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The Shack by William P Young (2007, Paperback)
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Author: William P Young
Publisher: Windblown Media
Publication Date: 2007-05-01
Language: English
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0964729237
ISBN-13: 9780964729230
Product ID: EPID65613138
Description: Written by the son of missionaries for his own children, THE SHACK has become an unforeseen bestseller. Riding a wave of both rapturous word-of-mouth praise and sharp criticism, it has become a significant novel in the Christian communi...
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The Shack by William P Young is life changing!
) 
66 of 70 people found this review helpful.
Although this book is fiction, you would never know it. It has totally changed the way I view everyday life. I think of things in the book constantly, and can tell you I believe God blessed William Young in the writing of The Shack. What an amazing mind to write so beautifully about what we all imagine. It is a fairly short read, and a very easy read. It is a book I have purchased several extra copies of and have given as gifts. If you think you want to view God in a more vivid way-READ THIS BOOK!!!!
Review ID: 10000000006023591
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) 56 of 60 people found this review helpful.
I could NOT read this in a single day or just a few sittings-I found myself having to 'come up for air' to process what I was reading!
What I read did not hurt my religious pride,but rather,confirmed an evergrowing suspicion that we are not looking at life's disappointments from God's point of view,but from man's well-intentioned,but manipulative view.
It is fact that the more we are hurt,the more we want to control situations surrounding us so that we won't have to suffer hurt again. Man has been walking this earth with deep emotional wounds for so long that we have,for the most part,evolved into a mass of manipulators-all in an effort to fend off pain.
Man has grown to believe that power protects from pain. This is the real reason behind our power hunger. We don't trust God because sometimes,He lets us hurt.In not trusting Him, we trust the next best thing,ourselves.
This story is about TRUSTING GOD to take us through even the very deepest of despair & pain. Pain so dark, we cannot possibly see through it-get throuth it, alone.
It's about letting go of who we've decided He is & the limitations we've come to believe He has.
It's about letting go of lies.
It's about seeing His love, more from HIS end of it,and understanding-KNOWING that He loves us.
It doesn't try too hard to teach us how MUCH we're loved-how useless such an attempt would be! For if HE loves us at all,(and He does, but in our heart of hearts we don't really KNOW or BELIEVE it),then the 'how much' isn't the point. There are no levels of love in God, He's GOD, and what we would consider to be a mere ounce of His love is enough to gain our trust through Eternity. The point is in the KNOWING He means His Love for ME. It comes in understanding that I, yes I, am ESPECIALLY dear to Him. It comes from understanding that those I may consider to be the 'worst of the worst' are ESPECIALLY dear to Him. Really and truly and ESPECIALLY dear to Him!
A life-changing exchange takes place in a cave in this story. You don't want to miss this part. You will understand that where you unconsciously thought you want to be God, to make decisions the way you see fit...Well, you will come out on the other side knowing you really do NOT want to be God-not even in the smallest things.
I think you will understand and want more of forgiveness. Not so much for yourself, although that's certainly covered...but for others.
You will see Heaven differently and if you're anything at all like me, your heart and spirit will vibrate with the rightness of what is proposed...and perhaps more than ever, you will look ever so forward to Heaven!
This book, it's brilliant style, brilliant descriptions and bold statements...it is NOT an offense to Christianity! Rather, it is a joy and offers profound hope that we can truly do all things, forgive all things, and happily obey all things He asks of us.
We can, because we KNOW He loves us-I can because I understand 'us' to be 'me'.
Did I know this before? I did. I am not a stranger to God's Word. It was His Word that first convinced me.But this book with its simple language & heart-rending story line-It can bring the Non-Believer to a place where he will want to believe & create a bridge to God's Word & God's World.
As well, it reminds the long-standing Believer of why he believed in the first place, renews the freshness of those first moments of giving over heart & trust, and for some of us,challenges rigid, man-made, religious thinking.
What I read did not hurt my religious pride,but rather,confirmed an evergrowing suspicion that we are not looking at life's disappointments from God's point of view,but from man's well-intentioned,but manipulative view.
It is fact that the more we are hurt,the more we want to control situations surrounding us so that we won't have to suffer hurt again. Man has been walking this earth with deep emotional wounds for so long that we have,for the most part,evolved into a mass of manipulators-all in an effort to fend off pain.
Man has grown to believe that power protects from pain. This is the real reason behind our power hunger. We don't trust God because sometimes,He lets us hurt.In not trusting Him, we trust the next best thing,ourselves.
