William will be at our church in Kitchener ON April 4-6, 2008 to speak about The Shack.
www.grandviewchurch.ca

It's 5.35 AM, I just finished reading THE SHACK. I felt as if the book was talking about me. It brought tears to my eyes and filled my mind with many emotions. And I somehow know, that the end of my Quest is near.
The end of our backyard is like a little forest and tomorrow I will go there and listen to voices from Heaven.
All will be well.

I read the Shack and was deeply touched. It awakened a desire to have a closer, more intimate relationship with God. Thank you!
I also read Tim Chillies's review and I think he totally misses the point and the message of The Shack.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

I encourage readers to please pray for spiritual discernment. Just because something is "spiritual" doesn't mean it's biblically sound.

God can meet us in the deepest,darkest places of our soul where no other can go but He. He speaks to us through the "eyes of our heart" and can use a piece of literature as this to create a thirst for living realtionship with Him. This book and any other should never be our point of reference only God's Word is our Bread of Life...but this author always points to Jesus as the only Way,God never ceases being God, and The Holy Spirit reminds us Truth. I loved this book.

I began reading The Shack with great anticipation, but soon realized that the book is very similar to the theme already presented in the Joshua series. I was disappointed.

The book got it all wrong. We are still sinners in need of a Saviour, found only in the Biblical Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful way for Christians to find new growth in their relationship with the Trinity, and for those who have never experienced His love to find it here!

Incredible book! I've attended church my entire life, and it always seemed too cold and far away. This book paints a picture that shows that God is not so being far off that cannot be related too but a loving father who wants to have a loving relationship with all of His chidren. He doesn't want religion or rituals, he wants a relationship! Brilliant, through this book I feel renewed in my walk with Papa.

This book does not line up with
scripture and is an old lie dressed up in new clothes to deceive a new generation. Read the book but do so by comparing what scripture says and you'll see the two don't line up. Get past the emotional pull or appeal our feelings and consciences can lead us astray thats why we need to test all things by scripture not the shack.

Trevor

Trevor's comments are interesting but also immature since he did not bother to tell us what this "old lie" was...so in a sense is trying to manipulate people into confusion. if you have an opinion you should consider backing it up or else your thoughts are not worth their weight.

I read this book and loved it and I believe that mr young did portray that the only way to the God is through repentance and trust in Christ.However I don't believe any strong christian will think it will replace Gods word!!

I read this book and my opinions are contrary to most of Christendom. It's new age and heretical and reeks of the the "emergent church" gnosticism and most of the teachings that it speaks of are so anti-scriptural, no wonder most of the CHURCH is for it. Its just more of the dribble like Rick Warren's new age book.

This is definately a sign of the Lord's return, when He said "will I find faith on the earth when I return."

The only reason I bought the book was so I could make a judgement call and be aware of how the enemy is deceiving.

Be discerning when reading this book.

James Lush
London, Ontario
http://earnestlycontending.blogspot.com/

James, I'm curious. I just finished the book and truly enjoyed it! I don't think Willianded to replace Scripture. It appears he has simply told a story - albeit quite profound. I love stories and thoroughly enjoyed this one. follows Biblical concepts quite closely and certainly expresses unique opinions about our systematic preconceptions of God. I am quite astounded by his dealing with the questions that we all ask and the perceptions that we share about the Trinity. It is refreshing to read Willie's perspective on faith. Why do you find this heretical? What parts are heretical? Let me know. I'm curious.
Pete Olsen
Elora Ontario

It's an abomination... blasphemy and totally irreverant

I feel the book was very annoitnted for a time "such as this"
I am thankful that God stirred within this author to write it......knowing if he hadn't God would have raised another who would.
The new understanding of the trinity I recieved here is a treasure .
To the dissenters...consider this....something that made me love God more and feel loved by Him more is not from the enemy!
Anne Ellis
Vernon BC Canada

One of the amazing things about this book is how it is changing lives in a clearly positive way in which people are being challenged to draw near to the heart of God and allow their hearts to be healed. At our church camp last weekend there seemed to be a copy on every picnic table and those who had read it, including myself were talking through the tears about how it had changed our lives. The concepts are totally scriptural but lack the staleness often found in the North American “religious” culture. I bought serveral to give to friends.

Greg

Can we discern the truth of something by its fruit? I have been a diligent reader and listener of the Word, applying God's principles and character to my life the best I can. Still freedom came to set me free in a distinct and profound way. The Shack is one man's journey to freedom. What is there to dispute about this fruit? I am so tired of Christians arguing over everything - the apologists and the theologians who think they discern better than any other Christian because they believe it is their job to show us the deception. Well, God is in me, too. And I highly endorse this book. It is outside of the 'box' but provokes thought about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It also gives hope to those of us who need healing and are tired of performing the religious rituals without the freedom to breathe and live and sometimes make mistakes. I was discerning when I read this book and WOW!

Since when does God not allow questions or some degree of personal interpretation to come into place? I agree that we need spiritual discernment and checking things against the Scriptures, but no one will have the exact same experience and interpretation at all times. If we did, why all the denominations and myriad of experiences within the same churches? I was blessed by this book, and while I did not fully agree with all the theology of this book, God still presented a great picture of Himself to me. Rather than be on the constant look out for ways to not be deceived, how about be constantly looking for ways in which God is trying to reveal Himself to us (often in ways we don't expect?)

I just finished reading the Shack.Wow!!. what a great inspiration.It brought me to renew my relationship with Jesus.After so many years of anger and searching for something more,He show me He is being right here all along,on my side.

I am currently reading The Shack, and can't believe some of the comments here. It appears to me that the author was hearing from God when he wrote this. We CAN NOT keep God in the box. God is BIGGER than the box, so we must let Him out. He can be whoever He wants to be, whether we want to believe it or not. HE IS GOD.
Donna

THE SHACK IS DANGEROUS.

False god of The Shack is A.A.'s higher power'

By: John Lanagan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:4-5)

The novel The Shack, by William P. Young, has sold well over two million copies. The author is in high demand as a speaker. Reportedly, Oprah and her staff have made reading the book a top priority. Studios are competing to secure rights to produce the film version. A pastor of a large church recently told his congregation, “If The Shack doesn’t change your life, you need to have your pulse checked.”

Despite such growing mainstream appeal, The Shack neither honors, nor portrays, the Biblical God. Instead it introduces people to a customized version of “christ.” Remarkable similarities exist between the false god of The Shack and the “higher power” and theology of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bluntly stated, the god of The Shack is essentially the A.A. higher power with a Christian veneer.

The Hindus have 10,000 deities in their religion—Alcoholics Anonymous has millions. In A.A., one can choose to worship St. Jerome, the divinity of man, the sub-atomic universe, or anything else. One can worship vegetable, animal, or mineral—or a particular spirit.

