Shack Revisited

by C. Baxter Kruger

Millions have found their spiritual hunger satisfied by William P. Young's #1 New York Times bestseller, The Shack--the story of a man lifted from the depths of despair through his life-altering encounter with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Now C. Baxter Kruger's THE SHACK REVISITED guides readers into a deeper understanding of these three persons to help readers have a more profound connection with the core message of The Shack--that God is love.

An early fan of The Shack and a close friend to its author, Kruger shows why the novel has been enthusiastically embraced by so many Christians worldwide. In the words of William P. Young from the foreword to THE SHACK REVISITED, "Baxter Kruger will stun readers with his unique cross of intellectual brilliance and creative genius as he takes them deeper into the wonder, worship, and possibility that is the world of The Shack."

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Johan Haneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book written about a book - it seems to be kind of redundant doesn't it? On the other hand: some books deserve this kind of analysis. Whether they are literary classis, or works with a rich symbolism that can do with being unpacked, especially if this symbolism has come under attack from people who suggest it's unbiblical, as is the case with The Shack. The Shack is no literary classic, it's no Les Miserables, but it is a book that presents in the form of a story an new look at God in his trinitarian nature, Father, Son and Spirit, whose relationships with each other are defined by reckless abandon, respect and unconditional love, and who'se goal with us, his creatures, is to invite us in this life-giving reality, so that in experiencing his love, we will become truly ourselves, our real selves, and love each other like He has loved us. This is the dance of the trinity, or perichoresis, that the church fathers knew, but that we rarely talk about in our churches. Reading The Shack I was nodding because of the succinct way Paul Young words conclusions I can only put in very long sentences and essays, and touched by the love he imbues the image of God with - a God who is 'especially fond' of me. This is the God I encounter when I pray, when I listen, when I look with the eyes of my heart. This is the God that I see reading about Jesus embracing lepers. But it's not the God I hear about in church. THis leads to a disconnect. And then this book is attacked by many on the interent for being unbiblical. Well, I cant say that the image of God the detractors put forward is very enticing to me. I mean, if a human being would be able to make up an image of God that is better and more loving than the real one, it would be a sad, little God we believe in, wouldn't it? No, it must be that God the Father, Son and Spirit are even better than we can imagine. If the good news seems to be too good to be true, it's a sign that you are at least thinking in the right direction (as Greg Boyd is wont to say). I for one recognize in The Shack the trinity in the way I have come to know them, based on the bible and the life of Jesus. So I am happy there is a book that makes these same points in theological language too (complete with bible passages and footnotes), for that is a way of speaking that the detractors may be able to understand and let themselves be challenged by. And I was challenged myself too, for this book is not merely restating what The Shack stated, it is adding to it, pulling thoughts from the bible and theologians in its framework and painting a beautiful picture of the Trinity and the way our lives are teken up in theirs, and changed by our adoption in their community. I was touched reading it, which is Always a good sign. Baxter Kruger uses great quotations (he seems to be a fan of George MacDonald and I can appreciate that. I am touched by MacDonalds images and insights as well), and he also used great personal stories. Like with Paul Young, to Kruger this theology is no impersonal intellectual game, but life changing reality, tangible beauty, a larger story that will transform the world, and thus not to talked about dispassionately or clinically. The only thing that I found distracting was how often Kruger would point to his own earlier writings. I get that he has expanded on some thoughts in those, but it did come over a little selfaggrandizing (not intended, and his writings are great, and self promotion is not inherently wrong, but it rubbed me the wrong way.) In conclusion, I can heartily recommend this volume for people who read the Shack (even people who haven't read it yet) and who would delve a little deeper in the underlying experiental trinitarian theology.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone in my hometown that I've known for years recommended that I read "The Shack," by Wm P. Young, and I am so glad I to have read. A few weeks ago, I noticed this book on store shelves and knew that it was a must read. Dr Kruger does an amazing job explaining the 'story within the story' of "The Shack." This was excellent book by a down-to-earth theologian who brings the understanding of the Trinity. Dr Kruger is a great story-teller and grasps the amazing story of the Trinity and grace that Paul Young wove through his book and is probably one of the best theologians I have red about in sometime. Both Young and Kruger know the "great sadness," which is talked about in some detail with the pages. The same or similar sadness that we all experience as some level and the power of shame that labels us as "not enough" and both know the amazing healing that can happen when we discover the truth of the Father Himself as so much more than a get-out-of-hell-someday escape. If you have read "The Shack," by Wm P. Young, you, must read this too.

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved The Shack then please pick up this book. It's an excellent deep theological dive into the scripture that makes The Shack so powerful.

[Jennifer England · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much. Read it because Wm. Paul Young suggested it. I have read the book The Shack and have the audio book and have listened to it over and over again. I also have the audio of this and intend to listen to it as I drive to and from work.

[Fátima Filipa (Mimodoslivros) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esperava um livro que explora o livro "A cabana " mais profundamente e encontrei um livro que para mim parecia um catecismo sobre a bíblia a falar do Pai, o Filho e o Espírito Santo.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by a down-to-earth theologian who brings the understanding of the Trinity from the Nicene Fathers from behind the museum glass where Western Theology placed it to be a living, breathing, life-giving basis of the Best News ever. Baxter is a great story-teller and grasps the amazing story of the Trinity and grace that Paul Young wove through his book. Both authors know both the "great sadness" that we all experience as some level and the power of shame that labels us as "not enough" and both know the amazing healing that can happen when we discover the truth of the Incarnation and Atonement as so much more than a get-out-of-hell-someday escape.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 I think the title might be misleading, but i can see how they use it to draw people in. Basically, Kruger uses The Shack as a starting point for his discussion of the trinity. He explains his understanding of the doctrine and plugs other books he has written as well as books by others on the subject. Those with an understanding of "God in three persons" won't find anything earth shattering or new I don't think.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in the middle and his story of who God is and who Christ is in my life is amazing. I really enjoy it. I'm in a bible study and we are talking about it each week.. I like that too because some people don't agree or understand things. This week we learned about the author of the shacks' personal life and it was horrific. He is amazing to me that he still believes in Christ...

[B.J. Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but felt it got a little "preachy" at times.

[Oceana GottaReadEmAll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would almost say this is a must read after you read The Shack. It illuminates what’s really going on in terms of theology, faith, and the human condition in The Shack. So good.

[Robin Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to find The Shack Revisited: There Is More Going On Here than You Ever Dared to Dream in my Kindle this week. I ordered the pre- release months ago.

I have enjoyed over 100 hours of Baxter Kruger teachings from Perichoresis Ministries and I wanted more.

When you combine Baxter’s Bible knowledge, wonderful Mississippi accent, deliverance from Calvinist upbringing, love of C.S. Lewis, and insights into the Early Church Fathers–one hundred hours is not nearly enough. I am pleased to say The Shack Revisited delivers. I wish I could give 10 stars1

[T C Netzley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! Maybe a slow starter, especially if you are expecting a novel rather than a treatise, but extremely rewarding! Baxter Kruger makes theology palatable while expounding on the cogs and wheels of The Shack behind the scenes.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read The Shack this is a must read. Baxter breaks down the theological topics that Paul Young shows beautifully in The Shack. Excellent book. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. One that I know I will read again.

[Peg Haldorson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a hard time getting into this...

[Don · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough about The Shack to be a revisit. Kreuger's theology and mine aren't compatible most of the time.

[Constance Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am having trouble keeping my interest.

[Iain Every · Rating 5 out of 5]

The God in The Shack is too good to be true. But it is true, and here's why it's totally O.K. to believe in that God.

[Ida Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect companion to the original book. THE SHACK

[Carla Parreira]

Melhores trechos: "...A cabana jamais pretendeu ser uma teologia “sistemática” ou mais um desses livros pragmáticos que pinçam versículos bíblicos no intuito de converter os descrentes. O livro é ficção, é história. É um conto absolutamente humano que contém o mistério da jornada e do fracasso, da perda e da incerteza, dos desejos e questionamentos profundos e preciosos. É como um arranhão na superfície da religião convencional e da cultura que valoriza sobretudo o desempenho, para ver se por trás de sua aparência obscura pode-se sentir um sopro de vida capaz de atiçar suavemente as brasas da esperança e o desejo de autenticidade... O que aprendemos no inferno é que queremos sair de lá. Aprendemos o desespero pela vida, pela verdadeira salvação, por um Salvador que nos salve aqui e agora, que nos reconcilie, que cure nossa fraqueza e nos livre da vergonha. Necessitamos de algo que funcione... A mente de Mack procura encontrar com todas as forças uma explicação para uma injustiça tão gritante. Porém, a raiva, a acusação e o ressentimento infeccionam as cicatrizes de sua ferida... A dor de Mack é intensa, e essa dor levanta questões profundas que são também nossas. Ele se viu entre o proverbial rochedo de uma tragédia terrível e o duro lugar de um Deus silencioso, para não dizer malvado. E esse duro lugar nos assusta. Mack não tem para onde ir em sua dor. Sua religião é, no mínimo, incapaz. Ele está só, suportando o horror da morte de Missy como um homem sem respostas. Desse modo, a história dentro da história é que A cabana é também a nossa história, a história dos nossos sofrimentos e da nossa cegueira, do Deus que parece ausente, indiferente e impotente nos momentos mais terríveis, e das nossas vidas imersas na vergonha. Mas é também a história da nossa libertação – se assim o quisermos... O Pai, o Filho e o Espírito nos amam em nosso benefício, não para aumentar o número de adeptos, ou porque queiram obter algo de nós. A Santíssima Trindade não necessita de coisa alguma. Ela é uma fonte permanente de amor voltado para o outro... Ao se tornar humano, Jesus não se divorciou de seu Pai, não deixou o Espírito Santo no céu, nem rompeu seu relacionamento com toda a criação. Na própria existência de Jesus, a chocante verdade sobre Deus, sobre a criação e a humanidade está sendo proclamada para todo o cosmos... Suportando nossa hostilidade, Jesus entrou no covil da nossa iniquidade e assim estabeleceu um relacionamento verdadeiro entre a Santíssima Trindade e nós, em nosso distorcido preconceito... É fascinante pensar em Deus 'aprendendo'. Mas, assim como a criação era algo novo para Deus, a encarnação também o foi, bem como viver dentro da nossa escuridão... Ver através dos olhos do outro é o sinal mais forte da intimidade e do relacionamento verdadeiros... Do momento da Criação até o nascimento de Jesus houve a preparação do ventre da encarnação. Em Jesus, o sonho da Santíssima Trindade para a nossa adoção foi realizado dentro da nossa escuridão..."

[Lew Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Christian and need some of the sticky, often contradictory, points of your religion explained to you so that it makes more sense, then the Shack and the Shack Revisited are for you. I am not a Christian, I’m one of those “spiritual but not religious” kind of guys, so I think of the Bible as metaphor. Like poetry. A poem has a deeper, hidden message suggested, but not spelled out, by the story or the words. I don’t take the Bible as literal history so it doesn’t need to make literal sense to me. I think the second coming of Jesus is a metaphor for when I get my act together and start behaving in a totally compassionate, totally loving and totally appropriate way, like Jesus is the example of. When you and I start waking up and behaving more like Jesus, thats the second coming. I loved reading the Shack and the Shack:Revisited. I found both books extremely inspiring. But I feel they’d be even better appreciated by Christians who need to understand that hell is not a place but a painful state of mind. And being willing to forgive even the worst monsters in this world is a must if you want to get out of hell, because they were made into monsters by what they experienced and what they were taught...just as those who made them into monsters were conditioned in the same way going back and back and back in time. Choosing kindness, forgiveness, non-judgement and love is the way out of hell. A criticism? I found the explanation for why Jesus had to die on the cross to be vague, although it was consistent within the narrow beliefs of Christianity. And I would have liked to have seen some of the teachings of the Buddha included and for the books to have been more inclusive of other faiths. Buddha taught that we are all Buddhas to be...same teaching as my understanding of the second coming of Christ. But I think the Shack was written to open the minds of Christians within the framework of traditional Christianity.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Shack quite a while back. I enjoyed the story, it was well written and grabbed at the heart strings. It was not in my opinion, Biblical. Along comes C. Baxter Kruger to make the case that The Shack was Biblical and that the Triune God loves all of us, is working in all of us, and has a relationship with us even if we do not realize it. It talks a lot about sinners, but does not have much to say about hell or eternal damnation.

This hits at the heart of many of my questions regarding faith, being saved, and repentance. It certainly made me feel better, but is it the Truth? I can't answer that, but I note that Baxter is the Director of Perichoresis Ministries, an offshoot or branch of Universalism, described by many as new age heresy. I don't know and suspect I will need to do much more research.

