious that Eleven is a Christ figure just as it seems obvious that the Mind Flayer is a Satan type but frankly, I never gave the the story much od deeper look theologically speaking.
And that is what Heiser has done although he he was quick to point out that the Duffer brothers had no intention of connecting the show to the Bible story of redemption. Instead, what Heiser does is make analogies from the story line to the Bible story,
In other words Heiser has looked at the series in a redemptive way and in that I think he largely succeeds.
I also think his. book could be an evangelistic tool to share among friends who are fans of the show but do not know Christ as Lord and Savior.
The second event was when our preaching pastor made mention of Unseen Realm when he was preaching on Ephesians, Chapter 6. We had never discussed Heiser prior, but it was clear we both had been influenced by Unseen Realm (although we would both fall short of giving the good doctor an endorsement for all his views without exception.)
Nevertheless, I started to follow Heiser's podcast in order to learn more on his take in order to connect the dots of his theology. This led me to read some of his other works. Reversing Hermon in particular was a helpful read.
My wife and I are big fans of Stranger Things. Whatever else one might think of the series the Duffer brothers sure know how to tell a good story. When I saw that Heiser wrote a book on the first three seasons I had to get it, just for fun and to see to what extent Heiser could connect the series to the gospel.
I was aware of the spiritual connections in the series. It's obvious that Eleven is a Christ figure just as it seems obvious that the Mind Flayer is a Satan type but frankly, I never gave the the story much od deeper look theologically speaking.
And that is what Heiser has done although he he was quick to point out that the Duffer brothers had no intention of connecting the show to the Bible story of redemption. Instead, what Heiser does is make analogies from the story line to the Bible story,
In other words Heiser has looked at the series in a redemptive way and in that I think he largely succeeds.
I also think his. book could be an evangelistic tool to share among friends who are fans of the show but do not know Christ as Lord and Savior.
June 19, 2023
He definitely made some interesting points and made me want to watch the show again! The book reminded me again about the spiritual battle we are in (like they were in the show from the upside down) and how we need to take it more seriously. There’s an epilogue at the end that touches on season 3, but the author passed away before season 4 came out. I really would have liked to hear his insights on that season and the ones to come!
March 15, 2023
super super cool! my dad got this for me because he found the author and likes him, and i like stranger things. honestly, the comparison of stranger things to Biblical rules and stories was pretty incredible. i know that isn’t what the Duffer Brothers were intending for, but maybe God was. i’d certainly recommend!
May 16, 2025
Not as compelling as his other work, but a good conclusion. Wish he could have opined on S4.
July 5, 2024
Great book, really insightful into the series and how we can relate it to the Bible and our world, and see more clearly how God is in everything and uses everything to His glory and for His Kingdom and people.
July 15, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this. Every fan of the show should give this book a read!
December 4, 2019
Another brilliant eye opener by Dr. Heiser
Dr. Heiser has managed once again to see and reveal some life changing truths about the spirit world, this time through a TV show that, though unintentionally by it writers, presents great parallels between fiction and reality. The greatest point for me is how the various kinds of "monsters" of the series reveal the different spiritual entities that humanity, especially Christ followers, wrestle with constantly. I wish everybody, especially church goers, would read it.
Dr. Heiser has managed once again to see and reveal some life changing truths about the spirit world, this time through a TV show that, though unintentionally by it writers, presents great parallels between fiction and reality. The greatest point for me is how the various kinds of "monsters" of the series reveal the different spiritual entities that humanity, especially Christ followers, wrestle with constantly. I wish everybody, especially church goers, would read it.
August 16, 2022
This is a short, fun read. As a Stranger Things fan, I’ve noticed some Biblical parallels (intentional or not), but I generally view content like TV and movies for pure entertainment. It was cool to have someone else (Dr. Heiser) go through and discuss all of those parallels. And he did it in a way that wasn’t corny or hokey at all. Nicely done!
April 10, 2023
Fun way of showing how to view pop culture with a biblical lens.