One can also give the chosen “higher power” any trait, tendency, or characteristic that seems fitting in a god (and benefits the person.) Most decide the higher power is kind, forgiving, patient, full of love, nonjudgmental, and so on. This is just what author William Young has done with the god of The Shack. The world loves the novel’s remade “trinity” for precisely the reason it loves A.A.’s higher power—it is the choice of a deity unconcerned with sin, repentance, or holiness.

The god of The Shack, unlike the God of the Bible, does not mete out eternal punishment. This is always a draw for sinful mankind. The novel’s deity states, “I don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it.”[1] In these brief sentences, the author has presented an altered gospel. If there is no eternal punishment for sinners separated from God, what purpose did the Lord’s death on the cross serve?

We have an incomprehensibly gentle and faithful God. “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” (Psalm 86: 15)

But He is also holy. (Isaiah 41:14) There are consequences for sin and unbelief. (John 8:34-36, Rev 21:8) There is judgement. (John 5:21-24) It is a great disservice to present a book, read by seekers and new believers, where “god” claims to have nothing to do with punishment.

The false god of The Shack will be warmly welcomed into Alcoholics Anonymous, which has always been hostile to the real Jesus Christ. A.A.’s 12 Steps encourage the alcoholic to correct “wrongs,” “shortcomings,” and “defects of character” but make no mention of sin or of a holy God who hates sin.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, members can be divided into three groups:

1) Followers of the Biblical Jesus (who are generally silent about their faith due to A.A. hostility, or because A.A. is an idol)[2]

2) Those who bow to whatever higher power they individually envision—be it a tree, a spirit, or anything else.

3) Unsaved people who believe their higher power is “christ.”

There has always been a smattering of false deities designated “christ” by unsaved individuals swimming the black seas of A.A. spirituality. But this “smattering” may be about to increase significantly. The Shack is beginning to seem far more than your simple, run-of-the-mill heresy. As sales continue to skyrocket, as a movie is inevitably made, as Oprah gives the book her approval, many in AA may find themselves redesigning their deities. In other words, many a “higher power” will come to be understood as “christ.” We seem on the doorstep of that time when many—MANY—are going to be drawn to false versions of “jesus.”

He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

When The Shack was originally submitted for publication, the manuscript proclaimed universal reconciliation (also known as ultimate reconciliation.) [3] Universal reconciliation holds that Christ’s sacrifice enables all people to go to heaven. Not just Christians, but every Hindu, atheist, Mormon, Muslim, and all nonbelievers that have ever lived. The novel’s editor, Wayne Jacobsen, claims all elements of universal reconciliation have been removed from the book and that author William Young now accepts Biblical doctrine.[4]

Yet, as James De Young notes in ‘Revisiting The Shack and Universal Reconciliation,’ universalism remains a constant, subtle theme of The Shack.[5] A.A., with its any-and-all-gods theology, also has strong universalist tendencies. While viewed benevolently by many, both A.A. and The Shack serve as vehicles to undermine Biblical understanding of the Lord our God. Of course, Alcoholics Anonymous has been around much, much longer, and is second to none in terms of subverting the gospel.

In ‘The Fall of the Evangelical Nation,’ secular author Christine Wicker credits Alcoholics Anonymous with “hastening the fall of the evangelical church.”[6] Indeed, The Shack could not be so joyfully received had not decades of exposure to A.A. (and other 12 Step groups) watered down understanding and reverence for the Biblical God.

Wicker states A.A.’s 12 Step program “slowly exposed people to the notion that they could get the [higher power] without the dogma, the doctrine, and the outdated rules. Without the church in fact.”[7] This has removed the authority and influence of “the preacher and the Bible and tradition.”[8] After all, why bow to a God that always holds you accountable for sin? Why not cobble together a deity of your own?

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…” (1 Timothy 4:2)

In the Bible, Jesus never understood God the Father in the form of a goddess. He never referred to the Father as “she” or “her.” Such references are not found anywhere in the Old or New Testaments. The Shack’s Trinity is a black woman named Papa (supposedly god the father), a short Jewish carpenter (“jesus”), and an Asian woman called Sarayu (holy spirit). Mack Philips, the main character, is angry with “god the father” for the death of his daughter, and angry with his own father over his upbringing. Mack meets with the trinity in a remote shack in Oregon and the healing begins.

The Father-goddess tells him, “Hasn’t it always been a problem to embrace me as your father? And after what you’ve been through, you couldn’t very well handle a father right now, could you?”[9]

This, on the surface, seems very kind and merciful—a god conforming to a likeness a person will tolerate. Author William Young has stated Mack needed “for god to come to him in a way that’s accessible.”[10] But acceptable is a far more accurate word.

The author has essentially applied A.A.’s higher power concept to the God of the Bible. As if taking scissors to the Word of God, William Young has cut out and removed His righteousness, judgement, wrath, holiness, and much else. He has piled on grace, love, forgiveness, and kindness—and who, after all, does not want to hear about these things? The author has remade the Biblical God the Father into a goddess seemingly out of one of the ancient pagan religions. This, in a time of spiritual and cultural breakdown, attracts the world.

But it’s not just the world. Incredibly, some leading pastors and high profile Christians are defending this higher power/trinity. Where the Apostle Paul, or Spurgeon, or A.W. Tozier would have called out to God in horror, the Father-goddess is increasingly welcomed into the church. A generation raised on movies such as “Oh, God” and “Bruce Almighty,” is perhaps already conditioned for such a change to be made.

It seems the Holy God of Isaiah 6 is no longer welcomed by many of His people. Perhaps, since entertainment takes up so much Bible Study time, some are simply ignorant of this aspect of our God. We prefer our Ancient of Days as human as possible. The book’s attempt to replace our King is not something Christians should celebrate. This Father-goddess, this queen of heaven, has fangs.

“As for the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we are not going to listen to you! But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her…” (Jeremiah 44: 16-17)

In the novel, “sin” and “salvation” do not seem to have the Biblical meaning one would naturally assume. In fact, “relationship” seems to be presented as if it were salvation. Yet, Biblically speaking, there can be no relationship without salvation.

In one of the most incredible statements in the book, the “christ” of The Shack fails to proclaim salvation is exclusively through him. The “christ” states, “I am the best way any human can relate to Papa or Sarayu [holy spirit].”[11] The best way? Young does not have his “jesus” say he is the only way, simply that he is the best way. This is no minor point.

Let’s use the phrase “best way” in some sentences: “The best way to eat pancakes is with maple syrup.” Yet that is not the only way to eat them. “The best way to Oregon from California is the I-5 highway.” Yet that is not the only way to get to Oregon from California. “The best way to see the Super Bowl is to be there live and in person.” Yet this is not the only way to see the game.[12]

When the book’s “christ” informs readers he is the “best way” to “relate” to God the Father and the Holy Spirit, we should not simply nod our heads in agreement and move on.

