"Things in the Gospels are often literally upside down. Good guys turn out to be bad guys. Those we expect to receive a reward get a spanking instead. Those who think they are headed for heaven land in hell. Things are reversed. Paradox, irony, and surprise permeate the teachings of Jesus. They flip our expectations upside down. The least are the greatest. The immoral receive forgiveness and blessing. Adults become like children. The religious miss the heavenly banquet. The pious receive curses. Things aren't like we think they should be. We're baffled and perplexed. Amazed, we step back. Should we laugh or should we cry? Again and again, turning our world upside down, the kingdom surprises us."
(taken from Donald Kraybill, the Upside Down Kingdom, pp.23-24)
No comments:
Post a Comment