Comments on An Open Door Blog: Book Review: "The Shack"

I appreciate your comments. I think we do need to...

2008-12-22T14:42:00.000-06:00

I appreciate your comments. I think we do need to be careful that, when we talk about God, we're being biblically accurate, and not simply projecting onto God the characteristics that makes us feel more comfortable. But at the same time, we can reject truth because it doesn't come in our little prepackaged forms. Your analogy of Jesus and the children is well-chosen.

I enjoyed your review. I want to be certain I alwa...

2008-12-22T12:54:00.000-06:00

I enjoyed your review. I want to be certain I always listen and be willing to be instructed. But there's just something about the reaction to this book that is isn't sitting right with me...Christians suggesting to their congregation not to have unbelievers read it. Themes of "the emergent church", "new age philosphy", etc. It reminds me of another time in history...Jesus stepped into humanity and the people (His own) didn't like the way He came. He breaks all the ground rules and He even uses Balaam's ass to turn around and speak to the man. We have His own written word which tells us of the most magnificent scenes we would have never made up on our own. God even appears as a bush that's on fire. But He appears as a woman named "Papa" in a fiction novel and we have a problem with that. Jesus spills food on the kitchen floor and we find that blasphemous.... What if...really what if...the story actually occurred exactly the way it states...would the theology suddenly be correct? Lately I beginning to think I'm not on slippery slopes of being a closet emergent...I think I'm finally beginning to get why he rebuked the aposltes when the children wanted to jump up in His lap.

John,Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am ...

2008-07-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

John,

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am so glad God used this book to get you through such a devastating time. Let us know if we can help you in any way!

jeffberger@wbchouston.org

I recently lost (5 months ago) lost my wife to can...

2008-07-19T12:04:00.000-05:00

I recently lost (5 months ago) lost my wife to cancer while I was in the hospital recovering from a major heart attack. We have 8 children still at home. Needless to say my life was turned upside down and I definitely was in "a great sadness". A friend gave me this book that gave me a perspective that totally broke the bonds that therapy and grief books could not do. I am so grateful. I do appreciate the insights regarding reading the word and church life because they have been my anchors. That is why I was looking for critiques so I can discerningly recommend it to others. Thanks.

I came across some comments about this book on the...

2008-07-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

I came across some comments about this book on the internet and was wondering what the story was. Thanks for the insight.

Good thoughts, Steve. I totally agree that religi...

2008-07-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

Good thoughts, Steve. I totally agree that religion often gets in the way of relationship with Christ, and that many people have been burned by hyper-religious types. That's been part of my theme in preaching this year: Let's not just be religious; instead let's follow Jesus. Certainly Mr. Young has reason to be suspicious of institutional religion, and I agree that this book will be useful, and healing, to others who have experienced abuse, hypocrisy and legalism from religious leaders or other authority figures.

If I gave the book to such a person, I would want to discuss it with them and get their viewpoint. Again, I think one part of reconciling with God (which is what salvation really is) is reconciling with His Bride, the Church. I wouldn't want a reader of The Shack to miss out on that.

Thank you for your very thoughtful and discerning ...

2008-07-14T10:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your very thoughtful and discerning comments and insights, Jeff. I have read "The Shack" twice, the second time trying to be more observant and reflective.

The portrayals of the Trinity, especially of God, the Father, caught me off guard at first. But I must admit that, as I proceeded, I was deeply stirred and emotionally compelled by the profound, personal, affirming love the members of the Trinity demonstrated for each other, and for Mack, the desperately hurting man. Could such a portrayal of laughter, teasing and affection be appropriate when dealing with God? Even with these questions, I honestly wanted to be there and bask in it with them!

Your criticisms are insightful, Jeff, and quite valid. God has chosen to reveal Himself through His church and His Word. To the extent this novel is intended as "theology" and attempts to build a wholistic framework, these shortcomings are certainly there. But since author Young's own journey of abuse as a child was actually on the mission field, likely at the hand of an active church goer and Scripture quoting person, perhaps Young eventually learned by Grace--and wanted to share--the truth that the failings of those who misuse the institutional church and Scriptures completely misrepresent the loving God of the universe. All such hyprocisy and evil done because of sin in the church do not invalidate the One whose love cannot be measured.

Jesus was harsh on the religious people of his day, for similar reasons, telling the crowds and his disciples, "...you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (Matthew 23:3)

Maybe this novel would also be an encouragement to one who has been discouraged or hurt by church strife or legalism or by any painful event in their life. It was to me. Does it provide a well-rounded, theologically balanced presentation? Absolutely not, as you well point out, Jeff.