Tim Challies pointed out that William P. Young responds to certain critics of The Shack in a recent interview with the Christian Post. Criticisms and concerns voiced by Tim Challies, Al Mohler, and Mark Driscoll are specifically called out in the article. Here’s what Young had to say in response:
“These men do not know me at all,” he said of critics such as Mohler, Challies, and Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle who Young said had not even read the book before criticizing it.
“[B]ut in the process,” he continued, “what they have written have actually told us much more about them than about the book.”
Since the criticisms of Mohler, Challies, and Driscoll were specifically referenced in the article, I was hopeful that Young would engage their concerns, but was left wanting with his response. Saying that their responses, “told us much more about them than about the book” doesn’t answer their concerns and is just a weak response. When one considers the responses from the wider church and theological community, to say that they have been mixed is to put it lightly. The responses from those in more reformed circles have tended towards the negative and are at the very least quite cautious. The further you move away from the reformed circles, the more acceptance the book seems to find .
The core message of the concern that is being voiced by some seems to be missed in the midst of all the mud slinging and disagreement. At this present time in the United States, Biblical literacy and a solid understanding of a Bible-based Christian worldview seems to be at an all time low. The reality of the situation is that more and more people develop their worldview and theology on the basis of books like The Shack, The Davinci Code, and the like. Sadly enough, many of us would rather spend 10 hours with a novel than spend even 10 minutes with our Bibles.
Should you read The Shack? Personally, I choose to have a limited literary diet of fiction, so it’s not on my reading list any time in the near future. If you’re somebody who feels like you have to read it, just so you can better understand the phenomenon that is The Shack, I have two challenges for you. First, I would challenge you to pray that God would give you discernment as you read it. Second, I would challenge you to spend equal time in your Bible. If you spend 5 hours reading The Shack, then spend 5 hours reading your Bible.
William P. Young’s interview with the Christian Post is available here: LINK.
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I skimmed through a copy of the Shack that a friend of my wife’s gave her. Even from a quick perusal, theological problems were rampant… for example, God the fat black woman saying “we died for your sins.” Really pretty sad. People think it’s a cute story and helps them relate to God, unfortunately they are relating to a warped picture of Him.
And if Driscoll’s criticism of the book tells us more about him – namely that he has a deep enough respect for and love for the Gospel and a true picture of God to criticize a book that is influencing countless souls – then that’s all good in my opinion.
Jason,
I agree that Dricoll is right in encouraging people to avoid this book. While I fully understand that this book is fiction, the reality of the situation is that people are claiming that this fiction book is helping them relate to God. If that’s the case, then the “God” they’re relating to is not the God of the Bible. The Shack will not bring them closer to God. If anything, I’d say it seems to be leading many in the opposite direction. There was a time I would’ve told you it would be absurd to think that people would build their worldview or theological convictions on works of fiction, but that seems to be exactly what has been happening here.
After reading The Shack, I decided not to encourage my teens and young adults to read it. Although for light reading the novel is entertaining, on the whole the view of God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit has the substance of fluffy cotton candy. I fear the sweetness of the candied apple may turn out to have a rotten core. I advise approaching the book with caution.
Linda, I haven’t read The Shack, nor do I plan to read it any time in the near future. I agree that it is a book we should approach with extreme caution. In the midst of a Christian / Church culture that is highly Biblically and theologically illiterate, a book like this is very dangerous.
You people are killing me! Get off your theological high horses and get the big picture. This is one mans fictional writing. I guess the pictures of a Black Jesus are wrong also. Who is to say that in my mind Jesus isn’t a 5’3 Russian woman wearing a long black dress. I was raised in a Christian home and am a believer. I have had much tragedy in my life recently and I know the God of the Old and New Testaments, I know that Jesus died on the cross for me and for my sins. But when I meet with God on a daily basis I can visualize Him however I want. As long as He is there. Who cares what He looks like. As long as what He has done, and what He stands for is right then how it is portrayed is a personal matter.
I have just read the shack, the story is awesome, and I am a believer, and well grounded in my faith. I do see biblical aspects in the story and thus far it follows who God is in a different light and one that I can understand. This is just a story similar to narnia, the rings and what not.
Now christian all depict God as a lion, as in “lion of judah” and did anyone cry about it? no, or a burning bush, did anyone cry heresy, or golden image? no, why? are they crying now? cause He appears as a woman? God will appear to whomever depending on the issue at hand. Now Mack had a problem with men or fathers, so do you think he would accept God as a man or better as a woman.
Seems all these pastor are scared of something new. Not even this driscoll guy has even read the book and he is crying the loudest why? That is a sign of a hypocrite, and he is also judging the author and that we know is a no no, maybe he needs to have a better relationship with God, maybe he has himself fooled, or maybe he will start loosing his flock because now he is unable to control them.