This story is about TRUSTING GOD to take us through even the very deepest of despair & pain. Pain so dark, we cannot possibly see through it-get throuth it, alone.
It's about letting go of who we've decided He is & the limitations we've come to believe He has.
It's about letting go of lies.
It's about seeing His love, more from HIS end of it,and understanding-KNOWING that He loves us.
It doesn't try too hard to teach us how MUCH we're loved-how useless such an attempt would be! For if HE loves us at all,(and He does, but in our heart of hearts we don't really KNOW or BELIEVE it),then the 'how much' isn't the point. There are no levels of love in God, He's GOD, and what we would consider to be a mere ounce of His love is enough to gain our trust through Eternity. The point is in the KNOWING He means His Love for ME. It comes in understanding that I, yes I, am ESPECIALLY dear to Him. It comes from understanding that those I may consider to be the 'worst of the worst' are ESPECIALLY dear to Him. Really and truly and ESPECIALLY dear to Him!
A life-changing exchange takes place in a cave in this story. You don't want to miss this part. You will understand that where you unconsciously thought you want to be God, to make decisions the way you see fit...Well, you will come out on the other side knowing you really do NOT want to be God-not even in the smallest things.
I think you will understand and want more of forgiveness. Not so much for yourself, although that's certainly covered...but for others.
You will see Heaven differently and if you're anything at all like me, your heart and spirit will vibrate with the rightness of what is proposed...and perhaps more than ever, you will look ever so forward to Heaven!
This book, it's brilliant style, brilliant descriptions and bold statements...it is NOT an offense to Christianity! Rather, it is a joy and offers profound hope that we can truly do all things, forgive all things, and happily obey all things He asks of us.
We can, because we KNOW He loves us-I can because I understand 'us' to be 'me'.
Did I know this before? I did. I am not a stranger to God's Word. It was His Word that first convinced me.But this book with its simple language & heart-rending story line-It can bring the Non-Believer to a place where he will want to believe & create a bridge to God's Word & God's World.
As well, it reminds the long-standing Believer of why he believed in the first place, renews the freshness of those first moments of giving over heart & trust, and for some of us,challenges rigid, man-made, religious thinking.
Review ID: 10000000008109184
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The ShackReview created: 07/25/08
by:
25 of 27 people found this review helpful.
Anyone who is wondering if Christianity is for them should read this book. I loved the unique way the author portrayed the Holy Trinity. He wrote in a way that speaks to both seekers of faith and to those of us who enjoy a close spiritual walk with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I had read a borrowed copy but after I returned it, I realized I had to have my own copy to read again. The first reading is for the story, but the second reading will be more of a worship experience.
Review ID: 10000000008076355
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The ShackReview created: 07/25/08
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22 of 24 people found this review helpful.
This book is aimed at the heart, and I notice that a lot of negative criticism seems to be coming from people who have a difficult time understanding the difference between heart-level teaching about the nature of our Father and his love for us, and fire-and-brimstone preaching that is geared to creating the "cowering Christian syndrome."
If you are looking for a teacherly doctrinal treatise containing a lot of pulpit pounding that is designed to instill fear and foreboding, this book will be a disappointment. If you are needing a look into the heart and mind of God, and a revealing of how God wants humankind to view the unspeakable evils that happen here in this present evil age, then this book will definitely be of great value to the reader. This book is for the Big Picture thinker, and, if you are not presently one of those, this book will definitely help you to become one.
Contrary to what some have said, the book is not doctrinally dangerous, or even grossly inaccurate. Just because the author does not choose to address every issue of doctrine in one fictional piece does not mean that it is without value and merit, or that it is somehow misleading and dangerous. In fact, many of the doctrinal stances that the critics that I have read allude to are not shared by all other theologians and students of the Bible. They are debatable, and for good reason. Many are more able, for some reason, to see God as more ready, even eager, to judge and condemn, than they are able to see him ready to comfort and forgive. God is love first and foremost, and even God's judgement is driven by love, not the other way around. This book shows the reality of that doctrinally sound fact.
Many will also be offended and angered at the author for expressing the truth, in his novel, that God can choose to manifest himself in any way and in any place and manner that he so desires. They won't like the way God is depicted as showing himself to the protagonist. Some will be taken aback by the fact that God actually sees the "Big Picture" viewpoint when it comes to heinous crimes, and some will be offended that God's willingness to completely forgive can actually reach as far as it does, to the very perpetrator of these crimes.
If you are brave enough to lay aside some of your previous biases and prejudices and doctrinal assumptions, and read, and finish, this book, you may be blessed with a new understanding that touches and changes not only your intellect, but also has the ability to reach into the depths of your heart and produce healing and needed change there, also.
