Theirs Is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America (Paperback)

by Robert D. Lupton (Author) "Look at them, walking down the middle of the road," we said..." (more)
Key Phrases: kingdom playgrounds, Family Consultation Service

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Timely, informative reflections on the relationship between poverty and Christianity, the responsibilities of the haves and have-nots, and the lessons Christians can learn from the poor.

From the Publisher
Timely, informative reflections on the relationship between poverty and Christianity, the responsibilities of the haves and have-nots, and the lessons Christians can learn from the poor.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1st edition (September 13, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060653078
• ISBN-13: 978-0060653071
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An HONEST look at Urban Ministry, September 18, 2001

By	Bethany McKinney (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The strength of this book lies in its total honesty and realistic look at life in the inner-city living life and doing ministry among the urban poor. Lupton doesn't shy away from the hard questions, but answers them boldly with the words of Jesus. He exhorts us to be radical in our servanthood of our neighbors, and to sacrifice ourselves for others. In other words, he just calls us to what Jesus calls us to. This book is very easy and quick to read, but the lessons learned in this book can be pondered and worked out in a real-life context over and over again. This is certainly one of the best books I have ever read that encourages you to take the Gospel seriously in the inner-city. It's worth far more than the time it will take you to read.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A short, powerful, insightful read, June 3, 2000

By	William Krischke (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lupton's continual struggle to apply the words of Christ in the real world -- the inner city, nonetheless -- are powerful and poignant. He preaches a joyfully dirty Christianity, where the true servants of Christ are not afraid to get their hands dirty, to give with no thought for tomorrow, to be broken and needy and open and loving. This is not your grandmother's religion. He rejoices, he fumes, he laughs and he cries. The chapters are staccato short, and you'll probably read half the book in one night. Each section is anecdotal, ground in examples from his own experience. Out of these experiences, he raises much needed questions about our relationship to the poor, the ways we give, our relationship to Christ, and the difference between Americanism and Christianity. Like his Lord, Lupton has learned how to say "You have heard it said...but I tell you instead..." these pieces are powerful, gentle, disturbing and encouraging. I have just returned from leading an urban missions project, where we read this book alongside working in the inner city. Not only does it paint a wonderfully accurate picture -- so much more complex than the standard view of the inner city -- but it puts into words things that need to be said. I feel indebted to Mr. Lupton, not only for teaching me much but for speaking for me. A great book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Reality Check, July 26, 2001

By	Susan Larson (Lilburn, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having worked in urban ministries, I can realte much more to Lupton's book than I can to any stories from the mainstream media. He draws the reader right in to the realities of urban life, and in his delightful vignettes makes his neighbors your neighbors. He takes what the media might call "street people" and helps us see each one as a PERSON with a face, personality, and most importantly, a soul.