Comments on: Continued Controversy over The Shack? http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=continued-controversy-over-the-shack Book reviews and other tidbits from Shaun Tabatt (AKA aspiring Bible scholar, Christian home educator, & all around nice guy). Thu, 10 May 2012 01:53:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Diana http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4994 Diana Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:15:50 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4994 I just finished reading The Shack and found it eye opening. I did not agree with the "we are one" thing; I believe God and Jesus are two separate entities of one mission/goal. The portrayal of God as a large black woman was clever and, I believe, meant to help us break free of the stiff dogma dictated to us by the religious leaders whose mission, in my opinion, is power and control. I have been told that the church has done more to stifle spiritual growth than to enhance and grow it. Without a certain level of spirituality mankind will not survive the events of the near future. If anything, it gets you to think for yourself which is a very rare thing these days. God and Jesus are real, this planet and its people are in a whole heap of trouble. We should just strengthen our connection to Him while there is still time before the battle. I don't think the human mind can even conceive the kind of love that God and Jesus have for us but this book is an interesting start. Pick out the "pearls" of wisdom and disregard the rest. Love and Light. I just finished reading The Shack and found it eye opening. I did not agree with the “we are one” thing; I believe God and Jesus are two separate entities of one mission/goal. The portrayal of God as a large black woman was clever and, I believe, meant to help us break free of the stiff dogma dictated to us by the religious leaders whose mission, in my opinion, is power and control. I have been told that the church has done more to stifle spiritual growth than to enhance and grow it. Without a certain level of spirituality mankind will not survive the events of the near future.

If anything, it gets you to think for yourself which is a very rare thing these days. God and Jesus are real, this planet and its people are in a whole heap of trouble. We should just strengthen our connection to Him while there is still time before the battle.

I don’t think the human mind can even conceive the kind of love that God and Jesus have for us but this book is an interesting start. Pick out the “pearls” of wisdom and disregard the rest.
Love and Light.

]]> By: Andrew M http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4799 Andrew M Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:34:14 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4799 Shaun, You previously wrote: '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.' Why are you afraid of reading the book? Is it because it deals with the living and the now, rather than world of the old and the dead that you surround yourself with? If it brings one person closer to God, whatever the issues you have with the dogma, then The Shack has succeeded. And from the many comments written by readers of the book, its success appears to be bountiful. You wrote previously: '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'. A Christian is a Christian. Period. Forget man-made distinctions. Accept that the essential message of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament is one of Unconditional Love and Compassion, and you will understand underlying message of The Shack in it's proper context. Accept that 'religion' is ultimately about your personal relationship with God and how you treat others, and has nothing to do with labels or dogma or theology. It is ultimately about humanity. Shaun,

You previously wrote: ‘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.’

Why are you afraid of reading the book? Is it because it deals with the living and the now, rather than world of the old and the dead that you surround yourself with?

If it brings one person closer to God, whatever the issues you have with the dogma, then The Shack has succeeded. And from the many comments written by readers of the book, its success appears to be bountiful.

You wrote previously: ‘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’.

A Christian is a Christian. Period. Forget man-made distinctions. Accept that the essential message of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament is one of Unconditional Love and Compassion, and you will understand underlying message of The Shack in it’s proper context. Accept that ‘religion’ is ultimately about your personal relationship with God and how you treat others, and has nothing to do with labels or dogma or theology. It is ultimately about humanity.

]]> By: Shaun Tabatt http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4755 Shaun Tabatt Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:12:59 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4755 KT, Thanks for sharing part of your story. I know that many can relate to Mack in the story, but I am still very cautious about <i>The Shack</i> as I've stated numerous times throughout this comment thread. In my opinion there are far better books out there. One fiction book I'd highly recommend on the Christian journey is <i>Pilgrim's Progress</i> by John Bunyan. Also, there are numerous Christian biographies that are beneficial reading as well. I especially like many of the biographies published by <a href="http://www.christianfocus.com/category/show/94/-/t_cbr" rel="nofollow">Christian Focus</a>. KT,
Thanks for sharing part of your story. I know that many can relate to Mack in the story, but I am still very cautious about The Shack as I’ve stated numerous times throughout this comment thread. In my opinion there are far better books out there. One fiction book I’d highly recommend on the Christian journey is Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Also, there are numerous Christian biographies that are beneficial reading as well. I especially like many of the biographies published by Christian Focus.

]]> By: Shaun Tabatt http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4752 Shaun Tabatt Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:05:17 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4752 Nina, I think Christians should be cautious with Harry Potter and Twilight as well. Whether we're willing to admit it or not, the things we watch and read influence us. While I'm sure somebody has made an argument that this entertainment may be permissible, I don't believe it's edifying for the Christian. Nina,

I think Christians should be cautious with Harry Potter and Twilight as well. Whether we’re willing to admit it or not, the things we watch and read influence us. While I’m sure somebody has made an argument that this entertainment may be permissible, I don’t believe it’s edifying for the Christian.

]]> By: nina http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4745 nina Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:57:39 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4745 It amazes me how I know Christians who find harry potter and twilight acceptable. But I read the shack and I'm the one with the problem. It amazes me how I know Christians who find harry potter and twilight acceptable. But I read the shack and I’m the one with the problem.