November 14, 2025
Michael Heiser’s The World Turned Upside Down is a thoughtful, insightful exploration of the gospel themes embedded in Stranger Things. Heiser doesn’t argue that the Duffer Brothers intentionally crafted a biblical allegory; instead, he examines how the series—through its characters, symbols, and story arcs—reflects deep spiritual truths and universal longings that point back to scripture. Through careful analysis and plentiful biblical references, he draws parallels between the Upside Down and the fallen world, between Eleven’s sacrificial heroism and the role of a savior, and between the show’s cosmic darkness and the reality of spiritual warfare. The result is a fascinating blend of theology and pop culture that enhances both the series and the gospel message.
From the very first time I watched Stranger Things, I’ve seen the connection between the series and the gospel, so Michael Heiser’s book felt like it was written for viewers like me. What I love most is that Heiser takes the position I’ve always held: the Duffer Brothers likely didn’t do this intentionally — and somehow, that makes it even more compelling. It reveals something profound about the world we live in and the stories we gravitate toward. Christ is woven into everything, whether we realize it or not. We naturally long for a hero, a savior, someone who stands between us and the darkness. In Stranger Things, that role is fulfilled by Eleven.
Yet even as Eleven embodies Christlike traits — sacrifice, protection, love, power — Heiser points out the crucial distinction: she is not Christ. And the show illustrates this brilliantly through the loss of her powers. The true Christ would never lose His power. That contrast deepens both the character and the spiritual message underneath the narrative.
Heiser’s analysis of the Upside Down is equally powerful. I’ve always viewed it as a kind of hell or the natural result of a fallen world — a dark, decaying reality trying to seep into ours. And the fact that there are “gates” to the Upside Down? Well, the scriptural parallels practically write themselves. Heiser makes these connections clear, compelling, and biblically grounded, offering tons of scriptural references that are not only accurate but genuinely illuminating.
What truly impressed me is how reading this book didn’t just deepen my understanding of Stranger Things — it strengthened my understanding of the gospel. Heiser bridges the two seamlessly, showing how stories of light versus darkness, sacrifice versus destruction, and love versus fear ultimately point back to the greatest story ever told.
Now I honestly cannot wait for the next season. I’m more excited than ever to see how many new parallels I can identify, and how much more the series might reflect spiritual truths we’re all wired to recognize.
A brilliant, engaging, spiritually rich book.
From the very first time I watched Stranger Things, I’ve seen the connection between the series and the gospel, so Michael Heiser’s book felt like it was written for viewers like me. What I love most is that Heiser takes the position I’ve always held: the Duffer Brothers likely didn’t do this intentionally — and somehow, that makes it even more compelling. It reveals something profound about the world we live in and the stories we gravitate toward. Christ is woven into everything, whether we realize it or not. We naturally long for a hero, a savior, someone who stands between us and the darkness. In Stranger Things, that role is fulfilled by Eleven.
Yet even as Eleven embodies Christlike traits — sacrifice, protection, love, power — Heiser points out the crucial distinction: she is not Christ. And the show illustrates this brilliantly through the loss of her powers. The true Christ would never lose His power. That contrast deepens both the character and the spiritual message underneath the narrative.
Heiser’s analysis of the Upside Down is equally powerful. I’ve always viewed it as a kind of hell or the natural result of a fallen world — a dark, decaying reality trying to seep into ours. And the fact that there are “gates” to the Upside Down? Well, the scriptural parallels practically write themselves. Heiser makes these connections clear, compelling, and biblically grounded, offering tons of scriptural references that are not only accurate but genuinely illuminating.
What truly impressed me is how reading this book didn’t just deepen my understanding of Stranger Things — it strengthened my understanding of the gospel. Heiser bridges the two seamlessly, showing how stories of light versus darkness, sacrifice versus destruction, and love versus fear ultimately point back to the greatest story ever told.
Now I honestly cannot wait for the next season. I’m more excited than ever to see how many new parallels I can identify, and how much more the series might reflect spiritual truths we’re all wired to recognize.
A brilliant, engaging, spiritually rich book.