Jesus tells us, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:16) No one! In Acts, Peter testifies of Jesus, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

We find the same “shack theology” in the A.A. belief system. It is entirely about growing in relationship with the higher power of one’s choice. Biblical repentance and salvation is an alien concept, unless one wants to place it within the context of an individual’s 12 Step/higher power worship.

Martin and Deidre Bobgan state Alcoholics Anonymous and other “12 Step programs are in essence New Age religions and archetypical precursors of a one-world religion.”[13] Indeed, Alcoholics Anonymous will continue to play a key role in the spiritual nightmare that is to come. It has been doing so for seventy years, eating away at Biblical certainty, often with the help of Christian allies.

During one of his many presentations, The Shack author William Young stated, “God is embedded in all of us.”[14] His novel instructs, “God, who is the ground of all being, dwells in, around, and through all things, ultimately emerging as the real—and any appearances that mask that reality will fall away.”[15]

But God does not dwell in all people. According to the Bible, sin has separated us from God. (Romans 3:23) Upon Salvation, God is not activated or, as Young claims, “emerging.” The Holy Spirit comes to dwell only in those who know Christ. Writing to believers, Paul states,

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16)

Concerning The Shack’s theology, Warren Smith writes, “This false teaching about a ‘God’ who ‘dwells in, around, and through all things’ is the kind of New Age leaven that left unchallenged could leaven the church into the New Age/New Spirituality of the proposed New World Religion.”[16] Smith emphasizes “this leaven alone contaminates the whole book.”[17]

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book—the A.A. “bible”—also proclaims divinity abides within. The Big Book states, “Sometimes we had to search fearlessly but He was there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis, it is only there that He may be found.”[18]

Let’s stop and review. According to the author, the god of The Shack dwells in everybody, and apparently does not condemn any to eternal punishment—or, as The Shack would address this, “She does not punish anyone.” The novel’s “christ” is the “best way” to salvation, but apparently not the only way.

What about Alcoholics Anonymous? The A.A. Big Book states, “We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men. When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God.”[19] According to the A.A. Big Book, God is “deep down within us.”

Thus are the seeds of the New Age planted in the soil of both The Shack and Alcoholics Anonymous. The tentacles of various heresies are reaching out and linking. The false “christ” of The Shack seems poised to be welcomed into, or serve as a catalyst for, emergent/contemplative/12 Step Spirituality.

Many Christians have superimposed their beliefs upon The Shack, supposing it a novel written by a Biblical Christian. As James De Young and others have pointed out, this is not necessarily the case. Over the decades, many Christians have also jackhammered their God into AA’s anti-Biblical system—and their love has effectively been divided between Christ and Alcoholics Anonymous. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Galatians 1:8-9)

For those who have heard how The Shack draws people closer to God, please, be cautious. “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14)

The Shack will not bring you spiritually closer to the God of the Bible. You will not find the Holy God within its pages. It is the Father-goddess who revels in stolen adoration, and while its fangs may sparkle, the Father-goddess beckons from utter and total darkness.

Endnotes:

1. William P. Young, ‘The Shack,’ pg. 120

2. John Lanagan, ‘Missionaries Into Darkest Alcoholics Anonymous,’ www.worldviewweekend.com/bio/php/193/John_Lanagan

3. Wayne Jacobsen, ‘Is The Shack Heresy?’

4. Ibid.

5. James De Young, ‘Revisiting The Shack and Universal Reconciliation’ (pdf version online)

6. Christine Wicker, ‘The Fall of the Evangelical Nation,’ pg. 134

7. Ibid. pg. 137-138

8. Ibid. pg. 138-138

9. William P. Young, ‘The Shack,’ pg. 93

10. William P. Young presentation 8/02/08

11. William P. Young, ‘The Shack,’ pg. 110

12. Examples based on hearing about a pastor, whose name I do not know, who noted it’s far different saying “This is the best road to the mountain” as opposed to “This is the only road to the mountain.”

13. Martin and Deidre Bobgan, ‘12 Steps To Destruction,’ pg. 116

14. William P. Young presentation 8/02/08

15. William P. Young, ‘The Shack,’ pg. 112

16. Warren Smith, ‘The Shack and its New Age Leaven: God IN Everything?’ www.crossroads.to.articles2/08/discernment/6-23-shack.htm

Sorry, does the author of this essay realise that they contradicted themselves in at least one part of the paper? He quotes the Bible, ‘“Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16)’ and shortly later writes, ‘According to the A.A. Big Book, God is “deep down within us.”’ So, by the A.A. Big Book, God is within us, but God is obviously not in His spirit that 1 Corinthians preaches?

I would also like to point out that I, as a practicing Christian, have spent the past eighteen years in a church where I was taught that God is gentle, loving and forgiving. Yes, his power is great and terrible, but there’s also this story I once heard about a guy who got nailed up onto a cross in order to forgive our sins.

When I was a child, Sunday School teachers would try to find a way to put this into easier terms, ones that my tiny mind could understand. They would say, “There is no salvation for sinners or non-believers, but everyone sins whether they want to or not. Jesus wanted to give everyone an equal chance for forgiveness. That made God a happier being, and now He allows second chances.” I remember this well, and the lesson that anyone will receive redemption that has asked for it.

Who are any of you to judge others for believing that God is gracious? In the Old Testament of the traditional Catholic Bible, and of that same Bible that is followed by every other Christian denomination, yes, there were punishments. But Jesus’ sacrifice has allowed for all sinners to be given a second chance. He isn’t called the Saviour for nothing. Simply because one does not believe in the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean that they will be passed over for their chance of redemption. No one person is better than another simply for their decision to believe in faith without substantial evidence.

‘The Shack,’ I found, was a moving book, written by an author that believes in second chances; in that same gentle, forgiving God that I was brought up with. It presented a fresh and new interpretation on what such a journey of healing and forgiveness might look like. Who is to judge this? None of you have ever experienced such a journey and by the time your judgement day comes, you’ll be in no condition to share the truth.


In response to several comments here:

“The book got it all wrong. We are still sinners in need of a Saviour, found only in the Biblical Jesus Christ.”

The Biblical Jesus Christ was a man of faith, and He died to present an opportunity of salvation. How did this novel ‘get it wrong’? Yes, I do agree that the way to salvation is through Jesus, but that is precisely what the book encouraged, albeit in an unconventional, unfamiliar way.

“This book does not line up with scripture and is an old lie dressed up in new clothes to deceive a new generation. Read the book but do so by comparing what scripture says and you’ll see the two don’t line up. Get past the emotional pull or appeal our feelings and consciences can lead us astray thats why we need to test all things by scripture not the shack.”

For one thing, the Scripture is said to have been written thousands of years ago. There are few ways to “test all things by scripture” in our modern society - please recall that Jesus isn’t physically present to take five loaves of bread and two dead fish to feed five thousand people, and that simply by choosing to spread the Good Word, we will be given the ability to speak in every tongue of the earth.