Erin & Kevin,
Thank you for your comments. Honestly I don’t have any intentions of reading The Shack. I get that this is a work of fiction, but what concerns me is that I’ve heard far too many comments from people about how they understand God or the trinity better after reading the book. This is very dangerous ground. In the midst of a culture that is highly theologically and Biblically illiterate, people have a bit of a theological void or vaccuum that is looking for something to fill it. I’d much rather have them get their understanding of God & the trinity from the Bible rather than a work of fiction.
I just finished The Shack. I have been a christian for a little over five years and and my foundation is strong. I’ve read some of the things written about this book and I’m confused. This isn’t the Bible it’s a work of fiction. I know its not perfect but I found myself crying at God’s love for us. My wife who accepted Christ the same day I did but has sense walked away and is angry with God over the death of her mother, sister, and grandmother. After reading this book has started opening up to me and is seeking the Lord again. So I thank God that this book has made into my house. Let us remember that the Lord can use anything He wants to open our eyes to the lies of the enemy and return our heart to Him.
I’m still in the middle of the book, and still trying to make sure whether or not I can recommend it to a sister who has rejected Christianity because of an earthly Father she perceived as hard and unloving. I have prayed for discernment while reading it, but have not yet read anything which doesn’t line up with God’s character or His actions as portrayed in Scripture. Can Jason please explain why it is wrong for God the Father in the book to say “we died for your sins?” Scripture portrays God Himself providing the sacrifice when He asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac in the OT, and Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” and “if you have seen me you have seen the Father.” I know that if I were to willingly give one of my children over to death in order to accomplish something of value for another person, I would feel free to say “WE died for this.” I can agree with Kelly Hart’s statement about things God uses to draw each of us closer to Him. Until I had children of my own, I was completely unable to “get” the love God has for me, even though I believed it in my head.
To the people that said there is nothing wrong with it, because its just fiction: Unfortunately, there are too many people in this culture that don’t know fake from reality. For example, I know of a few girls that are so entrenched in the whole Twilight thing, they are honestly waiting for their “Edward”. People are willing to believe anything they read these days, and if a work of fiction is giving a wrong view of who God is, then its not a good thing. This book has a lot of ancient heresies in it, from what I have heard. It makes the trinity to be equal, when Scripture says other wise. It says that “we died for you”, when only Jesus died. If it goes against scripture, then Christians need to put it off, not matter how alluring it is.
It is like the old adage about how you cook a frog. You don’t just throw it in boiling water. Instead, you put it in room temperature, and then turn the heat up slowly. This is the trap Christians fall into. They get something that has Biblical, but has unbiblical things in it, and pretty soon they have distorted views of what Christianity is. Jesus, Peter, Paul and Jude all warned about false teachers in the first century. Wolves in sheep’s skin. Don’t think they don’t exist today.
Erin,
You may be a Christian, but some people are struggling to find out who God really is. This book blurrs the picture and the Author, of possible good intentions, is leading the “little one’s” to a misconception and even idolatrous view of God. You can’t view God any way you want, in fact don’t form an image at all!! This book has been critiqued, properly so, by some right on, “no nonsense,” ministers of God. Theology id the study of God. People use that word against people like we’re some kind of geeks. Great men of God are theologians. “Warm and fuzzy” is the world’s new age ways of reacig people with a “downy soft” christianity. People will be separated from the Creator for an eternity because of teachings (this book is a teaching, though fictional) like this. People are truly seeing God how this book portrays. Wake up people!!!
I am very disapointed by the finger pointing going on by some of the people replying on this page. I am 66 years old, been a christian since 1982 and this book gripped me spiritually and emotionally like the Book Mere Christianity did. Both books have help me better understand some of the most important concepts of God’s Word…that of not being under law but under grace, and God’s concept of love…This book did not in anyway confuse me about the trinity , but rather it helped me see how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love me far beyond man’s conprehension of love…love that I wish to experience more and more as I walk this earth. To grow from reading these books one needs to be ready both emotionally and spiritually for what they have to say. I believe that emotional and spiritual nurturing is needed in many people’s lives and some spend a lifetime learning how to nurture themselves and others. God knows who those people are and he will help them achieve that if that is what they need. If you don’t need it, please allow those who do take and eat what God has to offer them…other Christians who are working and yes writing for Him.
Shame on those who critique this book based on others’ opinions without reading it themselves. I hope that I will always refer to the Word of God for my foundation and perspective, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me and teach me about seeking the kingdom of God through Christ Jesus. All the more as I am daily exposed to the words and deeds of myself and my fellow sinners. This book does not delve into God’s judgment of those who reject Him. This book dives headlong into what it means to be loved by God when you accept Christ’s atonement. If you describe the love of God as cotton candy, you are missing out on the magnificent power of the cross and the resurrection. Jesus told the man next to him at crucifixion that he would be in paradise that day. He did not tell him how he had to have perfect understanding of the Trinity to get there; he accepted his repentance, was certain of his belief, and signed the adoption papers. In this book Mack learns how great is God’s love for him, how to forgive as he has been forgiven, and how to allow that love to flow through him to others, like living water. Don’t be a coward; find out what love really means. The Bible spells it all out, but this book explains how one person begins to understand it.