If you are looking for a teacherly doctrinal treatise containing a lot of pulpit pounding that is designed to instill fear and foreboding, this book will be a disappointment. If you are needing a look into the heart and mind of God, and a revealing of how God wants humankind to view the unspeakable evils that happen here in this present evil age, then this book will definitely be of great value to the reader. This book is for the Big Picture thinker, and, if you are not presently one of those, this book will definitely help you to become one.
Contrary to what some have said, the book is not doctrinally dangerous, or even grossly inaccurate. Just because the author does not choose to address every issue of doctrine in one fictional piece does not mean that it is without value and merit, or that it is somehow misleading and dangerous. In fact, many of the doctrinal stances that the critics that I have read allude to are not shared by all other theologians and students of the Bible. They are debatable, and for good reason. Many are more able, for some reason, to see God as more ready, even eager, to judge and condemn, than they are able to see him ready to comfort and forgive. God is love first and foremost, and even God's judgement is driven by love, not the other way around. This book shows the reality of that doctrinally sound fact.
Many will also be offended and angered at the author for expressing the truth, in his novel, that God can choose to manifest himself in any way and in any place and manner that he so desires. They won't like the way God is depicted as showing himself to the protagonist. Some will be taken aback by the fact that God actually sees the "Big Picture" viewpoint when it comes to heinous crimes, and some will be offended that God's willingness to completely forgive can actually reach as far as it does, to the very perpetrator of these crimes.
If you are brave enough to lay aside some of your previous biases and prejudices and doctrinal assumptions, and read, and finish, this book, you may be blessed with a new understanding that touches and changes not only your intellect, but also has the ability to reach into the depths of your heart and produce healing and needed change there, also.
Review ID: 10000000008082053
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Try to remember that this is a fiction novelReview created: 07/09/08
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) 13 of 13 people found this review helpful.
I loved the way the characters were portrayed. This book helped me let God out of the box that I had him in, even though I didn't know I had him in one. This goes so much deeper than just the story. God was a woman when Mack needed tender loving care and then was a man when he needed strength. Look beyond the story line and you will be amazed. Enjoy!
Review ID: 10000000007905583
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An Interesting Look at the Complex Questions of LifeReview created: 12/16/08
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8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
William Young's novel, The Shack, centers on dialogues between a miserable main character, Mack, and three unorthodox characterizations of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, embodied in a sassy black woman, incongruously called "Papa," ; Jesus, a big-nosed Middle-Eastern carpenter with a close-cropped beard; and the Holy Spirit, called Sarayu, an Asian Sylph. Mack's three year accumulation of secrets, lies, pain and fears over the kidnapping and murder of his six-year-old daughter, Missy, are swept away in a 48-hour encounter in the woods at- you guessed it- the shack where she was killed.
Readers views of The Shack, and its message, are varied and, at times, contentious.
Some critics argue that Young's book promotes universal salvation; as free to anyone as an open bar at a party. They understand his book to say that people can discover Jesus' love inside themselves, turn their life over to him, and they are on their way to eternal bliss. Some hard-line fundamentalist Christians view The Shack's message as deeply subversive, scripturally incorrect, and downright dangerous. Some ministers, like Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, say "it misrepresents God. Young misses the big E on the eye chart." To Driscoll, doctrine is essential, like a fence the Almighty erects to safeguard the saved from error.
But the Shack also has fans. Many readers say that they have found solace and inspiration in The Shack. They overlook the clichés- "Religious machinery can chew up people," Jesus says at one point-, stereotypes, like the Jewish Jesus' big nose, and Young's awkward writing: the black female God tells Mack, "Don't just stand there gawkin' with your mouth open like your pants are full." Steve McVey of Tampa, author of Grace Walk, praises The Shack. McVey says Young connects with people outside of, or unhappy with, institutional churches that "tell us what we ought to do for God, while grace focuses on what God has already done. A person discovers grace when you come to the end of your own self-sufficiency and realize that you have been made acceptable through Jesus Christ and him alone. You can't score points with God."
According to Young, the book is a vision of joy, however far it strays from evangelical dogma. He says he clarified the focus of his narrative by ripping out pages of theological jargon. The author posits that he has "a lot of freedom by knowing that you really experience God in relationships, wherever you are. It's fluid and dynamic, not cemented into an institution with a concrete foundation."
Before posting this review, I spoke to a number of people who had read The Shack and, to a person, they all found the "Dallas"/"Bob Newhart Show" swoon ending confusing. If Young's goal was to present a parable for our times, why have the novel end with a question?