For another thing, no one is asking anyone else to worship through a novel rather than the Bible. It is a refreshing, modern take on an event that NO ONE has ever experienced, and who are you to judge the author as trying to “deceive another generation”? The wonders of fiction are that it is just that – fiction. It is a story, meant to be enjoyed and pondered over, not to replace the Bible as a tool of worship.

“I read this book and my opinions are contrary to most of Christendom. It’s new age and heretical and reeks of the “emergent church” gnosticism and most of the teachings that it speaks of are so anti-scriptural, no wonder most of the CHURCH is for it.”

Please, point out the heretics and the parts that are anti-scriptural. I agree with Pete Olsen’s response to this comment – that the author is simply telling a story with new and interesting opinions built upon those ‘systematic preconceptions’, and that Biblical concepts are followed quite closely.

“It’s an abomination... blasphemy and totally irreverant.”

I would also be interested in some back-up for this statement – where is the disrespect and blasphemy so loudly proclaimed? Will you fault one man for having a unique vision?

“I agree that we need spiritual discernment and checking things against the Scriptures, but no one will have the exact same experience and interpretation at all times... Rather than be on the constant look out for ways to not be deceived, how about constantly looking for ways in which God is trying to reveal Himself to us (often in ways we don’t expect?)”

This is quite possibly the best comment I’ve seen yet. It takes into consideration the differences present even among denominations of Christianity, and does not just proclaim the novel’s absolute verity or “heretical” and “blasphemous” nature. It invites everyone to look for ways that God is trying to reveal Himself to us.

To finish, I would like to state that I am not vouching absolutely for the wonders of this book – I was touched emotionally, yes, but there are faults. I do dislike William Young’s use of “the best way,” as seen in the essay (“I am the best way any human can relate to Papa or Sarayu” versus “I am the only way...”) and there are pieces of theology that I do not necessarily agree with, but that does not give a reason to judge the author for sharing his personal interpretation of the Trinity. Everyone is welcome to an opinion and it is not yours to judge.

I would feel better if I could see some solid back-up evidence from a number of comments on this page.

- Jessica
Lethbridge, Alberta

This book is just as bad as the purpose driven garbage.The first page of the book refers to "the god of winter".Nice reference to paganism.Its really pathetic what has been creeping into churches under the guise of making one feel good and stroking ones emotions.The church has become a lukewarm place of programs and psychology.No wonder the true worshipers are leaving.People should know by now that Oprah denys Christ and anything she promotes isnt biblical.

Hi, I'd like to call Kathy on her comment. True worshippers wouldn't leave "the church" - being as it is the House of God, being that it is the central place for worship, being that it marks their faith - because of people who believe that God is good.

Also, simply because Oprah is not Christian does not mean she is unable to acknowledge - and promote things relevant to - faith.

I don't believe that "the god of winter" is necessarily a reference to paganism, in the same way that in Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder.

The Shack brings forth questions that many Christians refuse to ask, and shines light on an entirely new outlook. Who is to say that Young's outlook is wrong, and that "making one feel good and stroking ones emotions" are not allowed in Christian books?

I bet Jessica is into Lord of the rings too.Tolkein was christian so its okay.Uh...tolkein was catholic and dabbled in the occult.Shortly before he died he professed that he hated allegory whenever he saw it.LOTR was never intended as an allegory yet christians everywhere passively sat back and soaked up the witchcraft with the excuse "but tolkein was a christian".No he prayed to mary,he regularily consulted the runes.He was a pagan.
Oprah denys Christ,she openly pushes demonic books like "the book of miracles" and Eckhardt Tolle.Oprah cannot be considered reliable in the book department.

I loved the book. It is so amazing, it's hard to believe it isn't true. When I personally came to know God many years ago, my relationship with Him was vibrant and intimate. Somehow, after getting Christianized that beatiful thing I had, was lost and I was even convinced I would never find it again. I traded it in for religion and belived it was a final sale. After over a decade of hopelessness, my hope has been restored. I have found what was lost and even more. All my life as a believer, I struggled with understanding the Trinity but now it has become so clear to me, like a revelation. I thank God for this book and for those who call it heresy, God help you! The fruit is good!

I think the Christiain community needs to sit back and realize that this book came out of 11 years of healing and the authors life experience. It bugs me to pieces when Christians go on and on because a new piece of work challenges the status quo. God has given us minds and we need to use them. Calling the book demonic and evil is quite outrageous. I was just at an event where the author quite honestly shared part of his life story and how the book came to be. We need to rember this book is a metephor and a parable and if you don't like the theology...well deal with it, stop getting on soap boxes and critisizing what "Christians should be reading". He had no expectation the book would go from 15 copies at Office Depot to 4 million. If this book is causing people to talk and question things, then great. We should be talking and conversing which eachother. If you have issues with it, well get over yourself.

I spoke with "Shack" promoter/defender/publisher Wayne Jacobsen. I pointed out that The Shack repeatedly repeats the well-worn mantra of modern "evangelicals" (?), that "Christianity is not a religion", a statement which is totally contradicted by Scripture (James 1:27). Jacobsen then acknowledged to me that Scripture itself calls Christianity "pure religion", but then said, "I wouldn't call it that". That comment summarizes this whole "Shack" controversy: The author, plus his publishers/handlers, plus all those who glowingly endorse this book are either (a) ignorant of Scripture, theology, and Church history, or (b) are well-versed in the above disciplines, but could really care less about them (eg. Eugene Petersen). The "religion" error is only one of the scores of declarations/ideas put forth in "The Shack" which are absolutely contradicted by Scripture. So, although God does punish sin, the "Shack" people "wouldn't call it that"; though God has "anger with the unrighteous every day", the "Shack" people say, "no, he only has love for all, no wrath for anyone". God, in conversion is "making Christians", but the "Shack" people deny, "quoting" "jesus" (?) to say, "I'm not trying to make anyone a Christian". Scripture denies that a violent, hypocritical, family abusing drunkard could be called a Christian, but the "Shack" people put such a one in heaven, anyway! Scripture says the Son "became flesh", but the "Shacksters" claim the Father and the Spirit did, too. Jesus did miracles "by the finger of God", but, nope, "Shack-man" says he only acted as any other human could do (the Jehovah Witnesses will love this!). And on and on go the anti-biblical ramblings of this man, to the glorious, rapturous praise of an Hosea 4:6 "Church", already teetering on the brink of disaster, due to "ignorance and unbelief" of the truths found within their very own Scriptures! How gross is that?

Listen to the comments by Trevor and Christine. They are wise. If you read The Shack be sure to compare it to scripture, not just how it makes you feel.

I found it a bit wordy in the beginning, but at the finish didn't want it to end.