Lee,
Thanks for your comment. I still don’t intend to read The Shack. I’d rather find out about God’s love from much more relevant and credible sources.
The Shack isn’t just about God’s love though. Yes, God’s love is in there and so are many other “biblical” concepts. I read the book and, as a mature Christian, was able to walk away without being affected by all the theology that Young inserts. I appreciated his attempt to encourage readers to view God, Jesus, the Trinity in a different light, but found many problems with a lot of other concepts. Also, regarding God’s love, I can find many books that talk about God’s love. Oprah has a series out on God’s love (or at least who she thinks “God” is). The Koran has many verses about Allah’s love. The point is, The Shack isn’t just about God’s love, or Jesus Love or even the Trinity. For all you previous bloggers that are disguisted with the word ‘theology’, talk to William Young. He attemptes to uncover a lot of Biblival concepts (theology) including the way God judges, and even how one is to get to Heaven. William Young has it wrong on a lot of things. If all you walk away with are emotions that stir something in you about God’s love, then that’s great. You obviously don’t see many other things William Young is talking about in his book and won’t be affected by them anyway. However, if you’re uncovering concepts that you know go against the Bible, but you’re still defending this author, the book and the very concepts themselves, then there’s something wrong with that picture. This isn’t about William Young, or The Shack, or Mack, it’s about people trying to fit God into who they want Him to be and making the very idea of God “universal”. Sorry to be a downer for those of you who are pro-The Shack!
Shaun T. … Please have faith in your OWN mind and quit living to belittle those who believe in theirs.
Kelly,
Thanks for leaving a comment. Honestly I don’t have faith in my own mind. I tend to think in line with Jeremiah 17:9:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001)
I don’t believe any of my comments have sought to belittle anyone. I’ve been aiming for constructive dialog and have expressed my own constructive criticisms of “The Shack”. All things considered, this book has certainly had an effect on society at large and for better or worse has influenced many people’s theological understanding. As yet another work of fiction, it doesn’t bother me. It’s the fact that people feel its helping them to know God better that concerns me. If people want to know God better, they should stop reading “The Shack” and start reading their Bibles and pray that God would help them to know him better through the witness of his word.
I agree with Shaun. Mainstream culture encourgages people to seek spirituality and find a God that is relevant to them not seeking to understand the true God. A book like The Shack stirs emotions and leaves people feeling like they have had a real religous experience leaving them clueless about who God really is. No one can understand who God is outside of the Bible itself. Romans 10:17 says “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Nothing can reveal who God is and his truth outside the Bible.
3 questions:
1.) How can you publicly comment on something that you haven’t even read? It seems that your opinion is based only on hearsay. I believe THAT is one of the most dangerous things that theologians and religious leaders do to turn the “unlead” away from Spirituality altogether.
2.) What makes you think that people are universally allowing this book to guide their understanding of God? Every member of our families and all of our close loved ones have read, studied & researched the Bible extensively and have still been able to be touched by this incredible work of fiction. And clearly, we are not alone.
3.) Why are you so afraid of people wanting to better understand their God by, perhaps, choosing less traditional methods? Unfortunately, the Bible can be perceived as daunting, intimidating and overwhelming. So why can’t people choose another path to understand the intense and unconditional love that this book presents. Truly, what are YOU afraid of?
I believe, in my heart, that you only have good intentions. But you need to be careful. Don’t allow this to undermine you. Don’t undermine yourself. God has Faith in you!
Thanks for your comment page. I doubt that you would allow someone to comment authoritatively on Scripture (not to mention doctrine) if they had never opened a Bible. You say that you don’t need to read “The Shack” in order to adjust your view of God and His mercy. You are correct! Please don’t. But if you are to comment authoritatively on the content and spiritual effects of the “The Shack” (as you have chosen to do) please read the book first. I have confidence that it will not damage your biblical understandings of the Trinity or punishment of sin, etc. That does not imply passive endorsement of the book. Borrow a copy if you feel that purchasing one is out of bounds but, please, READ THE BOOK.
Harv,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. There are many, many things I’ll pick up to read long before I read “The Shack”. Obviously, I’ve shared my reservations about this book in previous posts. Beyond that, it’s not really my type of fiction. Most of the fiction I read is related to Biblical Archaeology or history. Other than that I read primarily non-fiction related to Biblical studies and non-fiction related to computers and networking.
Hi,
I read this book in two days. I must say I serve a BIG God, He has no boundaries as such He does not tremble at the thoughts of man. Instead He laughs.
I totally believe God can speak to any who will hear. He will use any means necessary. He who begins a good work is faithful. I would recommend this book to a non believer and have already. The book opens up dialogue about the awsomeness of God, I personally felt renewed in my faith and more than ever before realize time is short. We need to get the word out of Christ’s soon return!
Blessings!
