The World Turned Upside Down: Book & Course Bundle
Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things
What could the supernatural world of Stranger Things have in common with the Bible?
The paranormal television series Stranger Things taps into the mysterious elements that have fueled spiritual questions for millennia. The otherworldly manifestations in Hawkins, Indiana offer compelling portrayals of important spiritual truths--and many of these truths are echoed in the supernatural worldview of the Bible.
For Michael Heiser, Stranger Things is the perfect marriage of his interest in popular culture and the paranormal. In The Unseen Realm, he opened the eyes of thousands, helping readers understand the supernatural worldview of the Bible. Now he turns his attention to the worldwide television phenomenon, exploring how Stranger Things relates to Christian theology and the Christian life.
In The World Turned Upside Down, Heiser draws on this supernatural worldview to help us think about the story of Jesus and discover glimpses of the gospel in the Upside Down. He argues that this celebrated series helps us understand the gospel in unique and overlooked ways. The spiritual questions and crises raised by Stranger Things are addressed the same way they are in the gospel, with mystery and transcendent power.
In the companion video series for The World Turned Upside Down, Heiser presents and expands on the material from his book in an engaging one-hour course. Perfect for individuals and small groups, dive into the paranormal world of Stranger Things and find out what it has in common with the Bible.
Praise for The World Turned Upside Down
The World Turned Upside Down lies at the intersection of pop culture and Christian theology. If you liked the phenomenon that is Stranger Things, you’ll love how biblical scholar and fan of the series Michael Heiser draws out its meaning and application to our own lives in a way that aligns with Scripture. You can’t get enough of the nostalgic entertaining series and you can’t get enough of Heiser’s loving exploration of it.
–Brian Godawa, Hollywood screenwriter of To End All Wars and author of Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment.
Heiser shows little corners about the gospel we rarely think about very deeply. I am sure fans of the series Stranger Things will get a treat out of this comparison but all readers will have their eyes opened to reflect on the depth of the beauty and grace that is salvation.
–Darrel L. Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
Uses the backdrop of Stranger Things to highlight the good news in relation to the conflict between the Dominion of Darkness and the Kingdom of light. Those of us who didn’t watch Stranger Things will still profit from his summary of its redemptive parallels as they illustrate the Christus Victor dimensions of the gospel. This fun read will grow your delight in God’s gospel working.
–Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary
Thorough biblical examination casts the old story in a wonderfully fresh light.
–C.J. Green, Managing Editor, Mockingbird Ministries
A paranormal problem requires a supernatural solution. Sin and the forces of darkness pull us into the “upside down,” but Jesus conquered the Demogorgon of evil to put things right-side up again.
–Patrick Schreiner, Assistant Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Western Seminary
Contents
- Introduction
- As Lost as Will Byers
- Vale of Shadows
- From One Black Hole to Another
- Momma Wants to Talk
- Nobody Normal
- No More
- Never The Same
- Not a Normal Family
- We Keep Giving It What It Wants
- The Hive Mind
- I’ll Be Watching You
Product Details
- Title: The World Turned Upside Down: Book & Course Bundle (4 vols.)
- Author: Michael S. Heiser
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2019
- Page Count: 120
- Format: Logos Digital, Courseware (transcripts, audio, and video resources)
- Volumes: 4
- Video Hours: 1
About Michael S. Heiser
Michael S. Heiser (1963–2023) was a popular Bible teacher, author, and the founding executive director of AWKNG School of Theology. An expert in the Bible and ancient Semitic languages, he wrote numerous books, including The Unseen Realm, Angels, and Demons. For many years, he was scholar-in-residence at Logos Bible Software. He earned a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Reviews
7 ratings
Toni Gocke Wyre
9/2/2023
I just purchased this but cannot access it because I do not have a Logos account. I'm just a lay person trying to lead one class and cannot afford to purchase Logos software in order to view this resource. I'm hoping I can get a refund - just a fair warning to others who may be interested in this. There is nothing on the page that states Logos is required to view. I'm disappointed as I was excited to find this resource. Thank you!Bryan bulmer
1/28/2023
Sarah Moul
10/2/2021
Enjoyed the series and enjoy this teaching. Question: When will the audio book be available via LOGOS?Joseph
5/17/2020
michael glass
5/12/2020
Murray Morris
10/27/2019
I agree with the other reviewers so far. This is a well laid out supernatural review of the Gospel and Bible, which is no surprise from Dr. Heiser’s other work. It is also very interesting if you have seen the show. I have only read through chapter one so far but am having a hard time stopping. I was originally looking forward to his Demons book being but this one got publishing release first. I have already decided to send the paperback to some of my family when it is out. I am glad I got it in Logos because, as usual, Scriptural references are easier/faster to study. Since I also had a $20 discount, it was also cheaper. If you like Dr. Heiser’s other books and his podcast, you should enjoy this, especially if you have seen the series. As another reviewer mentioned, the writers of the series were probably not aware of their connections to the Bible but these are themes of life. Dr. Heiser addresses this fact early on and does not claim the show has an intentional hidden biblical meaning.Marc Pacchioli
10/23/2019
Grace Meeks
8/21/2019
I have only listened to a few of the first videos, but can already anticipate how Mike will enlighten the listener to the greater context of the supernatural story of the Gospel in this fun Netflix series. I hope to get a group of believers together who aren’t afraid to have their minds & paradigm blown, & listen to it with me!
Michael D Anderson
8/11/2019
I only listened to the video, so this review is of that material. I have always enjoyed Mike Heiser's insights and writings. His analysis of Stranger Things is no exception. Perhaps someone would object and say that he is reading too much into the narrative, that the authors are not trying to present the Gospel. While it may be true that the there is no hidden religious agenda, yet the issues of life, when accurately presented, reveal the dynamics of our fallen world. It reminds me of many of the older rock songs - the composers had a very accurate grasp on the problems of life - they just did not have an accurate understanding of God's solution. Think, for example, of Kansas' "Dust in the wind," or Simon and Garfunkel's "Patterns." Anyway, the themes Mike presents of life involving the intersection between the two universes or realms - the physical and spiritual, of being lost, and needing supernatural help, and that help being delivered in part by a team, etc., all very true. His analysis could be a wonderful of discussing the Gospel with others.