Not only did this book challenge my *in a box* view of the Trinity but I wrote an email to my friend halfway through the read and the next chapter I read after the email, one would swear I took excerpts from the ensuing chapters as my personal views .
A God who doesn't *expect* anything from us? It appears that only the legalist in me couldn't believe that part.
Gal5:13

I have a question to ALL the people who DO NOT like or endorse this book, "Is there a difference between a father who yells at his child, "You're worthless, go to hell." & a *bible believer* who tells another human, "You are worthless without Jesus and you are going to hell."
Hmm a christian says it in Love? And that makes it ok??

I have been to SO MANY churches that claim we are SO WORTHLESS without Jesus.... If that is their view of themselves... No wonder they could act like they couldn't care less about the people in bondage. Jesus DIDN'T say, "Without me YOU ARE NOTHING." He said, "Without me YOU CAN DO NOTHING."

Be mindful NOT to love the scriptures more than loving others. If you want to prove you Love God... Show love to everybody. James Parker?? Where is your scripture endorsement when it comes to 1Cor13:5 Love does not take into account a wrong suffered.

The question I find SO interesting is, "what are people so concerned about? Is your salvation in jeopardy because someone likes this book? Why on earth would someone voice their concern for OTHER peoples salvation by bashing this book? Be thankful that people like myself are NOT finding YOUR version of God....

Example Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

If you're version of God isn't a loving, caring, forgiving, merciful God, may encourage you to find Him to be otherwise.... 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 9:13 How do people that know the bible SO WELL overlook the simplicity of His Love for us? The WHOLE reason He came???John 3:16

I sincerely wonder if the ppl who take the liberty to criticize this book really understood the part in the book where Mack meets Sophie *Wisdom*. The entire time Mack gets to sit in the judgment seat and judge all the while saying, "Oh no...I'm not fit to judge." But with Her wisdom asks about the killer and SURE ENOUGH, Mack becomes a judge.

Judging yourself first like 1Peter says, will enable you to see how in need of a savior you are so when you see the rest of the world who needs saving, you don't turn around and bash them all to bits JUST BECAUSE, "Now you're forgiven."

If the bible is correct when stating, "Love covers a multitude of sin" Are you covering it like Love does or pointing out what you think is wrong?

James 4:11
Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

How does one over look this part of "The Shack"?????

How sad that we - God's own children - attack each other in the name of correct doctrine! Yes, I am for scriptural searching and understanding. Let's not tear one another down in the process! Please...let comments come from love and respect. Our love for each other tells the world that Jesus has come.

I wonder how one can critcize a book, that brings anyone back to the bible, back to searching for a relationship with God, back to even THINKING about their faith. One may not like the book, but if even one is brought to Christ, who can condemn this?

For me, a Christian, who believes the bible to be the inspired Word of God, found the book touched me in a way that made me reconsider my view of God and reflect on my own trust issues. How can this be bad? God directs my path and I believe He will not leave me as I consider the issues this book made me look at.

I hope all Christians would have the courage to read the book and reflect on what it may say to you. God bless

God bless

It has literally been years since I have picked up a book of fiction. I had believed that if I was going to spend time reading anything, it would be spent on something that would help me grow in my faith... written by esteemed authors and/or recognized "authorities" of Christianity.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed The Shack. I read it yesterday and am happy to say it evoked in me a broad spectrum of emotions and caused me once again, to examine my "religiously" constructed view of the trinity. At times, while reading The Shack, I thought..."Woa! He's gone a little off the track here!" only to finish the whole paragraph and be suprised at the direction the author actually navigated the story. And that is exactly what it is people... A STORY!! I am convinced the our Great and Awesome God is able to speak the Truth to whomever He so wishes... That being said... wouldn't it be great if non-believers or "seekers" actually found Christ through this book?? If this book leads anyone to further investigate the person of Jesus Christ... well... seems like a good thing to me. Seeds get planted by all kinds of sowers.
Lets not forget who God is... Read Job 38-42 and you might be reaqainted with the One many of you are thinking needs your "defending". I think its great when any book illicits conversation about Christ. It gives all of us so-called Christ-followers the motivation dig back into our bibles and search for the Truth ourselves. :)

The power of this book must be seen in its ability to heal brokenness and to re-establish or re-vamp people with their faith and relationship to God. It is fiction and not a theological work, so everything that is said must not be meticulously pared with the Bible - the book is being used by God for
His purposes, and not the author's purposes, for he didn't even write the book to be published. It was a Christmas gift for his kids to explain the change in his life.

We all know what a wonderful, loving and omniscient God our God is; only He can work through our limited means with his unlimited means to bring us closer to Him. Paul Young used $300 on publishing, for his children, and God has allowed it to sell 4 million copies! This is not because of any human agenda. We all know how insanely difficult it is to get a book published in this society of countless prescibed necessities in a book.

Let us thank the Lord for revealing himself to us in this way, not in a literal way, but in a way that allows us to re-connect and connect to Him in a brand new way. Discernment is necessary to not apply the Shack as literal truth, of course, but it's not necessary to point out the faults of the book. Private discernment and loving discussion between those who have read the book will lead to the proper understanding.

Resounding similarities in questions asked within the book to many of my friends who are despritly seeking to know God and have a right relationship with him. Many questions in my own heart that I was unable to articulate have now been aroused and expressed in this cretive form of text. Im excited for more.

Well I just read Donna's response that was posted on the first and it breaks my heart. Im sorry you feel that way.

But emotions aside, what is with your argument? How did AA come into play so much? I want to use this argument as an example of a horrible argument in my logic class

PS. Does anyone else realize that the people who hate this book write an absurd amount; justifying it to themselves and anyone in their reach. It obviously shows they did not let the truth penetrate their hearts rather it just offended their mind

Hi everyone, I am a 14 year old girl who has read this book and has loved it from the beginning till the end! This book has brought me to see so many things and has shown me to always love and forgive no matter what the circumatances. I must say i will be telling all my friends about this book and how it touched me. And to all those people who think this is a bad book maybe you should pray to god for wisdom.

I just finished reading this book and I must say that because of the profound effect that it had on my heart and soul I have decided to re-connect to MY GOD. I have felt too far gone that I thought that there was no way that I could ever find my way back again! but because of how much this book has touched my being, I am ready and willing to open up and receive God and allow him to enrich my life in everyway possible. He is a God of love, passion, and forgivness............... I was lost and now I'm found;-)

Mitra;-)

John 13:35, "By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another."

How does one discern between truth and deception?
Where there is Love, there is truth and life.
Where there is hatred, there are lies and death.

The essence of this book is about Love. Never, in my personal opinion, does it portray Love falsely, Never does it stray from the Truth of what Love is about. (see 1 Corinthians 13)

It shows us our own humanity against the Light of a pure, unselfish, sacrificial Love.