December 14, 2023
It sounds like a good idea, using Stranger Things as a springboard for talking about the gospel. However, the connections are not strong—mainly because they weren't meant to be. Any gospel flags which are raised in our minds when reading a book or watching a film are almost always due to the good-versus-evil motif in popular culture which is a relic from our Christian past.
For me, the most tempting aspect of the series is the depiction of the Upside Down, the world of darkness, misery, and beasts like the Demigorgon. It provides an interesting angle on theories about Gehenna ("hell"), the destination to which scripture tells us we all deserve to go but many won't, these latter having been delivered through the salvific work of Jesus Christ.
The dark world in the series is shown as another dimension existing in the same "space" as the normal world. When we think about Gehenna/Sheol (again, often unhelpfully referred to simply as "hell"), this fantasy world on TV is a definite contender as a model.
At the resurrection, when mankind awakes from death, we enter a very real world. It certainly isn't an ethereal existence as spirits in heaven—a pagan idea. Now if the believer is raised to stand once again on this earth, recreated as a paradise, there's no reason to think the world which the damned will inhabit will be any less material. It could be that as God's children walk around a renewed planet earth, the damned are walking on the same earth but in a different dimension. God's Upside-Down, if you like.
It'll be good if the series prompts discussion about hell, but it takes too many liberties in leading into gospel issues, in which regard it's no better than others. After all, a Christian with a good imagination could turn Die Hard into an evangelical presentation! I mean, it's our job and all, but still...
For me, the most tempting aspect of the series is the depiction of the Upside Down, the world of darkness, misery, and beasts like the Demigorgon. It provides an interesting angle on theories about Gehenna ("hell"), the destination to which scripture tells us we all deserve to go but many won't, these latter having been delivered through the salvific work of Jesus Christ.
The dark world in the series is shown as another dimension existing in the same "space" as the normal world. When we think about Gehenna/Sheol (again, often unhelpfully referred to simply as "hell"), this fantasy world on TV is a definite contender as a model.
At the resurrection, when mankind awakes from death, we enter a very real world. It certainly isn't an ethereal existence as spirits in heaven—a pagan idea. Now if the believer is raised to stand once again on this earth, recreated as a paradise, there's no reason to think the world which the damned will inhabit will be any less material. It could be that as God's children walk around a renewed planet earth, the damned are walking on the same earth but in a different dimension. God's Upside-Down, if you like.
It'll be good if the series prompts discussion about hell, but it takes too many liberties in leading into gospel issues, in which regard it's no better than others. After all, a Christian with a good imagination could turn Die Hard into an evangelical presentation! I mean, it's our job and all, but still...
February 10, 2024
Dr. Heiser's work here to discern God's movement and narrative hit all the right buttons for me.
I didn't know what exactly to expect going in, except that I was excited for a bit of time to sit with another mind who seeks and discerns Jesus in unexpected (even unlikely) places.
What made this a full 5 for me was how beautifully yet concisely the metanarrative of the bible was laid out from The Beginning to The Consumation. Whether you've known the Bible's story intricately from your youth or have only vauge conceptions, this book seems to be a uniquely useful tool. The reader may gain a solid grasp of what the ultimate Narrative is and how inescapable it is, even in unsuspecting art such as Stranger Things.
Once that reality sets in, the reader has the opportunity to contemplate how much more daily life is best decipherable according to God's story. My prayer is that we accept and understand our stories as interpreted in the context of His Story.
If there were anything missing, it was due the book being completed long before season 4 could explore the antichrist story arch. It feels as though an addendum deserves to be written for that amd whatever remains of the series.
I didn't know what exactly to expect going in, except that I was excited for a bit of time to sit with another mind who seeks and discerns Jesus in unexpected (even unlikely) places.
What made this a full 5 for me was how beautifully yet concisely the metanarrative of the bible was laid out from The Beginning to The Consumation. Whether you've known the Bible's story intricately from your youth or have only vauge conceptions, this book seems to be a uniquely useful tool. The reader may gain a solid grasp of what the ultimate Narrative is and how inescapable it is, even in unsuspecting art such as Stranger Things.
Once that reality sets in, the reader has the opportunity to contemplate how much more daily life is best decipherable according to God's story. My prayer is that we accept and understand our stories as interpreted in the context of His Story.