I just finished this book a few days ago. I just happened to see it on the shelf in a book store and thought it looked interresting. As an afterthought I decided to get on line and see what was being said about this little work of fiction. WOW, I had no idea everyone was this worked up about it or that it has sold so many copies.
You might like to know, I have never “blogged” in my life, but here I am. I’m not interrested in theology or debate, but it seems there may be some room to consider what Jesus might think about all this. After all, he was the one who shook up all the church leaders with his interpretation of God’s love and wasn’t he the master story teller himself…remember that thing we call the parable?
I love a good story that gets the “moral to the story” told in such a way that you are left with a better understanding of what the core message is.
For someone who has spent all their life trying to forget having been sexually abused by a step parent, who hid behind the church walls and it’s doctrines, let me tell you…nothing to date has struck a chord with me like reading the words that Mack cried out in asking for God’s help to forgive the person who had robbed him of his joy and trust in God. You can tell me that the answers are all right there in the scriptures, and I know they are, but sometimes God uses people, stories and pictures to help us along the way. You mentioned “cotton candy” earlier, so don’t forget, God mentioned that unless we become as a little child…I don’t see a thing wrong with imagining sitting down on the curb, sharing a big bag of cotton candy with Jesus himself, the thought of it makes me smile.
“Assuredly, I say to you,whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:15 New King James Version
I thought the book was great. And I am no child.
The Shack was a littel too mystical for my tastes, but Wm. Paul Young obviously poured his heart into its telling. The number one book for me, of course, is the Holy Bible and I always gauge any writing dealing with spirituality against what scripture puts forth. Though some would say rubbish to what Mr. Young has done in this writing because it doesn’t seem to uphold traditional understandings of scripture, I found his development of the three characters representing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit provacative and, yes, charming! The first several chapters were extremely hard to get through, but because my pastor recommended this book, I plowed through. Once Mack arrived at the shack and began his weekend with the triune personalities, I saw the love and care given him on his way back from his sorrow. I think Christians can gain a measure of delight in this telling and non-Christians can be moved closer to a walk with God Almighty. My verdict is Mr. Young has done a wonderful job of presenting a loving, hope-filled, joyous picture of our dear Lord! Well done and I trust whoever reads this piece of fiction will turn to the Bible for further instruction. Amen!
People who are against this work of fiction are simply missing the point. The depiction of God the Father as a black woman is clearly explained in the book as God himself taking this form to best relate to Mack the primary character – and to make a point. The book does not in anyway convey that God the father is a woman (or a man) or a black one at that. In the book, God himself describes that he is neither “man or woman” and states “I am who I am.” Within theological circles there are many well known people who agree that God is probably not man or woman in gender, aside from the fact that Jesus is man and God and is “human” in that sense alone. I believe most people who are against this book are simply offended by the fact that God can portray himself, if he chooses, to be anything he wants. In this case they are offended that he is not a white man with a long gray beard. Its too bad people cannot see the real meaning that is being spoken in this book. The controversial pieces can be interpreted several ways but it seems the die hard right wing evangelicals will always strive to control and contain aspects of how people see their own walk and personal relationship with the true God of the Bible. Too bad for them.
I have just finished the shack and found the book full of Gods Grace. I have been a youth pastor for over 15 years and really don’t see why anyone would have a problem with the book. It is fiction but I feel the book shows what God’s heart is like. If you think God is an angry God ready to smack us when we mess up, then you have a very wrong view of God. God is very much wanting a relationship with us and the Book portrays that love very well. I would encourage people to read the book.
Here’s my review of The Shack from not too long after it came out. I still stand by it:
Terrible theology underlies what is an astonishingly well-written book. The terrible theology is found in more places than I can count but here are a few:
1. God is never to be feared (page 90)
2. Jesus’ miracles do not affirm Him as God, but prove only “that Jesus is truly human” (page 99)
3. God does not hold people accountable for, nor punishes sin (page 119)
4. God does not demand that you submit to him, but submits to YOU (page 145)
5. Jesus lied when He warned, “Broad is the road that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13), because in The Shack, Jesus says, “Most roads don’t lead anywhere.”
Make no mistake… 90% of this book is spot on. But isn’t that exactly what makes its 10% error so insidiously deadly? Look, we can allegorize many things, but we don’t mess with the Trinity. This book is a Trojan horse subtly infiltrating the Christian community — one that makes our God extremely small and completely manageable, a God who, in the final analysis, is no God at all.
I go to church every weekend, believe in God, but
have tried to put my religious beliefs together
especially after the death of our son. This book
has helped my relationship with my husband, with
mean people in our community and especially dealing
with the death of our son and other family members.
I have a different way relating to many problems
in my everyday life, even though I have read the
Bible, I, personally, got so much out of this amazing book. Thanks you so much.