It is not a study of theology or religion. It is a story.
And if you've ever read the New Testament then you'll know that Jesus consistently spoke in parables (stories) to teach the truths of the Kingdom of God to his followers.

I feel incredibly grateful for having read this story. It is a precious gift. A parable rich with wisdom, insight, healing and hope.

I can't help but wonder if the folks having such a hard time with this story have ever experienced tragedy? Have they ever had their lives ripped apart by something that shook them to the very core?
I doubt it. Because if so, then they would know that in the moments of utter hopelessness & despair religion and theology prove absolutely meaningless... it is only LOVE that brings us through the 'dark nights of the soul' and breathe us back to life again.

And The Shack is all about Love.

i'm also 14 (like Lauren above) and am at the end of the book. so far it has touched me immensely. my spiritual life has just been shaken and turned upside down. i love how God is portrayed - it really gets me out of my 'religious conditioning' with the whole "gandalf" thing. now i see God as someone who really understands me and loves and cares for me. as for all the slamming against the book - i don't agree with some of the shack either, but still.. it has definitely gotten me out of the box. :) i hope others enjoy it too! i have a few friends lined up to borrow it from me!

Jessica

p.s. unfortunately, yet not unfortunately, i keep getting interrupted while reading because i have to take notes on it. :) i chose this book for my school project and there are so many ideas i have to put down!

If I am a conservative evangelical Christian I likely have a number of problems and questions with the novel The Shack, by William Young. Here’s a short list. 1. God as portrayed by Papa lacks the sort of majesty and awe commonly associated with Him in evangelical worship. 2. The concept of worship seems to be subsumed in the notions of relationship and love, which are good of course, but love in a relationship is not worship. 3. There doesn’t seem to be a concept of evil, as characterized by the devil, or any concept of hell and punishment. 4. The Bible, central to the belief system of every Christian is hardly mentioned or referenced. 5. We only get to hear Mack’s questions to Papa which are limited of by his character in the book, but also limited by the imagination and theological curiosity of the writer William P. Young.

If I am a conservative Christian I would have several questions in addition to Mack’s to ask the Deity considering that a face to face with the creator of the universe might not come along that often. I understand Mack’s personal anguish and therefore his focus on the death of his child and the general question of why bad things happen to good people. No doubt he believes literally the words of the song “Be not dismayed what ere betide, God will take care of you.” I’m sure he feels betrayed, that he has not been taken care of, and he has every right. But this seems to be his only serious question and it is answered pretty much as it has always been. God’s ways are not our ways, He loves us and is with us no matter what, and He is not responsible for evil. In The Shack it seems that evil has arisen because of our yearning for independence, what our Bible School teachers might have called “Free Will’. So here are a couple of questions I would add to Mack’s. 1. Who created my spirit of independence and why? 2. Am I genuinely free to choose or is there a punishment for making the wrong choice? 3. Why did you design creation so that I would need a saviour, and 4 Why did you write the Old Testament?

I might also ask about quantum mechanics and evolution.

If I am a liberal Christian I would of course not need to ask most of the above questions. Everyone dies, some sooner than others, and each is tragic in its own way. Mankind is mortal, as is all of God’s creation.

As a liberal Christian the fact that Papa is a loving God who only wants my love and to love me could easily be good enough as well. The absence of the Devil and hell and punishment is also ok, and liberalizing (and so is the notion that rules and responsibilities are eliminated by love), but not very liberating.

But even as a liberal, or an agnostic, (which Mack might be) or even as an atheist there are an important and fundamental (if I can use that term) questions that Mack might have asked God. Two anyway: 1. Where did you come from? 2. How did you come into existence?

I think I know what Papa would have answered. “Just trust me and love me, and I will love you. You are so limited by your humanness that you would not understand my eternal nature”. For a liberal that answer is not good enough, and for some it removes God from the world of personal and practical experience altogether.

And if I am a literary critic I would first of all have problems with the character of Sophia, who seems to have been lifted directly from Sophie’s Choice (William Styron, 1979). Sophia challenges Mack to decide which of his children to cast into hell, as Sophie had to choose which child to give up to the Nazis and the gas chamber. Sophia is supposed to be the agent of wisdom, but her insistence on Mack’s choice, repeating ‘You must!” over and over is aggressive and shrewish and totally lacking in compassion, wisdom and common sense.

If I am a literary critic I might also have problems with the text, which has been characterized by the unkind critic as “purple prose”. “Purple prose” is overstated, wordy, gushy, and often containing hyperbolic metaphors like: “I love the rain. It washes memories from the sidewalks of life” (Woody Allen, 1972) and it is ultimately boring and ineffective, or funny. Here are a few examples from the text of The Shack: 1, p74 - He had pushed away any thoughts of the place since Missy’s disappearance, sequestering his emotions securely in the padlocked basement of his own heart; 2, p78 - And finally his heart exploded like a flash flood, releasing his pent up anger and letting it rush down the rocky canyons of his emotions; 3, p83 - With every effort he could muster, he kept himself from falling back into the black hole of his emotions; 4, p90 - …in a flash of a second he shoved everything back into his battered heart’s closet, locking the door on the way out; 5, p157 - Instantly he felt guilty, as memories spilled through his mind, like rats fleeing the rising flood. You get the idea. This last one is very comical, and reminds me of “the sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to return soup at a deli” (from Seinfeld, 1994). Young, of course, is not trying to be funny. I’m sure if he was Elvis and Robin Hood and Santa Claus might have appeared at the Shack, and maybe Buddha.

From both a logical, theological and literary perspective I might also question the obviousness of Jesus being portrayed as a sort of handyman, and the Holy Spirit as an ethereal ghostly diaphanous transparent entity. Not that these aren’t positive images, just a little obvious beside Papa as Aunt Jemima, a truly unique characterization, if somewhat stereotypical.

I would not recommend this book to my children or to my friends on its theological, social or literary merits. There are few except this one. It was important for Mack to forgive Missy’s killer both for his own mental health and for his spiritual growth.

Study and considered debate should set us at liberty. The Shack does not.

Cliff

I did not pick up the book believing it was the Bible. I was however impacted by it's message reiterating that God ia a loving God, and amazingly that he in fact died for the whole world. Think about it, everyone has been reconciled to him, however they must receive what he has done. This is the message of the church: to tell people that God was in Christ reconciling the world until himself.
I understand there is not enough judgement here for the religious but my prayer for them is that they to might experience his mercy, grace and goodness in there lives.

I feel confused after reading the above comments! This one makes sense. No, this one does. God is not the author of confusion, so you gotta wonder... I'm only halfway through the book, but I'll continue reading with a discerning mind. Maybe I'll even wrap up my thoughts over at www.christiancommentary.com

I really think its a shame to critique this book as if it were a theological text book. I don't believe the author had any such intent. It is a wonderfully written allegory that opens the reader's mind to look more closely at our God. I wonder if John Bunyan took this much flack for suggesting sin is like a back pack that Pilrim wore around on his back. I feel like saying, "lighten up" and allow the Holy Spirit to broaden your view of an awesome, unfathomable God that we try desperately to put neatly into our "religious" boxes! I really enjoyed this book and it helps me to understand the Father as my Abba, my Daddy.

