Upside Down Freedom: Inverted Principles for Christian Living

Beginning with a story of a firefighter who survived a fire by starting a fire, Field (Squat), pastor of Graffiti Church on Manhattan's Lower East Side, illustrates the paradox that faithful living often involves "doing the opposite." Drawing insight from his long ministry working with homeless, addicted, and despairing people, he shares both his struggles with how to bring a hopeful message to people whose lives radiate hopelessness, and wisdom learned from those whose "freedom shouts out in unexpected place." References to God as a freedom fighter recur throughout. Ten sections of Principles describe mental prisons (for example, "The Prison of Blame,") and offer scriptural tools for escape modeled on biblical figures like Moses, David, Paul, and Jesus. Each section includes short, digestible chapters with catchy names ("The Best Time to Triangulate.") An appendix, "Gallery of the Uncarcerated," provides short accounts of people referenced, among them Boethius, Churchill, Heschel, who "have inverted bondage and found freedom in the worst of situations." A personable tone, engaging illustrations, and practical guidance enhance this theologically thought-provoking, yet accessible book. (June)