I prefer to think of “The Shack” as a conversation starter. I respect that some people are concerned about the accuracy of the representation of the Trinity, and it’s true biblical referrences. However, I have read “The Shack” and I use it to pass on to co-workers and neighbors that I know do not have a relationship with the Lord. I then follow up with discussing with them what the Bible says. This book gets people thinking about where they stand with God and what they should do next. Promoting discussion is always a good thing. I just encourage you to have a plan for follow up when you share this book with someone. A good starting line would be “Can I show you what the Bible says about….
I’ve read most of the comments on this page, and I’m shocked!! How can some people be so blind to whats in their face? Really? When I read the book, after I stopped crying, I realized that God showed himself as a “black woman” because “Mack” had such a deep hate for the father figure. If God had come to him as a man or something like a man figure, Mack wouldn’t have allowed him in. The meaning I personally got from the book is God is waiting for each and every one of us to turn and look at him. He does and will do anything to get our attention, if it’s coming as a black lady, or a burning bush….God wants a personal relationship with us all. God can use the worst thing that ever happened to us and turn it around into something great that changes our lives. Bottom line it made me realize that God’s love is far greater than I ever imagined!!!! It is just amazing. I loved the book and gave copies to many, of which have had the same reaction, thinking back to their own pains in life and finally seeing that God was there with them every step…God is love, he is to be feared and respected, but he loves us and wants love in our hearts as well. I just pray right now in Jesus’s name that every person on this page that can’t see the truth will have God touch their hearts and souls. Open their eyes Lord God to the truth. Soften their hearts….in Jesus’s name I pray amen.
Amen “Reformed Rebellion” Good word!! I noticed the exact same falacies, by the discerment of the Holy Spirit. Keeping an open mind He brought these to my attention.
The Lord will lead His to the truth, always.
Good thread, one problem. Anyone who comments on a work of fiction without reading it and claims that is the “Christian” perspective is creating an unfortunate circumstance. You are taking the same approach my atheist friends take when they tell me they don’t need to read the bible to critique it. Both of you are wrong.
Further, the posters here are exactly why the majority of Christian fiction is not good. Christians won’t allow it to be good because they hold onto the Victorian notion that novels alone cause people to replicate sin. That’s patently false, as I read the Bible, given that original sin is in and of humans. Thus, the same people who wail and moan about how The Shack is going to lead nonbelievers to hell (hello Marc Driscoll) are missing the sheer beauty of works that challeneg people to look at their faith in ways they wouldn’t otherwise pursue (see: Wise Blood by O’Connor, The Bridge at San Luis Rey by Wilder, and the End of the Affair by Greene just to name a scant few).
Reading secular works with a faith perspective is often more affirming of that faith than reading formulaic Christian fiction that ties life into neat packages we all know don’t exist. And while the Shack isn’t the greatest literary work of all time, at least it’s trying to matter.
Wow – read the book – then make comments please. What a great way to give Christianity a bad name -It’s time to get over your fear and your high horse and your huge ego and find that love that Jesus put into your heart – it’s there!
I have just finished reading this book and I think it is great, all this nitpicking is just madness. I am relatively new as a christian but all this sounds to me like a scenario from the middle ages, the kind of thing that millions died over. That is not religion faith god or whatever you want to call it. I beleiee in god and his love tha’ts enough for anyone. The book is just a good thought provoking story.
I just finished listening to the audio book. I have been a Christian for 26 years(1/2 my life. I usually read non-fiction works by Christian authors the like of C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, Elizabeth Elliott, Stormie Omartian, Billy Graham and Franklin Graham, and I always read my Bible.
After reading Tim Challies review, I have to agree with him on his critism of Young’s theology, however, what must be remembered is that God can use all things for good for those that love Him. I have also read the Left Behind series and do not agree with all the theology contained that Jenkins and Lahaye portray, but I still believe that like the Left Behind series, theShack has some merit. God has used the Left Behind books to bring people to Christ or back to Christ, He can use the Shack as well.
What I have not really seen discussed much is how Young tackles some of the most difficult questions we all have and that is how can a loving God allow tragedy of the magnitude of the brutal murder of an innocent child or…? This is one of the most important aspects of this book and I think that Young has done a good job with this, even though his theology is not altogether correct.
One must remember that the Shack IS fiction and read responsibly.
I don’t care if you critisize the book. I may not agree with you but you have the right to an oppinion. However, you will be much better credited if you read the novel first. If you don’t want to contribute to the author financially than borrow it from the library or from a friend.
In my oppinion, I think that “The Shack” is an interesting story that doesn’t attempt to state anything as fact but simply calls out for us to stop trying to “do” Christianity, and instead simply trust in the Love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. One of my favorite points that “The Shack” makes is at the end of chapter 12 when Jesus points out that he is not a Christian. When Mack asks if this means that all roads lead to the same place Jesus replies, “Not at all. Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.” This clearly exemplifies Luke 2:10 that says, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people.’” (NIV) Jesus isn’t a religion. Far from it. Jesus is God, God is Jesus, and He wants us to follow Him. He created us,and knows us so completely that He knows what will lead us astray. He lets us make decisions and tries to save us from them. He just wants us to accept His love, only then will the gates of Hell close and the doors of Heaven open.