Nowhere was the author trying to build new (or old for that matter) doctrines..
The level of fear in the body of Christ is staggering.
Your/My theologies won't help you/me...
But His voice will.

Remember the parable of the three men who were given the varying amounts of talents to care for while the master went away? I've always loved that the answers given by the first two were short and to-the-point. Yet the one who buried his talent needed a long, drawn-out, wordy explanation to excuse himself. Has anyone noticed how those people who got the message of Love from the book write short and to-the- point? And those who didn't get that message are trying to slam us with their knowledge (like the Pharisees of old?) in long, drawn-out, wordy Apologias? Whom are these Love-rejecting individuals defending? WhatI know from reading Job, God is God, the great "Other" and needs no defence, no matter if I understand the world to be flat or round. It is our understanding that needs defence, not God... And whose understanding requires the most words? And in the parable, what was the judgement on the man that used the most words?

Somehow, I think that God loved the Pharisees, too.

Oh how I agree with Heather.The critics of this book must hqave a very sad legalistic life. I feel sorry for them. The long dissertations that some people have gone into to prove "The Shack" theologically incorrect is annoying and unfair. Mr. Young wrote a book for his children to help them understand his AWESOME God. He didn't set out to write a theology text. Give it a break already!!! This book will bring people to Abba, Father in droves and will bring back those who have been driven away from "church" by supposed Christians that don't even know the meaning of the word GRACE!! Way to go Bill Young!! I am buying copies for my friends and I am grateful to the core of my being that you listened to god's prompting and wrote such a magnificent, insightful book. Brennan Manning's "Raggamuffin Gospel" and Philip Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace" affected me greatly. "The Shack" did, just as much! Thank you again!
#51 Annette

the FATHER the SON the HOLY GHOST three persons one GOD this is revealed in the holy scriptures-the doctrine ofthe trinity that cannot be compromised The shack has deception in it i guess the feminism new age bookstores will be eager to get a copy- kind of chilling when you think about it witchcraft is insidious reveals that the devil is planting tares -may mr young understand these things and act accordingly come the knowledge of the truth

The doctrine of the triune God:Father the Son the Holy ghost three Persons one God- This being the doctrine revealed By God in and through the Holy scriptures through Jesus Christ is unchangeable and eternal which cannot be compromised.The shack has false doctrine in it-and as many know the feminist books of world exalt this new age view of God that mr young unwittingly portrays-replacing it with a goddess theology-which is no theology at all -therefore what he needs to do logistically and without queston is this is:come to the knowledge of the truthrepent immediately and issue a statement concerning it-that this book has doctrines that are patently false and that he is sorry God will restore him

This book made me feel closer to God......Judge that.

Did I miss something? Did the main character not plot to murder his father? Yet the god of the story makes no mention of this, there is no repentance yet there is forgiveness, so there is no wrong? We can assume the murderer of the child was likewise not at fault either. this was just one concept I found very troubling.

I wanted to like the book. I asked for it for Christmas, but I put it down after chapter 6. The author's portrayal of the Trinity made me too uncomfortable. If the writers of the Bible couldn't describe God I think we should take our cue from them. It is pure folly for us to limit God to human attributes and descriptions. I can not judge whether or not this book brings people closer to God but as for me, I prefer the 'Sunday School' God of the Bible.

This book removes the fear of being close to the trinity. It's every bit as believable as the bible. The statements from the Judge are as profound as I have ever heard. What is wrong with being close to a modern loving, forgiving God. It makes more sense than most of the bible does.

"It makes more sense than most of the Bible does", is indeed a dangerous statement. Never allow a work of fiction to replace the divine, inspired, Word of God.
There is no fear in being close to the Trinity, but rather a devout awe. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind".
2 Timothy 1:7

This book will sent thousands of so called Christians to hell. Pray to God for His truth and discernment.
Guy

Reading this wall of comments is depressing. There are rude comments, angry comments and poorly thought through comments from both those who enjoyed the book and those who oppose it. While there are a small handful of kindly written comments that encourage careful thought and discernment, many of the comments are void of grace...or love...and read like the writer said "TAKE THAT!" after writing it.

Who wants to be part of a religion where the members treat each other poorly?

I don't see rude comments as much as I see caring people warning others to be careful of what they read. If it does not line up with scripture it is not real truth but a mere half-truth. The thing about the Bible is that it covers the WHOLE truth. Grace and Love are very important but they can only be truly experienced after one has admitted that there is nothing they can do in and of themselves to be saved. We need Jesus and what He did on the cross to save us. Just because we cannot earn our salvation through legalistic works does not mean that God doesn't care what we do with our lives. Should parents not care about their children? Also we are not a child of God unless we have been spiritually born into His family but when we are in His family we should expect that He will discipline us because He loves us and wants what is best for us. The angry comments I have seen have come from those who have more liberal comments. Just because someone talks about God's judgement does not make them legalistic. It is not OUR place to judge, but God is able to judge and there will be a judgement day. And if we are not covered by the blood of Jesus, there will be condemnation. Those who care have had the guts to say the full truth. We will never fully understand grace or love apart from the context of God's redemptive purpose.

The book was a good read and makes you think...just remember it is fiction.

MG

This is a work of fiction that has spawned some amazing discussions. When I read some of these responses, I am mostly excited that these conversations are happening on a public forum.
Asking questions about what we have been taught or are in the process of learning is a very important part of growth, but let's not forget that we aren't meant to know everything right now. By simply loving one another, we can be as close to knowing as we need to be.

1 Corinthians 13 vs 8-13 (MSG)

"Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach it's limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be cancelled.

When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like an infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through the mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."


This work is one man's interpretation of the gospel, and would appear to be based in love.

What could be wrong with that? He knows no more than any of us is meant to know.

This is a wonderful story of relationship and forgiveness. It opened my eyes and showed me how narrow minded I can be about putting God in a box and believing that "this" is who "He" is. My idea of the Trinity, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit may not match anything close to what my neighbor believes. The fact is, God th Father sent Jesus, His Son to die for the vilest sinner just as much as He died for me and He provided another Comforter to be with us forever. It's up to me to put my judgements aside and allow God to be God. It's up to me to seek forgiveness of those I have offended and work towards building sincere and loving relationships with those I know or come in contact with.
Thank you to the author for this eye opening book. When people spend too much time analyzing things they tend to miss the whole point. I appreciated your imaginative writing based on the truth that even though I often fail, Jesus loves even ME!

