The Upside-Down Kingdom

WEEK ONE

Read and reflect upon Chapter 9 - "Loveable Enemies" (p. 179-202) in Donald Kraybill's The Upside-Down Kingdom. As you read, pay attention to the particular ideas, themes, and areas of discomfort that emerge for you.
Write a paragraph (or more) in response to the following questions:

What types of persons in your world represent the "Samaritan" in the parable of the good Samaritan? - What would be the implications of your saying that everyone is your neighbor?
Are there any conditions when it is appropriate for disciples of Jesus to use force? Violence?
What is one specific change you will commit to make this week in order to live the way of agape?

WEEK TWO

Read and reflect upon Chapter 10 - "Inside Outsiders" (p. 203-230) in Kraybill's The Upside-Down Kingdom. Pay attention to particular ideas, themes, or areas of discomfort that emerge for you.
Write a paragraph (or more) in response to the following questions:

In what ways does the "birds of a feather" principle operate in your own life?
Consider the people with whom you recently had coffee, shared a meal, or invited to your home. How many of them came from "boxes" different from your own?
Identify some of the stigmatized boxes in your community. How can you and your church open new doors to these people?
As a citizen of the Upside-Down Kingdom, what "rules of approved nicety" / social etiquette would you violate in order to take "boxing" and social labeling less seriously?

WEEK THREE

Read and ponder Chapter 11 - "Low is High" (p. 231-255) in the Kraybill book. What were you particularly aware of as you read the chapter?
Write a paragraph (or more) in response to the following questions:

What "ladders of social stratification" are important in your community? In your congregation?
In what ways (if at all) has Jesus' understanding of power and authority challenged you?
How have the "seven factors of stratification" (p. 247-248) influenced your own position and place in life?
What is one specific change you will commit to make this week in order to pursue "flat Kingdom principles"?

WEEK FOUR

Read and ponder Chapter 12 - "Successful Failures" (p. 256-273) in the Kraybill book. What themes or ideas stood out for you as you read the assignment?
Write a paragraph (or more) in response to the following questions:

What difference does it make when you view the cross as a response to Jesus' towel and basin ministry?
What crosses are you presently feeling?
In your own words, what does Jesus mean by "saving" and "losing" one's life?
In what ways are you involved in an upside-down community?