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Essay / The Bible in the Upside Down Kingdom by Donald B. Kraybill
The book The Upside Down Kingdom by Donald B. Kraybill analyzes the Bible in a different approach taken by readers. The main purpose of the book is to help readers understand the kingdom of God in a world turned upside down. Kraybill shows how upside down and radical the kingdom was in first century Palestine and how it is the same in today's society. In other words, Kraybill illustrated the picture that the people at the top of the pyramids, the rich and powerful, will be at the bottom of the pyramid in the kingdom of God if they are not humbled to the poor and hungry. The book also clarifies the importance of practicing religious principles through the teachings of Christ in relation to the poor and suffering. In more detail, it is not about seeking the kingdom of heaven above, but rather about finding Christ's salvation through active compassion and empathy toward those in need. Additionally, the first chapter supports the main theme by expanding on the kingdom of God. Kraybill's main emphasis in this chapter is the concept that down is up. For example, those at the top of the food chain, such as the rich and powerful, will be at the bottom when they enter God's kingdom. People at the bottom, such as the poor and homeless, will be placed at the top of the food chain, next to God, where their suffering and needs end. “We can grasp the idea of inversion by thinking of two scales side by side, one representing the kingdom of God, the other the kingdoms of this world” (Kraybill, 2011, p. 141-142). Kraybill's depiction of the kingdom of God is of people who asserted their beliefs to embrace and serve God's intentions, authority, and power. Additionally, chapter six s...... middle of document ......ncepts presented in the dangers of wealth and whether he believes that all Americans are subject to the dangers of wealth. Another question asked was about celebrities and the kingdom of God. Celebrities have been known to donate considerable amounts of money to different charitable programs throughout their lives. However, most do so on the basis that they want to pay less tax at the end of each financial year. I wonder what Kraybill thinks of these celebrities and their chances of entering God's kingdom. Would they be saved in the eyes of God for their giving which is primarily intended for those in need, even if the root of the giving was personal gain? Additionally, Kraybill did a wonderful job writing The Upside Down Kingdom and I would recommend this reading to anyone looking for more in-depth information on interpretations of the Bible..