If there were anything missing, it was due the book being completed long before season 4 could explore the antichrist story arch. It feels as though an addendum deserves to be written for that amd whatever remains of the series.
July 24, 2025
Unlike Angels and The Unseen Realm, The World Turned Upside Down has been written for the Evangelical movement and to turn profit. Heiser's normal theology that challenges the norm of modern U.S. charismatic right wing Christianity is very seldom scene. There is a lot of story line, normal and required if you are not familiar with the series "Stranger Things", and the Christian connections are well connected most of the time. Other times I feel there tenuous. Over all, if you are a fan of the show and new to Christianity, the spiritual side, not the religious side of doctrine and practice, but the spiritual side of belief and the love of Christ, this is a great read and could help you on your spiritual journey. If not, don't bother.
January 8, 2025
4.2/5 — What was written in this book was outstanding. But I was ultimately left wanting because it primarily deals with seasons 1 & 2 only, and then merely includes an epilogue about season 3. I wish Mike had waited until after season 4 to finish this work, as I know he would’ve found some incredible analogies within that continued and more interconnected storyline.
However, as I knew he would, Heiser still wrote with finesse and a deep biblical knowledge to tie different parts of a fantastic series together within a tapestry of the Kingdom of God. Great stuff!
I recommend reading this after you’ve watched the first 3 seasons of Stranger Things.
However, as I knew he would, Heiser still wrote with finesse and a deep biblical knowledge to tie different parts of a fantastic series together within a tapestry of the Kingdom of God. Great stuff!
I recommend reading this after you’ve watched the first 3 seasons of Stranger Things.
December 30, 2019
"And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, 'Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.' And he answered them, 'Who are my mother and my brothers?' And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.'” Mark 3:31-35
Love Stranger Things and the Gospel! Thank-you Brother!
Love Stranger Things and the Gospel! Thank-you Brother!
May 25, 2020
I didn't watch the Stranger Things show until the summer of 2019, ans I kind of wondered why I was drawn to this dark, supernatural netflix show set in the 80's. I love how Micheal walks you through the parallels in the show and to the gospel, so many wonderful points of family, God's love, how supernatural the Bible really is and how we can glean understanding from a show that wasn't even intended for that purpose! Packed full of scripture- this is one I will share with many friends and may re-read before season 4
December 28, 2023
I'm a big fan of the late Michael S. Heiser's Unseen Realm, and Reversing Hermon. I'm also a big fan of Stranger Things. When I found it he had written a book about the gospel in Stranger Things I knew I wanted to read it.
I love stories with Christ figures and Eleven fits that model well. His analysis of everyone searching for family, and the over arching theme of love rang true. I want to re-listen to this in the future, before the next season of Stranger Things begins. I'm sad Mr. Heiser did not live to see the conclusion.
I love stories with Christ figures and Eleven fits that model well. His analysis of everyone searching for family, and the over arching theme of love rang true. I want to re-listen to this in the future, before the next season of Stranger Things begins. I'm sad Mr. Heiser did not live to see the conclusion.
December 3, 2025
As a Christian + a fan of stranger things, this was such an enlightening read! There are truly so many parallels between good vs evil that mirror spiritual warfare in the show. Obviously it’s not ABOUT the gospel lol, but it’s still so evident that there are unintentional similarities in the storytelling. It’s so cool to see a biblical lens through the pop culture of the show!
This book covers Seasons 1-3. Definitely recommend if you’re like me; and love Jesus, love stranger things, and also love a solid good vs evil parallel between the two 😉
This book covers Seasons 1-3. Definitely recommend if you’re like me; and love Jesus, love stranger things, and also love a solid good vs evil parallel between the two 😉
December 4, 2025
I have a lot of respect for Michael Heiser. based on what I have read from him so far. This book was recommended to me because I am a stranger things fan. I have always seen the metaphors in the story line for the unseen and the scene realm around us. For the battles we fight within ourselves and for those we love, especially for our kids.
I don't care for the narrator's voice but whatever .