]]> By: KT http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4728 KT Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:59:59 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4728 Just finished the book. My story: a while back, I was walking the "independent" path from God and had been for a long time. (The Shack wrote about this very well.) Then at my darkest moment, I finally gave up and admitted to God that I needed Him. In an instant I was struck with a light and healed of my pain in such a miraculous way that I know I was touched by God. It absolutely proved to me God does exist and that we do have a personal relationship with Him. Amazing Grace. How exactly? Intellectually I don't know - I just know we do through feeling and faith. As I've been on a journey of attempting to intelligently understand God to the depth that I now am able to feel Him - I realize that every time I read a story in the Bible, I understand it differently according to the phases in my life, according to my current experiences and ability to comprehend a deeper meaning. We can never intellectually know the full and true meaning and technical aspects of God. We are too human. We can feel His Love, and know the peace that comes from a personal relationship with Him. And we can patiently continue on our journey of discovery until the day everything will be revealed. The Shack expresses all of these things marvelously, and in a way that people can relate to. And yet, the Bible is the Truth - and we can hear from all the theologians about who has the exact right understanding as to what that Truth is... and then we can war about it if we want to. Or we can embrace it all and see this controversy as a great way to spark a meaningful conversation about the nuances and differences, and what did that really mean? and what does the Bible say about it? and what did God really intend? ... which guess what - brings us closer in a relationship with each other and God. Why do some of you sound so fearful of a book? God is working His way into our hearts through many means. Thank you to those who raised the concerns out about what is really the Truth... I'll keep that in mind and go back to the Bible for some reading and inspiration and knowledge... and meanwhile I will remember, enjoy and savor the personal connection I felt in that one instant God touched me (fact) - through The Shack - which strung out that instant through an entire weekend with Mack (fiction). Pretty cool the things that make us think, relate, feel and discover... and look to God for more answers. Just finished the book. My story: a while back, I was walking the “independent” path from God and had been for a long time. (The Shack wrote about this very well.) Then at my darkest moment, I finally gave up and admitted to God that I needed Him. In an instant I was struck with a light and healed of my pain in such a miraculous way that I know I was touched by God. It absolutely proved to me God does exist and that we do have a personal relationship with Him. Amazing Grace. How exactly? Intellectually I don’t know – I just know we do through feeling and faith. As I’ve been on a journey of attempting to intelligently understand God to the depth that I now am able to feel Him – I realize that every time I read a story in the Bible, I understand it differently according to the phases in my life, according to my current experiences and ability to comprehend a deeper meaning. We can never intellectually know the full and true meaning and technical aspects of God. We are too human. We can feel His Love, and know the peace that comes from a personal relationship with Him. And we can patiently continue on our journey of discovery until the day everything will be revealed. The Shack expresses all of these things marvelously, and in a way that people can relate to. And yet, the Bible is the Truth – and we can hear from all the theologians about who has the exact right understanding as to what that Truth is… and then we can war about it if we want to. Or we can embrace it all and see this controversy as a great way to spark a meaningful conversation about the nuances and differences, and what did that really mean? and what does the Bible say about it? and what did God really intend? … which guess what – brings us closer in a relationship with each other and God. Why do some of you sound so fearful of a book? God is working His way into our hearts through many means. Thank you to those who raised the concerns out about what is really the Truth… I’ll keep that in mind and go back to the Bible for some reading and inspiration and knowledge… and meanwhile I will remember, enjoy and savor the personal connection I felt in that one instant God touched me (fact) – through The Shack – which strung out that instant through an entire weekend with Mack (fiction). Pretty cool the things that make us think, relate, feel and discover… and look to God for more answers.

]]> By: Al http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4700 Al Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:53:52 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4700 I am about halfway through The Shack at this time, and I will reserve my review until after I'm done. One thing about this forum that I find interesting: Most of the negative comments are from people who haven't even read the book! I am about halfway through The Shack at this time, and I will reserve my review until after I’m done. One thing about this forum that I find interesting: Most of the negative comments are from people who haven’t even read the book!

]]> By: Shaun Tabatt http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4585 Shaun Tabatt Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:35:22 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4585 Mark, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Mark,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

]]> By: Mark Ketchum http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2008/10/28/continued-controversy-over-the-shack/comment-page-2/#comment-4560 Mark Ketchum Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:23:35 +0000 http://biblegeekgonewild.com/?p=723#comment-4560 I read the Shack before any of the controversy. I liked it and it helped me think about God in a different way... a good way... especially the comparison of the bird choosing to walk instead of fly to Jesus choosing to be limited as a natural man. I don't think that Shaun and those who haven't read the book have a leg to stand on in arguing against the book. I would say that no book replaces the Bible, but that this book leads nobody astray. I am reformed (mostly) and have a good foundation in a mature relationship with Christ and reading this book does not fill a vacuum but rather adds to a vast study of God and His Word via the Bible and other authors. If a Christian author writes that Christ only died for the elect and another author writes that Christ died for all of mankind... I don't either one off because I believe they are wrong... maybe "we died" is wrong... but that is not the point of the book. I read the Shack before any of the controversy. I liked it and it helped me think about God in a different way… a good way… especially the comparison of the bird choosing to walk instead of fly to Jesus choosing to be limited as a natural man. I don’t think that Shaun and those who haven’t read the book have a leg to stand on in arguing against the book. I would say that no book replaces the Bible, but that this book leads nobody astray. I am reformed (mostly) and have a good foundation in a mature relationship with Christ and reading this book does not fill a vacuum but rather adds to a vast study of God and His Word via the Bible and other authors. If a Christian author writes that Christ only died for the elect and another author writes that Christ died for all of mankind… I don’t either one off because I believe they are wrong… maybe “we died” is wrong… but that is not the point of the book.

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