The World Turned Upside Down: Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things

I was blessed to be given an advanced copy of Dr. Heiser's latest book by the publishers, Lexham Press. Although I was not compelled to give the book a positive review, I cannot but recommend this book with the highest recommendation.I have been a student of Dr. Heiser's more academic work for several years now, so when this project was announced, I thought that this might be jumping the shark just a bit. I had not watched a single episode of Stranger Things (ST). I was aware of the hype and the praise being heaped upon the show but I just didn't think that this sort of show was the type of show that I'd like or even want to watch. I am however the father of a 13 year old and although she's a Christian, I'm always looking for creative ways to incorporate and inculcate the gospel message into her life. So although I though this would be the first work of Dr. Heiser's that I'd not purchase and wait for his next upcoming work, it turns out that this has been, for me, his most exciting and maybe useful work within the culture and the church at large.With my daughter, we watched all 3 seasons of ST and very early on I understood the allure for Dr. Heiser and this series. And as he states in the book, the writing and the story telling along with some pretty compelling acting was raw material that now enamoured me to read this book.Although the show isn't written for the purpose of spreading the Gospel or advancing a Christian worldview, within the book, Dr. Heiser paints wonderful parallels to the biblical story and the unfolding of the shows as the seasons progress. Within every major plot point, architype and suspenseful moment of the show, spoiler alerts included, Dr. Heiser uses his scholarly precision to explain the Gospel message and draw on the plot line of all 3 seasons of ST in the process.If someone wasn't acclimated to Church life or Christianity even a little, but had watched ST, they might actually be drawn into a conversation or less likely to be antithetical to being approached by someone with a biblical message. As a Christian, pondering, considering and thinking about the parallels between the characters, their decision and the consequences thereof, helps to clarify and simplify what can sometimes feel convoluted and difficult to teach "Christ and Christ crucified."I am now having my 13 year old and her friend read the book and because of their interest in the show, as are all of their peers, doors have been opened for deeper, more meaningful conversations that offer and opportunity to reflect and consider what the Gospel means for them as young believers and more importantly as sisters and members of the family of God. How can we better image Christ, love and serve our family better and advance the Kingdom of God while simultaneously dispelling the kingdom of darkness? Great questions to think about and a great time to do it as in just a few years they will be off to college facing who knows what.Finally, with the announcement of Season 4 of ST, Mike makes some interesting observations about the show but more ominously for the Church, especially the Church in the West. Keen to keep his eye on what is happening in the culture in the West, Mike has waded eyeball deep in the torent waters of pop culture and a post-Christian society. Using a phenomenon like ST to package the Gospel is brilliant, helpful and really useful. Knowing Mike, the very little that I do, I know that his prayer and his life work is a commitment to be useful to the Kingdom. It's the admonishment that he often gives anyone who will listen. This work is useful to the Kingdom of God. Pick up a copy. Watch the show with your children and read this together and expect doors to open for meaningful conversations that can more deeply root whomever you may be discipling in the family of God.Thank you Dr. Heiser and thank you Lexham Press for making this project a reality. GO GET THIS LITTLE POWERFUL BOOK!

I stopped watching Stranger Things after season one. But after reading this book I plan to start over and give it another try. Great eye to spot so much biblical comparison in the show.

The book is excellently well written. The analogies and insights with quoted scriptures keep the message consistent, simple and effective. It is easy to read and understand the major points. If the reader is familiar with Dr. Heiser’s other works then a common thread will be noted: that of the constant battle against the dark forces of evil and how God has a plan in effect to bring about their defeat and destruction by the ultimate miracle that is his Son Jesus Christ. It is surprising how the Stranger Things creators have unwittingly been used in God’s plan to tell the Gospel in a cryptic way and Dr. Heiser as the one with key of knowledge to reveal it to the rest of us. One thing I might add is that the graphic design is good in keeping the theme without using pictures and it would have been better if the page orientation reversal could have been repeated in other parts to create a more dynamic and unique reading experience. Other than that Thank you Dr. Michael Heiser!

It was refreshing to see biblical truth and the gospel illustrated through popular culture. The similarities in story archetypes and motifs show just how great of a story teller our God is. The yearning all creation feels to be in God's family and our battle against the supernatural forces of evil are evident in the Stranger Things series, even though they were not intentionally put there.Thank you Mike for taking the time to write this interesting book. My prayer is that it bring people into believing loyalty to our Father God.

Good

I appreciate much of Heiser's material, but this book was not for me. It is aimed at Stranger Things fans, who are familiar with the characters and plot and have watched the episodes (season 1-3), especially for those who are not Christians or are Christians who are not very familiar with the Bible's overall story as presented by Heiser. For the target audience I think it would be an interesting and effective eye opener regarding some real spiritual truths which are hinted at in the fictional story presented in the series; the parallels are striking. Overall a good tool to help ST fans consider the story of the Bible in a new light.

I have not watched Stranger Things. In fact, I had no interest in the genre of the series. But Dr. Heiser is an expert at translating the Gospel through the story.This is a wonderful book and highly recommended for anyone looking for a tangible explanation of God’s work in the world through Christ. It’s simple yet compelling and captivating. I couldn’t be more humbly incredulous at the privilege of being a believer and being so loved by the Lord!

The analysis of this series is great in my opinion. I have watched all 3 seasons and they have been fun. The reference of scripture is amazing. The points made regarding this program can be found in others as well.As a believer I tend to notice when bible references are drawn on. I would recommend not only this book but, other books by this author. I have had the privilege of reading a couple of his papers , 3 other books and listened to him speak on YouTube. To say that my understanding has been opened would be an understatement.

I’m a huge fan of Dr. Heiser. Having read books like Unseen Realm and Reversing Hermon, this book was different, but it’s written for lay people like me! I used it to engage my young teens in conversations about the Gospel, good and evil, spiritual darkness, the supernatural and all kinds of things. Highly recommend. Read ALL his books. 😃

Interesting read.

Read it. Love it. Gave me hope for the church in these dark times. There are some really good insights that God is the one in control, not the evil that is all around us.

Great book to gift to non-believers