Anyone Read THE SHACK?

[Virginia (Ginny) Smith]

Several writing friends recommended a book called THE SHACK recently. One even offered to send me a copy if I'd promise to read it. So I did. Talk about 'edgy.' It's a self-published book about a father whose child is abducted and killed in a horrible way in an old run-down shack. A couple of years later the guy gets a note from God in the mail saying, "Meet me at the shack this weekend."

I was told this book was going to 'redefine the way you think about God.' Okay, so I admit -- I don't want my definition of God redefined. And the book did not do that. But it did present some ... interesting ideas. There was one section that I really did take offense to, but other than that the author merely offered some interesting (and sometimes compelling) explanations of the nature of God, the Trinity, Love, and Forgiveness.

Generally, though, I just kept thinking throughout the book, "Gosh, this guy's story could have really benefitted from a good editor." (Sorry if the writer reads this!) I won't recommend the book to others for several reasons, but I do have to admit that it has stayed on my mind since I finished it, and I find myself wanting to talk about it.

So... anybody else read it? Anybody care to offer an opinion?

[L. D: Wenzel]

Thanks Tom for writing this.
I think you captured the essence of why this book has captured the imaginations of so many readers. If you read the reviews in mags like ChristianityToday, those who are attacking it are the guardians of evangelical power who don't like nobodies like William P Young to bypass them and rock the evangelical world with a new perspective. Another contribution to this forum correctly pointed out that Young's so called wrong theology is very similar to things CS Lewis has said in his books (which we so conveniantly overlook).

To try to diminish this work for its craftmenship or its imagery is to miss the point and I think you have pointed this out very well. It is also smug to diminish readers by saying they just want to feel good and have nothing deeper than that. For whatever faults this book might have it touch a heart chord that goes beyond the conventional level that most of us are writing. If I am anything, I am envious and wish I could do the same thing in my writing. If there were ever an edgy Christian book, this is the one. My hope is that Young has shown the publishing world that writing creative Christian lit is profitable. I hope he opens the door for others who have not had his publishing success. We Christian writers should be celebrating this. (By the way, Marcus Harrison wrote The Memoirs of Christ.)

[Valerie Anne Faulkner]

I read “The Shack” and totally enjoyed the story. I am a woman of faith and found it quite well written, (only a very few places dragged out.) I found most of it, entertaining and enlightening. My personal opinion was that the story, brought some humor and reality to the subject we call faith. Having never questioned my faith...I sometimes can’t understand why people have difficulty believing in something that is so extraordinary. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.

As far as the author goes, I think he was trying to make God...a little more ‘human’ so that people could relate. Especially those who feel He is too big or too far away to reach.

I accepted Young’s story as a fictitious endeavor...yet a unique approach to ultimately ...get the good news out. The good news being, God is real...He hears us, and knows us...and loves us!

Last... I am self published, and honestly feel, that Young has just proven...one can beat the odds. With the best marketing, a good story, and ‘luck’ he’s shown the world that it can be done! (I too have a dream!)
:)

[JACKIE Layton]

I read it because my teenage son wanted to read it. If I'm not sure about something dealing with God I like to read it first. So at first the gender thing threw me a little. But I kept reading and was glad I did. It got my approval to let my teen
read it.

[Verlina Adame]

I have read The Shack. I had my husband read it too.
It was for sure an edgy book. The gender thing did through me for a loop. It was a hard thing to take in.
I did recommend this to friends. I'd re-read it again too.

[Lee Smith]

I really didn't know what all the fuss was about and picked up a copy of the book. I didn't think the writing was terrible, but then it is my understanding that the book has been picked up by a publisher ~ so I may have seen an edited copy.

I didn't agree with the all roads lead to God theology. That's the message I got when I read that conversation. I discussed it with a friend of mine. It was not something I was comfortable with at all. God being female didn't "bother" me. I didn't think it was particularly original - but it was explained in a way that made some sense. Later God was male ~ and as "Papa" explained, God isn't truly bound by a body at all, male or female. The bodies were there for his "benefit" (except for Jesus - who remains fully human) and they chose what they thought would most make him (Mack) comfortable and still represent who they were.

I did like and appreciate the ideas put forth about forgiveness and how it is supposed to be about a relationship with God not a "religion." I'm not saying we aren't supposed to go through Christ or that I don't believe in the Bible - but I believe the Bible talks over and over again (especially in the New Testament) about how God is concerned about our heart - and the whole idea seems to be about restoring the relationship He once had with Adam. Perfect harmony and the ability to "hang-out" together in the garden without sin getting in the way. We try to make up a list of rules - but those rules don't make us good enough - it's God's love in us - His grace, His mercy and what Jesus did on the cross. That's what makes us fit for heaven and able to be in God's presence.

Anyway, I don't think the book is sound theology, and it didn't change my view on God. I can see why people are drawn to it though. There is something special about the thought of God coming to us, sharing just what we need, when we need it and understanding who we are ~ weaknesses and all. We get judged so often. The church is sometimes the worst critic.

I wouldn't pass the book on to others, but I thought I'd share my two cents since you all were talking about it.