As for God being portrayed as a woman, God is neither male nor female but he will show himself to us in many forms whether that form be a Jewish man, a kingly white bearded Master, a humble shepherd, a baby, or yes….even a black woman. That’s God’s business not ours. And yes, one must remember that it IS fiction allthough the fictional aspects of this book are used to make us re-think reality in a more godly way.
In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend “The Shack”, but that is a very good point that we should read our Bibles as much (if not more)as we read these Christian novels because in the end that is where the whole Truth lyes. Just trust in God and you’d be amazed what can happen.
I simply will not torture myself any longer by reading the “controversy” over such a beautifully in touch with Father,Son and Holy Ghost book as the Shack is. Thank you William P. Young. Your book is a gift that has touched me and many of my loved ones. To the naysayers, I am sorry for you that you just don’t get it. Relationship, Relationship, Relationship people…
Okay. I’ve been very disturbed by the lack of union here. Yes, there are many different opinions, but this book is either evil or good. It can’t be grey… when it comes to the word of God, there IS NO GRAY AREA. It’s all BLACK AND WHITE. Reading through most of these comments, I have to admit that the people who are against the book hold the soundest arguments. The people who are saying that the book is good, seem to have a more simplistic view on what TRUTH is. Is the Bible Truth? Yes. So go to the Bible to find out what Truth is! Don’t rely on your emotions, rely on the Holy Spirit to show you if this book is worth reading or not. Honestly, if you haven’t read it, that’s great. I’ve been much disturbed by the book, personally. I didn’t finish it. And for the record, the Holy Spirit WILL NOT show you the truth if you are not REALLY and TRULY seeking it with your whole heart.
That’s my two cents.
By the way, I think it’s a rather sad argument to be slamming Shaun about not reading the book.
When I was talking to my family about God, my brothers made fun of me. They said, “Yeah, like God will drop a sack of rice when we’re hungry!” I know that it’s my job to share the word but only God can change their hearts. It was painful but I believed that amidst the hard life, God is there for me all the time.I worked hard. My family were’nt Bible Scholars but in many ways, God showed that He loved me. I ended working with a missionary before I came to the United States. We have to read the Bible for hours, early in the morning yet I have most experienced the presence of God through other people. There are lots of missionaries doing Bible recordings so my country men who can’t understand English can listen to his word. If we can only find God’s truth in the Bible then what about the verse that says, ” faith without action is dead.” As followers of Christ, we are supposed to be a living testament to God’s unconditional love. If we think God is supposed to talk to scholars then why did Jesus rebuked the Pharisees. The Pharisees were always after the Law and they didn’t believe in Jesus and His Disciple. God is love and He’d do everything to show His love to everyone. The author of this book, The Shack is just using the talent given to him to spread the message. Remember Jesus’ parable about the talent. The person who got only one talent didn’t use what he got to gain profit for his master. I think we are all given different gifts so we can use them for His glory. Those who are given the gift to study the Bible, use it for the Lord and don’t expect every one to be like them.
REDEEMED…You are right the Bible is the truth. William Young is not suggesting his book should replace the Bible. He just tried to illustrate a loving and forgiving God. As Christians, we are supposed to read the Bible so we can know more about God and His purpose. So many people who go to church, look down to people who don’t go to church, because they think they are superior than non-Christians. But then again, God sent his only son not for the righteous but those who got problems because He love them so much. You were disturbed by the book because your faith is still young and you don’t know much about God. And that should be okay. I would suggest read your Bible everyday. It will help you a lot. And as for Shaun, I think he really needs a lot of prayer as he seems very confused. The book of Proverbs will help him.
By the way, I would like you all to know that “Jesus is my home boy.”
Check out this review of The Shack by Katherine Jeffrey:
“I Am Not Who You Think I Am”
Situating The Shack in a Christian literary landscape
You gotta be kidding me – I thought I made it abundantly clear that arguing about ‘theology’ and books ain’t gonna save anybody! (1) Love God, (2) Love each other, (3) Trust no one or no thing but me for your salvation, cause ain’t none of you good enough, smart enough or pious enough. Now please get back to spreading the Good News and quit arguing about which one of you knows me best.
Wow! I’ve found this discussion extremely encouraging. As Christians, we don’t communicate nearly or learn from each other nearly enough—in my opinion. I’m 39 years old and have been in the church my entire life. I gave my life to Christ at a very, very young age. That being said, I know my Bible. My quest for a closer walk with God has had its ups and downs, and I have fallen more times than I care to remember. I’m halfway through The Shack and I totally get it. Yes, there are theological errors in this work of fiction. I don’t have a problem with that at all. So far I’ve developed an extreme desire to know Jesus as my friend… not just the Lord and Savior I’ve known my entire life. I fear we, as Christians, are limiting God’s reach. We are all different, and our relationship with God differs as well. Shaun, thank you for opening this discussion. I fully understand and respect your views. As for THESHACKFAN: I pray that one day Jesus will not only be my Lord and Savior, but MY home boy as well. Thank you, all.