If nothing else, listen to the epilogue at the end. I also appreciated the bit about what spiritual warfare isn't and what it is (chapter 10, I think).
I don't care for the narrator's voice but whatever .
If nothing else, listen to the epilogue at the end. I also appreciated the bit about what spiritual warfare isn't and what it is (chapter 10, I think).
May 31, 2023
I'm giving this 3 stars for being a good book, a fourth star because I'm a huge fan of Stranger Things, and a fifth because I have a deep appreciation for how Heiser uncovers such fascinating things about the Bible, and has made it so exciting! I'm saddened at the recent loss of Michael S. Heiser, and am grateful for his work/writings of the spiritual realm. I found this a really enjoyable, quick read. Easy to follow, and makes me want to watch the series...again.
July 17, 2024
Exceptional!
Dr. Heiser shows his genius once again. As a fan of Stranger Things myself it was easy to choose to read this book but, I am blown away by his ability to see something so secular in biblical view. This book was entertaining and just a joy to read. The way Dr. Heiser makes connections between the show and the Bible is simply pure genius. I highly recommend this book for all the Stranger Things fans out there!
Dr. Heiser shows his genius once again. As a fan of Stranger Things myself it was easy to choose to read this book but, I am blown away by his ability to see something so secular in biblical view. This book was entertaining and just a joy to read. The way Dr. Heiser makes connections between the show and the Bible is simply pure genius. I highly recommend this book for all the Stranger Things fans out there!
November 9, 2019
I really enjoy Stranger Things, and I thought Mike did a great job highlighting the correlations between the show and the gospel while also clarifying where and how they differ. The book is a great tool for someone unfamiliar with the gospel or sharing the gospel with someone else who is a fan of the show, especially one who may have limited exposure to Christianity.
June 1, 2021
Usually science fiction is not my favorite genre in books or movies. However, after reading this, I think I'd like to watch the "Stranger Things" series on Netflix. Michael Heiser's teaching on the supernatural realm is quite different from other Christian theologians, but seems to clear up some mysteries of the Bible. So, I definitely want to read more of his works.
November 7, 2022
As a huge ST fan and a Christian, I was immediately drawn to the boom. There are several connections that the author makes that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Do I agree with every point he makes? Of course not. But it was a fun and easy read and possibly a great resource to use if I were to do a lesson on Spiritual Warfare Today.
Do I agree with every point he makes? Of course not. But it was a fun and easy read and possibly a great resource to use if I were to do a lesson on Spiritual Warfare Today.
January 6, 2026
It was a bit of a stretch, but always thankful for Heiser’s insights.
“God doesn’t ask that we get a comprehensive education before we believe. He wants us to embrace fully a simple idea: that we cannot save ourselves, but what Jesus did CAN save us. What happened on the cross is what God will accept and nothing else.”
“God doesn’t ask that we get a comprehensive education before we believe. He wants us to embrace fully a simple idea: that we cannot save ourselves, but what Jesus did CAN save us. What happened on the cross is what God will accept and nothing else.”
May 4, 2021
Surprised me with this one....
Not what I expected but the commentary enticed me in, though I'd never seen the show or heard of it that I remember. Both were interesting. Both kept me coming back for another bite sized chunk.
Not what I expected but the commentary enticed me in, though I'd never seen the show or heard of it that I remember. Both were interesting. Both kept me coming back for another bite sized chunk.
August 11, 2021
I read this because our pastor plans a Bible study based on the Nexflix series, Stranger Things.
I am not a fan of the series, though I watched the first two years of the series per the prerequisite for the class.
Can't say I'm a fan.
This book may help some trying to make sense of it.
I am not a fan of the series, though I watched the first two years of the series per the prerequisite for the class.
Can't say I'm a fan.
This book may help some trying to make sense of it.
October 23, 2021
A must-read for Christians who are fans of the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things. Dr. Heiser flushes out the common ground and parallel messages between the show and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fans of Dr. Heiser's other books will also enjoy this one.
June 2, 2022
The author, Michael S. Heiser, was one of my theology professors from seminary, and one of the most respected Christian theologians in the world today! This is an excellent book! I highly recommend it as a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews