Christian Readers discussion

I recently finished The Shack and OH MY GOODNESS!!! This book was WONDERFUL!!! Others' thoughts on it?

Hi, Janine! I couldn't agree more. I absolutely love this book, and only wish there were more books like it available to fans of Christian fiction. I know there's quite the "love/hate" relationship going on with various people about this book, but in my mind, it's fiction, and it's a wonderful story told by a talented author. The message is what gets me. As a published author of inspirational fiction (romance) I think his effort deserves tremendous respect!

I loved it as well. I can see why it might be contraversal but, personally, I thought there were many great insights. Also, it realy made your think.

I haven't read this one yet. My 16 year old harassed me to buy it for her for a while. She read it and thought it was awesome. Then she leant it to a friend. I think we get it back this weekend. Hopefully, I'll finally be able to read it.

The only comment I'd add, further to my earlier rave, is that, IMVHO the reason there's been "controversy" about this book is that people are taking this work --- which is FICTION - and trying to equate it to theology and doctrine. To my mind, one cannot, and should not approach The Shack in this mind-set. It's a story - a wonderful, Christian, REVEALING story - if you open yourself to its message. But do not treat it like the Bible....know what I mean? :-) Hope ya'll enjoy!!!

A very good point Marianne. It is definatly a revealing fiction and not theology or doctrine

I started it a while ago, but life got in the way and i put it down. I also got a little turned off/weirded out (not sure if that is the right way of wording it) around the time he went back to the shack. I guess i kind of lost interest, but i have heard nothing but Really Great things about the book!

I agree Marianne. It was recommended by a colleague who is also an avid reader. When she recommended she added the, "DISCLAIMER: REMEMBER, IT IS ONLY FICTION." LOL. It did make me think and to deeply reflect, but I think that only adds to the greatness of the book.
Melissa: Hoep you pick it up and finish. It is truly wonderful.

Personally, I found that this book is the product of poor teaching in the church. The picture of God is shallow but heart-warming. This book does not purport to teach anything about God, but it is a snapshot of William P. Young's understanding of God. He is very wrong for many reasons which you can probably find in a quick Google search.

It is only fiction, yes. However, fiction only relays ideas through storytelling. In this book, Young conveys his theology, his values, and the rest of his worldview to the reader, and the reader will inevitably, inadvertently, and unwittingly receive those ideas and adopt them as his own, thinking that no change has occurred.

Also, if the story itself doesn't give a reader pause, look at the other teachings of the author. He does not like the church as an institution. Though institutions are made by men, Young doesn't seem to understand that the church is an institution created by God, starting with when Jesus taught and commanded his disciples to establish his kingdom on earth.

I don't wish to pour out the haterade, but I only want to offer a critical, antithetical argument about a book which caused so much trouble in my own understanding of God about a year ago.

I was really curious about this book so I read it. I liked some things about it. I think the whole idea about forgiveness and mercy is good. God is about love and forgiveness. I don't think those messages are a bad thing.

When we read the Bible there is a warning to teachers to not lead people astray. As an aspiring author, they stress the same thing about theological issues. Now ~ there are many things that people of faith disagree about ... However, the main things need to be right and I think this book crosses the line and enters into areas that can lead people into believing wrong things about God.

Every author is trying to tell you something ~ even if the book is fiction. They have a message they want to come across. If the main message is about God - then the message should be based on the Bible and be theologically sound.

I felt uncomfortable with what The Shack was saying - and I am not a big theological person. I'm a pretty plain-spoken person.

Like I said ~ I don't think it was all bad, some of it was very good and very appealing. I think that is what scares me the most. The very "good-ness" about the message is drawing a lot of attention from people who may not have a lot of Biblical knowledge to help them combat the places where the book goes astray. So they may believe things about God that just aren't true. That is what I think is irresponsible and scary.

I agree with Devin. Please be careful to only read this for entertainment and with discernment.

Lori wrote: "Personally, the book helped me better understand the relationship of the Trinity."

No, it didn't. "The Shack" helped you understand modalism, a heresy.

Please read my (God's) new book release without controversy "CONCERNED BUT NOT CONSUMED" It just shows how a Christian or nonbeliever can "overcome' ANY challenge in life with a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with GOD! Lori, it also touches lightly on the Trinity
more assumption than specific. I'm new to Goodreads & this group/posting. So I hope & pray this helps someone. Thanks.

Bro Ron Sanders
http://www.concernednotconsumed.com

Oh, I apologize, I just learned the topic here is the book, SHACK please disregard my previous post.

God bless & be well,
Bro Ron Sanders

Lori wrote: "I was flying from London to Kenya on a mission trip when a teammate gave me this book to read. I was hooked from the very beginning. Two of the ministers with us on the team told us that there wa..."

See that's the thing - in one sentence you're saying that it's fiction ~ and not truth, so we shouldn't be concerned about whether or not the theology is correct and the next you're saying that the book informed your view on the Trinity. That is why a lot of people are upset. You can't write Christian fiction without considering theology and making that accurate. People who don't know the truth will accept what you are sharing as the truth. So, even in fiction, we have a responsibility to not misrepresent the main points of doctrine at least.

There are always going to be areas that people disagree on - but I think that if you believe strongly about one of those - you shouldn't write a book that claims something different. I also don't think you should suggest a book to someone else (especially if they are a non-believer or not a very strong one) if that book doesn't represent the truth about God.

Pilot said, "What is truth?"

Well, I've been chasing an understanding of the Trinity most of my adult life and have yet to completely understand it. I've talked to a large number of ministers and am still not comfortable with my understanding.

Now, if someone says s/he completely understands the Trinity, s/he's one of three things: blessed beyond measure, deluded, or a liar. So, if you're not one of the "blessed", be careful about throwing around the "heresy" label. Yesterday's "heresy" is, in many cases, today's "truth" (yes, Virginia, the world is indeed round).

Hopefully, I'll KNOW some day (and at my age it may be in just a few years). Until then, I'll continue to seek.

Now, to our particular problem. Fiction involving religion is sometimes flawed and sometimes right on. I've written fiction that contains flawed theologically and I say so in the introduction. But some non-fiction books are also flawed.

The lesson: ALWAYS engage your mental filters when reading ANYTHING (with the possible exception of a reliable translation of the Bible); make sure your own theology is sound before you read something you know is theologically wrong (like the Qur'an or something from a Gnostic group); and use care when suggesting books to new or non - believers.

But, as long as you stay alert, go ahead and enjoy the fiction, just keep in mind that anything not directly from the Bible may be just "fiction".

I actually enjoyed this book--for the most part. I took nothing more than the message about love and forgiveness from the book. I do not look to this book for biblical doctrine or for understandings of theology because if I did, I would be more lost after reading the book than I would have been before. Like some of the previous posts have mentioned, it is important to use discernment when reading books on theology, even those that claim to be "non-fiction". I felt that the author did a good job in illustrating the importance of loving others and forgiving others as well as yourself so I choose to take that from the book.

This is an outstanding book, and actualy I went back and read it the second time. I have had a hard time trying to understand how God could let little children suffer abuse and even murder. This book helped me understand more fully that God is all seeing and is able to use evil for good.

Devin wrote: "No, it didn't. "The Shack" helped you understand modalism, a heresy."

Have you read the book? I have, and it's certainly *not* modalism. Don't be afraid, though, I won't try to convince you.

Pat W. wrote: "I agree with Devin. Please be careful to only read this for entertainment and with discernment."

Amen Pat W. and so right on Margaret. I am sure God would commend both of your stands. Even the elect will be deceived in the last days.and when he (Jesus) returns shall he find faith on the earth. Scarey. anything is subject to discernment or we will suffer these consequences.

I also read The Shack and agree, that when reading the book, you must remember that this is a piece of fiction. I enjoyed the book because it does get you to reflect on what you believe as a Christian and why you believe that way. It gets you to understanding what your beliefs are and not just merely following a denomination because this your family tradition.

Devin, another thing: "the reader will inevitably, inadvertently, and unwittingly receive those ideas and adopt them as his own,"

So, you think the book has magical powers? Powers stronger than the Spirit? If you don't, then you're spouting B.S. If you do... well, we all should pray for you.

Which is it?

On general terms: it's not perfect (neither as a work of literature nor "theologically"). But it's still great.

And the critiques here and elsewhere... they reek. Of a wrong image of God. Of "but you have to learn about God". No. You have to *know* God. That's different. He's not called the Living God for nothing. "Theology". B.S. You don't study God, just as you don't study your friends, or your spouse, or your kids. You get to know them, talk with (and not just to) them. Same with God. It's a relationship thing (yes, the Shack says that too, and it's true, and the Bible says the same thing!)

What is written? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and all thy mind." "love". Not "study".

Jürgen A. wrote: "On general terms: it's not perfect (neither as a work of literature nor "theologically"). But it's still great.

And the critiques here and elsewhere... they reek. Of a wrong image of God. Of "b..."

You made a mistake when you opened it up to what is written in the Bible. According to the Bible, God wants us to study it - and that's because it not only reveals His will - but who He is. Read the first chapter of John. It's too long for me to quote here -- but it describes in detail how Jesus is the Word of God.

Then you have Scriptures like Acts 17:11 "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." They didn't just accept what they were told or even what they were experiencing, they studied the Scriptures to see if it was true. Feelings and people can mislead you, the Bible is a trustworthy source of who God is and what He wants.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

It is a relationship. I would go so far to say that in any great relationship (with staying power) you do study the other person. What they like and dislike, what would make them happiest and what things make them angry. You learn what hobbies they enjoy so you don't drag them to the ballet when they'd rather be at a baseball game. Getting to know them and observing them is a kind of study. Since the best source of trustworthy material which God has given us as a guide to follow is the Bible, I think it only makes sense to study that.

I know I said it already, but people's ideas and feelings about God change. He doesn't. Since we can't trust those feelings 100%, it only makes sense to hold them up against the guidebook He left us that has stood the test of time and has been proven to be accurate and reliable even more so lately by the dead sea scrolls.

Yes, love God - but don't neglect study. He gave us the Bible and our minds so we could not be carried away by every new philosophy and teaching, but be anchored by the truth.

Mistake. No. I just made a mistake thinking one would actually respond. Instead of responding to what I wrote, you quote bible verses back at me.
Verses that don't mean what you think they mean (or have been taught, rather). "they studied the Scriptures". Tell me, Margaret, what Scriptures did they study?
Oh, and the bible... the bible we know is never mentioned in itself (which answers the questions, by the way). And he didn't give it to us, we made it.
So why do I quote it, if I (as you probably think) don't believe it's "God's Word"? Well, I think God put a lot of truth in it. The essentials are pure and undiluted. But it's not perfect, because in this world (the fallen one, after Adam & Eve were thrown out of Eden), only one "thing" was (and still is, of course) perfect: Jesus. Anything man-made cannot be.
And he gave us the Holy Spirit so we wouldn't need the Bible as a crutch to rely on.

I just posted a review of this book on my blog. Check it out!
http://randominteruptions.blogspot.com/

Sorry I know I am joining this a little late. I did read the book & I liked it. I did not think it was a great book. I can definitely see how someone new to the faith & to God's teaching might not want to read it. I don't think I'd encourage anyone young in faith to read it. I did bring some positive insight away from the book. However I have been saved for 38 years & I know very well what I have been taught & what I believe (though this has changed over the years).

What I am curious about though, is Jurgen. I agree with what you said about a relationship with God. But I also think I get to know Him better as I study God's word. I wouldn't even know Him without the word. Are you saying you don't believe God's word? Are you saying The Bible isn't even God's word? If so how did you come to Faith in Jesus Christ?

I liked the book. I had a hard time at the beginning, being a mom and all. It was rough to read and for me these type of topics can hit home as a parent.

I thought it was odd to change from the woman to a man but I understood the "idea" of it. I felt that it gave insight to how God can be what we need at different times in our life.

God is our comforter, provider, shelter, etc., etc. He is so many things to so many people. How God reaches out to us and draws us back in.

Just a great book! Loved it.Read before I was in high school.Understood some of it but a really great book!

I enjoyed the Shack. Theologically it was all over the place. But it sure was fun. I doubt I will ever read it again.

Jurgen quote:
"And he gave us the Holy Spirit so we wouldn't need the Bible as a crutch to rely on."

Wow. You might want to look into that theologically. Kind of dangerous. So who's version of the Holy Spirit do you discern? I'll stick with the word of God. Just like Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan in Matthew 4. And many other times throughout the Gospels.

It has been a long time since I read this book. Is the book where Jesus is depicted as a rainbow (all ethnicity/color)? I can't remember if it was this book or another one I read.

I bought this book for my mom which I now regret. I was adviced against reading this book because it does not stick to the true Word of God. I refuse to read anything that has a twisted theology.

I think the book is okay and fun. There's just alot of issues it doesn't deal with. But the basics of compassion, faith and forgiveness are there. It just ignores the absolute justice of God.
But I don't think it will lead anyone astray.

The book left me desiring a close relationship with the Trinity. So that's a great thing.

The Spirit of Truth will never direct you away from the Word of Truth into heresies such as modalism. There is plenty of good fiction out there. Try Lewis and Tolkien for starters. Jesus never said: be ye transfigured by the removal of your minds.

I hear ya Troy. No one should get absolute truth from any non-biblical writer - even Lewis.

Here's a thought: is there any theologian or story teller who has ever gotten everything perfect? I don't think so. Even Luther, Calvin, Augustine, Sproul, MacArthur, and Piper most likely have a few things wrong.

If the Shack causes anyone to go down the wrong path theologically then shame on them: we should never get our theology from storytellers.
I do enjoy a good story.

(same as we should never get our wisdom or morality from Rockstars or Politicians.) :D

We all have our favorite teachers and its real easy to idolize them so I think its good to remember that commentaries are just commentaries. Paul Washer, as much as he loves the Puritans, admits that there's something infinitely qualitatively different when you go from reading John Owen to the apostle Paul. Augustine had alot wrong about the church and Luther and Calvin had alot wrong when it came to politics, but we can still learn much from them.

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Troy wrote: "The Spirit of Truth will never direct you away from the Word of Truth into heresies such as modalism. There is plenty of good fiction out there. Try Lewis and Tolkien for starters. Jesus never said..." Well said.

Seriously Jason. That's embarrassing. Get a life!

And go read some books while your at it. :D

i loved it. iot expressed how much God loves us and cares for us

I know that is seems like people don't get their theology from fiction, but we really do. Most Christians in the US will read piles of Christian books before reading even one book of the Bible. That is why we as authors need to be diligent. Our seemingly small choices can have big impacts in the lives of others.

We are, whether we like it or not, teachers. Even in fiction.

Well said, Chris.

I was given it as a Christmas gift so I felt obliged to read it. The more I got into it, the more uncomfortable I felt. I did not feel I could continue more than half way through.

I would not like to see this book in the hands of new Christians.

Terrible Theology. The book, "Burning Down the Shack" helps one to understand why The Shack is not a good, nor helpful book, for one who wants to truly know the God of Scripture.

Was the Shack supposed to be a thorough doctrinal masterpiece? Narnia? Veggie tales? Prodigal Son? Fast & Furious part 6? Wittenberg Door?

It really doesn't matter what an artist or author intends their work to be. It matters much more that it is, since the author won't be standing there to explain it to you.

Parables, whether we like it or not, confuse people. The disciples and Jesus acknowledge that in Matt 13. It can be argued that Jesus spoke in parables so that those with knowledge would get more and those without would get confused. Hence why Christians get the messianic symbolism of Narnia while non-Christians just see it as a nice story.

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Marianne wrote: "Hi, Janine! I couldn't agree more. I absolutely love this book, and only wish there were more books like it available to fans of Christian fiction. I know there's quite the "love/hate" relationship..."

Sounds like quite the read!

Parables, whether we like it or not, confuse people. The disciples and Jesus acknowledge that in Matt 13. It can be argued that Jesus spoke in parables so that those with knowledge would get more and those without would get confused. Hence why Christians get the messianic symbolism of Narnia while non-Christians just see it as a nice story.

Well said, Chris.