Well, I started reading all the comments and did manage to get moved to respond. I’m surprised by Driscoll’s take on the book, as I got to know him through an emergent group. I loved The Shack! Having been on a journey of trying to de-construct a lot of the western theology on God (I’ve been invited by Papa to live in South Asia), I found this book helped me along the way. We had a tendency to read through the Bible with a narrow, western culture perspective, often missing the true biblical perspective. I once was told by someone working in Mongolia that someone he was sharing the Good News with said, “it’s not your God I have problems with, it’s the plastic wrapping you have him stuffed into that I choke on.” This book makes you take a step back and challenge what you believe. There are very feminine traits of our God. I’m not going to quote all the verses, but in case you need reminding, Eve was also created in the image of God – those feminine qualities come from him. He gathers us like a hen gathers her chicks, remember? Hopefully people will re-read this book with a more open mind and really pray through it, asking God what he wants to reveal about his character.
Miracles never cease. I never, ever though that Jesus would be commenting on my humble little blog. This is just the ultimate pinnacle of success!
I’m continually amazed at the amount of comments and traffic generated by this post about The Shack. I do enjoy reading the various perspectives folks have about the book. Honestly, I can’t say that my feelings about the book have changed much in the past year. I still do not have any intention of reading the book as I read very little fiction and this isn’t in the genre of fiction that interests me. There seems to be a much wider acceptance of the book in the more Arminian and Open Theistic circles and much more caution expressed by those on the reformed and Calvinist side. I definitely tend much more towards the latter.
I am not quite in the middle of the book and googled this site wondering why the book is so controversial. The controversy only makes the book more appealing to me. I am not a big fiction reader but the writing style is simple and compelling. Having not gotten to the trinity part in the book yet I will reserve my full opinion of it. From the reviews and talking to people about the book I think that both sides have a valid point. This book is not scriptural and is fiction but americans today do not spend enough time in the Bible and it is human nature to put more emphasis on the written word, Gods word as well as human. It is fiction, it is just a story and it does get people questioning and wondering. If somebody reads this book and goes no further in chasing the truth of Gods word would they do the same without the book. This book like tools can be used for good and bad. If I was a pastor or church leader I could not recommend any book but the Bible. Why then do so many leaders in the church think other things are ok then, like the Superbowl or being rich? This book brings up questions and is more cerebral than faith building.
I’m about a year behind many reading this book, and I loved it. I believed that God was using it to speak to me, and bring to my attention his desire to, above all, live in relationship with me. Wm Young has a God-given talent that he has used to invite people into a healing relationship with God. Not just the popular Jesus, but a a God in three persons, Papa, Son and Spirit. I am a Lutheran pastor and I would class my theology as conservative. While aware of some interesting angles on God in the book, it is nothing to deflect me from the core message of God’s word; that God so loved the world he gave his only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. I believe that Young does a great job of amplifying the message of the Bible; God’s Good News! To a mature Christian, The Shack in no threat. To an unbeliever or a new Christian, it opens up God’s love and grace in a delightful way, and should encourage them to discover more about this marvellous God. To those who comment on the book without reading it – stop! You have no right to critique something of which you know nothing but assumptions. To those who are disturbed by the book; that is understandable, as the message of Jesus is disturbing- foolishness even. But be sure that it is not your skewed western cultural religiosity that makes you judge this book and others. I have worked for years with indigenous people, and I reckon that they would have no trouble getting the portrait of God that Young paints. A novel is just another art form, is it not?
I just read “The Shack” and enjoyed it very much. As a work of fiction, I did not read it to enhance my faith or theology. My theology is solid and my personal relationship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and my daily walk is guided by the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With that said, again, this was a work of fiction with some very probing concepts that are worthy of self-examination. Instead of condemning the author for something he has not done, it would be much more effective if the conversations were turned toward our own lack of love and encouragement and forgiveness of one another. I came away from this book taking a closer look at the way I have responded to God’s love and the way that I have treated and reacted to those around me. I was ashamed to see myself as one who has lived as a judge over others instread of seeing them as God sees them. Do any of those critics have the courage and humility to admit that? And it is my deep sense that those “theologins” who are the loudest critics, should first refrain from judging this book or the author if they have not personally read the book, and then come down off of the high pedistals that they have put themselves on. They are probably made very uncomfortable seeing their religious institutions condemned and their power trips revealed! Thank you Mr. Young for a delightfully written book that reminded me about how much God loves me!
I loved this book. I was raised Catholic and remain grounded in my faith, have read the bible, and I am completely open and interested in all religions. In spite of the fact that Christianity was the religion of choice in this book, what I took away were the overarching themes (goodness, love, having a relationship with God, patience and forgiveness) which are not only themes of Christianity but any religion – even the atheist, in my opinion – and no matter what you conceive God to be. Whatever book I may read -Bible, Torah, The Shack- those are the themes I take away and why I loved this book.