It is a shame that a work of fiction, written as fiction, is so vehemently slammed for not being true to the bible. I am not aware of Mr Young submitting his work as a future text in theology classes. However, any written piece, whether it be a newspaper article, book, or a scribble on a napkin, that encourages people to examine and perhaps embrace their beliefs anew is, quite frankly, something I know my loving and forgiving God would want. At the risk of being condemned by future writers, I must say that this book is one man's interpretation as the bible is the interpretation of many.

I do not attend church and nor would I say I am religious. However, I do think that I have always wanted a relationship with God. However, my struggle to maintain that relationship is very difficult. So, from my heart I would like Christians to understand my views. I have attended church in the past and always get frustrated with the strict rules and opinions that I eventually stop attending; probably because I get overwelmed and the changes required are too great. Time changes how we live, our perception of right and wrong, and our ability to navigate the truth. For me, this book has brought me closer to God and more eager to live through his beliefs. For all the Christians in the world, you should be grateful because while this book may or may not be factual in your eyes, it has led me towards the place you all expect us to be. Now it is your responsibility as a representative of god to welcome me and guide me the rest of the way. If you are going to preach that what got me here is a a disgrace to god, you are not only judging the author but me as well. You then risk that I turn and leave. In todays world (competitive, fast past, and lacking respect), you need to open your heart and your minds to new ideas.

I just have to say that so called Christians who think this book is Christian are not saved. I got the book and started to read it because so many "christians" endorced it. It didn't take me long to realize that this is the work of the devil. Oprah likes this book! Do I need to say more.

Guy

Yes this forum interesting for so many perspectives, a reflection of our humanity and our views of God! However, the difficulty is in discerning the Truth. Truth comes from God and is given through His Spirit to those biblical writers and to those Spirit re-born. As we come closer to the end times it will be harder to discern the Truth. We need to continually be guided by the Scriptures and His Spirit; God is Love and Truth. Note that "discernment" is a form of "judgement" in the sense that we need to "test the spirits"; otherwise we can be mislead by the enemy. There is an enemy! Actually in a sense there are two, our fallen human nature and Satan. He disguises himself in a clock of light, appearing to sound truthful > the devil quoting scripture to Jesus during the temptation in the desert. The best lie is close to the Truth, and the enemy is very good at disguising himself in what sounds like Truth but has a twist of “self-centeredness” in it. Peter describes him as prowling around like a roaring Lion looking for someone to devour. We need to be discerning in order to not be fooled by the sweet sounding lies of the enemy!
While reading The Shack, like so many people, I was emotionally overcome, mainly because of how I was taken back into my own pain and judging my perpetrator. And then there are the things I’ve done wrong, where I know I need redemption! The Love message connected well because I have gone down that road to forgiving the person and forgiving myself; I recognized the Truth that God has lifted that pain and guilt from me > PTL!
But then a most profound concern came through - that there was no enemy (other than our human nature) > Satan doesn't exist in a story book that is trying to show God’s nature and our sometimes terrible human existence? Hmmm. There is more to the story, and the only place to find it is in the Bible!
For those focused on doctrine, I do not get hung up on an author trying to break some stereotypes with a female black Father. The imagery was useful to break my paradigms > God is not in a box, whether that box is a church or a book. Belief is not all about the "words" in the scriptures (consider the fallibility of translations), but how they guide us to His Truth. That can only be found in a personal Spirit-led heart relationship with our Loving Father, and that because the barriers have been broken through the saving sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus is our link to the Father. This is again where I see The Shack is misleading > I agree with those concerns of Jesus being just the “best way”, when He said “I am the way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. What I leave open for Jesus is how he reveals himself to people around the world. No one can say they are completely ignorant of God since even the heavens declare the glory of God. But in that there are many details I don’t understand (also children dying) and won’t. As someone else quoted, now we only understand in part, then we will know.
I hope and pray that through reading The Shack some of those millions of people do go to the Scriptures to find the Truth, come to know all sides of the True and Loving God. And find Jesus, who is at the door knocking for us to open our hearts and let Him in. Jesus invites all to accept Him, but if we don't, Jesus (and as Paul writes) is also clear > God’s Spirit is not in us, unless we choose with our heart and say with our lips that Jesus is Lord of our life. We must surrender our life to Him. That is where the book was helpful > ultimately we need to place our trust in God, that He is a good and loving God, and that only He can cause everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according for His purposes for them.

This discussion excites me because this article was written over a year ago and people are still adding comments, both positive and negative. I wish I got this much attention when I posted my review of the Shack last summer.

Many have already said that the only human image we should have of God is Jesus walking among us, and that it is futile to attempt to describe the Trinity because it is beyond our understanding.

At the same time, others realize the limits of our understanding, and know that illustration and analogy are the best means to discuss abstract concepts.

It's funny how people have a problem with one man's method of illustrating an abstract concept as a means to direct people to God, but nobody disagrees at a pastor's use of bullet points in their sermons. Jesus didn't use bullet points. He merely lived his life, teaching along the way.

We all would do well to go, therefore, and do likewise.

It’s been interesting reading all the commentary here about a piece of literature. Jesus himself was a master story-teller and used numerous stories to illustrate the concepts he was trying to share with us. When he tells us about the sower and the seed – we get the message he was trying to illustrate about the state of a person’s openness to receive the seed of God’s love. But I suppose you will find that there are people will say he was only talking about literal seeds and how they grow or don’t grow in certain soils and maybe Jesus was just talking about his experiences as a farmer.

It’s mind boggling to me that we can get so hung up on legalism over words and so absolutely and totally miss the heart of the message. The very thing that Jesus came to show us, that legalism and the law will never save us are the very things I am seeing expressed here; Phariseeical legalism over a man’s written expression of love through story. It’s a well-written story. It’s great literature. And when one reads the story for the message of love expressed rather than trying to nit-pick it apart for absolute concepts one has an opportunity to experience the love of God in a new way.

God continues to express himself BODILY through each of us. We have a living, breathing communion with a LIVING God. And His incarnate expression of love is displayed in each of us to the extent that we allow it to flow through us. Jesus demonstrated in his earthly life what that was meant to look like in totality. Consider the possibility that when you have a problem with the outward expression of someone elses love the problem may exist in your ability to be open enough to receive it. CHECK YOUR OWN SOIL CONDITION, instead of saying the seed was no good.

I loved the book and the controversy it creates. I think that William Young did a marvelous thing to express his ideas and experiences of God to his children and that numerous people have been blessed by it and that numerous others are challenged and that lots do not agree with his ideas. Instead of bashing his expression, I challenge you to share your own instead. We all could and would be blessed by realizing the diversity of ways in which this wonderful God we have meets us on our very own intimate journey with Him. I for one am eternally grateful that my expression and understanding of God’s love for me is unique and precious beyond all words. I wish I could put it half as well as William Young has done in this book.