As noted, this book will touch you and make you feel hope of salvation. It is well researched and annotated. I want to believe, but feel that Baxter and Universalism need to answer some hard questions before I can accept this version of the Good News. Still well worth reading!

[Anželika J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Negaliu sakyti, kad patiko, nes ne dėl patikimo skaičiau. Skaičiau tam, kad labiau suprasčiau knygą "Trobelė", kurioje daug ko nesupratau. O pasirodo nesupratau ir krikščionybės iš esmės, tai buvo nušviečianti knyga. Norėjau ją perskaityti, kad suprasčiau "Trobelę", o pratęsiau skaityti, kad suprasčiau krikščionybę. Daug įdomių minčių, kitokio matymo, artimesnis man krikščionybės suvokimas negu tas, kurį mačiau iki šiol. Bet knyga sudėtinga, daug pastraipų, ar ištisų puslapių skaičiau po kelis, jei ne keliolika kartų. Ir tikrai negaliu pasakyti ar iki galo supratau. Panašu į situaciją "Kuo gilyn į mišką, tuo daugiau medžių".
Norint susipažinti kas slypi kituose sloksniuose po "Trobelė" istorija, norint suprasti krikščionybę (bent ankstyvąją) - rekomenduoju.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it took me a long time to finish, I highly recommend reading this book. However, you must read "The Shack" first. He can be long winded at times but his points tied to the triune God are well made and with excerpts from "The Shack" make it well worth it. I loved "The Shack". It opened my eyes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God in ways the Bible could not have done. I hate to say that, but the story told through the eyes of Mack made it more real to me, and then Kruger's explanations tied it with bible verses and theological arguments gave a deeper meaning to the whole body of works.

[Beto · Rating 1 out of 5]

La verdad que este no libro no está nada recomendable. Solo dejo comentarios si los libros están geniales, pero este libro fue tan malo que decidí dejar un resumen rápido para que la gente que este queriendo decidir si leerlo o no se ahorren un poco de su tiempo.

El libro casi no tiene nada que agregar al libro principal de la cabaña (tiene algo pero muy poco, digamos el 5%). el estilo del libro es muy lento, muy seco, y la verdad que de plano aburrido. Se lee el libro como un sermón..

Le dejo una estrella por qué no le sacarás provecho y el hecho de que menciona regreso a "la cabaña" es nada más para atraer un poco del foco de atención de ese libro.

[Kathy Wiese · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book! The author just took his beliefs about Jesus and God and through a bunch of mumble jumble words together on some paper. He wouldn't know biblical truth if it hit him in the face! I do not recommend anyone read this pile of crap!

This book is crap! It is one man's mumble jumble words of what HE believes to be true! Someone who changes the wording of the Bible to making himself feel less of a sinner!

[Agreenwalt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't recommend this book. If read, I think it should only be read by those who are already Christians, have a good understanding of who they are IN CHRIST, and a basic understanding of the heart and motives of William P. Young, the author of THE SHACK. The reason for my non-recommendation is that there are too many statements in the book that could confuse the reader and lead him/her to the idea of "universalism" as being God's standard for salvation which I BELIEVE to be heresy.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing! A great summary of much of Baxter's work and very enjoyable. If you loved the Shack, this will help you dive deeper into the astounding reality to which it parables. Baxter does a great job leading readers into the ancient understanding of the Trinity and humanity's place within it. While tying into several sections of the Shack, the Shack Revisited goes before and beyond to bring fuller context to this life-giving relationship.

[Kevin Spivey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Shack but I was very disappointed in the companion book The Shack Revisited. I liked The Shack because it made me think beyond religion and structure. The Shack Revisited took me right back there. If you are somebody that wished to delve deeper into that side of the equation then this book might be fine for you. I was looking for a continuation of the original books perspectives on God and the real world and it was not there in this book.

[Bob Cooling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting and Confusing

C. Baxter Kruger is a theologian and I place him in the company of C.S. Lewis in this regard.
Even with the need to fully concentrate on Kruger's writing, I found that I did not fully grasp what he was attempting to communicate to less learned Christian believers like me. I was encouraged in my faith by Kruger's conclusions on the salvation offered to humanity with reservation by the Trinity.

[Diane Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The " REAL GOD"

I know there has been many like myself brought up in a church environment, who totally missed the point that everything GOD is and does is filled with goodness and Love. We are loved, cherished, wanted, desired by The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Well, done Mr. Kruger making it all clear.