I just finished the Shack and loved it. I am a born again Christian and know the Lord. I also know that the Lord meets you right where you need him every time and that is exactly what I read in the Shack. Sure it is not always accurate with what the bible says, but the message is dead on. God meets you right where you need him through all circumstances. We all know the bible is the only true word of God, but that does not mean the Lord did not use someone else to get his message out and draw other people closer to him who are now reading their bible and going to church. I don’t believe you can be very objective if you haven’t even read the book in its entirety.
I have just finished the book, not because I wanted to read it, I am in a group that is reading it.
This is the message I got from it. Truth does not matter, you can believe anything you want, just believe that God loves you and you will get to heaven.
There was no confession of sin, not asking Christ to save you, no calling out to Him in repentance, so just how is Mack suppose to get to heaven?
I did not find this book to be that great a read and am amazed at how it could touch any life.
To really find out about God’s love read the Bible.
“First, I would challenge you to pray that God would give you discernment as you read it. Second, I would challenge you to spend equal time in your Bible. If you spend 5 hours reading The Shack, then spend 5 hours reading your Bible.”
A little reminder here – the Bible itself is dead letters on the page without the Spirit to give life to it. You need just as much discernment and Spirit with the Bible as with any other writing. Remember, nobody could have faulted the Scribes and Pharisees for their bible knowledge – yet that knowledge helped them conclude that Jesus could NOT be the messiah.
Paul Young, in writing “The Shack”, is reacting, and perhaps OVER-reacting, to an authoritarian view of a God who is ready to smack you at the very slightest wrong turn from his pin-point will. But the overstatement can be the springboard for discussion in the Body of Christ, which is where Young is headed, I think.
There isn’t the slightest hint in the book of “Truth doesn’t matter” – but there is the hint that God may love us through our stumbling. There are real concerns with the book – Mack does not fall at the feet of God when faced with Him at first – but Paul Young is your brother in Christ, and is gracious enough to have the discussion about this if you just ask him.
I dare you.
I agree 100% with the comment left by Jesus..
I grew up in a very religious setting, and I am becoming more and more certain that God is big, he is great, far greater then any of us can imagine or understand. It is quite clear that the writer of this book was deeply hurt by religious “christians” as many are. I believe “christians” are probably more responsible then any other group for keeping people separated from God.. it is a shame. Not only a shame but a sin. I am sick of hearing people tell other people who God is and what he is like, because they know him perfectly, due to all their theological studies and whatever. I believe we all can know God personally, and he might appear slightly different to each one of us, due to the fact that we all have different needs. That does not mean there is not only one true God, but means that God is great, very GREAT! I am afraid the more we become certain of what God is like and then try to force that on others, the more we are putting him in a box.. I am certainly not saying the Bible is not God’s word and completely true, but it was also not written by God, but by people who wanted to describe their relationship with him. I do not believe we can ever come to a full and complete understanding of God by studying the bible alone, each one of us needs that spiritual connection with Him, “knowing him” personally.
I read the book.. and loved it!
I have just finished The Shack. I believe that criticism comes harshly from too many people on this “controversy.” It is OBVIOUS this book is fictional, and yet, the author portrays HIS relationship with God. I myself have felt the presence of God in which He speaks to me. Not as tangibly as the author writes in audible voices, but in my soul. And as I have not read the Bible through and through I have not encountered a place where God is described in image; furthermore, I similarly understand the author’s experiences as an abused child. Afterall, my biological father abused me in every way defined. It was in the guidings of Jesus in my heart that led me to forgive my real father and accept the love of the most important Father. But did I constantly brood over my Bible or sit in pews with hypocrites? No, as time went on I did not. I chose to incorporate God into everything in my life. Not just on Sundays. Not just as a devotional time. Not just when I needed Him most. In this sense, I have a very real, very personal relationship with Jesus. He is my friend and my King all the same. So did William Paul Young commit blasphemy by publishing his portrayal of that very relationship he has with the Lord? I do not believe so, but then again I am not the Lord to judge.
With Blessings to keep an open heart but guarded mind.
to STOLTFUS:
I BELIEVE your comment to be absolutely true.
Don’t you DARE put The Shack and DaVinci Code in the same category.
Wow! This is the first comment in some time on this particular comment thread. From my perspective, I would put The Shack in the same category as The Davinci Code. Both are works of fiction. Both present what I feel are misleading, anti-Biblical views of God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit. My major concern with books of this type is that readers let them influence their view of God, when these books should not be allowed to have that level of authority. As I’ve said before, in the midst of our Biblically illiterate culture, most operate in a theological vacuum and have to build their theology and worldview from somewhere. I feel it’s a shame if that vacuum is filled with the likes of The Shack and The Davinci Code rather than the Bible.
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