For me, the book started off with a concept that was quite interesting and then devolved into exactly what a reader might expect from a religious writer trying to gain an audience. The Shack is a fast read and certainly inspirational in its own way, but not among the short-list of books that I would want to carry to a deserted island.
Readers views of The Shack, and its message, are varied and, at times, contentious.
Some critics argue that Young's book promotes universal salvation; as free to anyone as an open bar at a party. They understand his book to say that people can discover Jesus' love inside themselves, turn their life over to him, and they are on their way to eternal bliss. Some hard-line fundamentalist Christians view The Shack's message as deeply subversive, scripturally incorrect, and downright dangerous. Some ministers, like Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, say "it misrepresents God. Young misses the big E on the eye chart." To Driscoll, doctrine is essential, like a fence the Almighty erects to safeguard the saved from error.
But the Shack also has fans. Many readers say that they have found solace and inspiration in The Shack. They overlook the clichés- "Religious machinery can chew up people," Jesus says at one point-, stereotypes, like the Jewish Jesus' big nose, and Young's awkward writing: the black female God tells Mack, "Don't just stand there gawkin' with your mouth open like your pants are full." Steve McVey of Tampa, author of Grace Walk, praises The Shack. McVey says Young connects with people outside of, or unhappy with, institutional churches that "tell us what we ought to do for God, while grace focuses on what God has already done. A person discovers grace when you come to the end of your own self-sufficiency and realize that you have been made acceptable through Jesus Christ and him alone. You can't score points with God."
According to Young, the book is a vision of joy, however far it strays from evangelical dogma. He says he clarified the focus of his narrative by ripping out pages of theological jargon. The author posits that he has "a lot of freedom by knowing that you really experience God in relationships, wherever you are. It's fluid and dynamic, not cemented into an institution with a concrete foundation."
Before posting this review, I spoke to a number of people who had read The Shack and, to a person, they all found the "Dallas"/"Bob Newhart Show" swoon ending confusing. If Young's goal was to present a parable for our times, why have the novel end with a question?
For me, the book started off with a concept that was quite interesting and then devolved into exactly what a reader might expect from a religious writer trying to gain an audience. The Shack is a fast read and certainly inspirational in its own way, but not among the short-list of books that I would want to carry to a deserted island.
Review ID: 10000000009812969
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The Shack is a Somewhat Dangerous BookReview created: 01/07/09
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) 7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
My teenage son used my account at Ebay to buy this book for me for Christmas. I had read it once before, and couldn't decide how I felt about it. If you are reading this book at strictly fiction for entertainment, it is excellent. But if you are looking for insight to the character of God, beware. It does a masterful job of showing the love of God, but it fails to show His holiness and the fact that He is a judge. It carelessly takes away the diety of Jesus when talking about His time walking on the earth. Now, there are sections of the book that are beautiful, and make you think, and that do give some insight as to how God really sees us, but there are many more that water down salvation, and the fact that we can't get to God without first accepting Jesus Christ as Lord, and repenting of our sins. After I received the book, I began looking online for authoritative reviews, and found that most of the people whose opinion I respect (i.e. Chuck Swindoll, Chuck Colson, Dr. Dobson...) caution readers to avoid this book.
If I could have, I would have given this book a double rating of excellent/poor because it is a well-written work of fiction. But it needs to be read by those who have a rock solid understanding of what the Bible teaches us about God.
If I could have, I would have given this book a double rating of excellent/poor because it is a well-written work of fiction. But it needs to be read by those who have a rock solid understanding of what the Bible teaches us about God.
Review ID: 10000000010106680
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The SnackReview created: 07/11/08
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6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
A friend loaned me this book, and I was so impressed, I bought one for each of our three daughters-in-law.
This incredible little book - written as a fictional story which would be good without the message, highlights the relationship of the holy trinity. With God apprearing as a black woman and Christ as his carpenter friend - I was enthralled.
One daughter-in-law read it once, then again, checking facts against Biblical references and found it doesn't disagree with anything in the Bible.
I'm taking it with me on vacation this week so a friend can read it. I NEVER buy three copies of any book. That's how much I was impressed with it!
Janice
This incredible little book - written as a fictional story which would be good without the message, highlights the relationship of the holy trinity. With God apprearing as a black woman and Christ as his carpenter friend - I was enthralled.
One daughter-in-law read it once, then again, checking facts against Biblical references and found it doesn't disagree with anything in the Bible.
I'm taking it with me on vacation this week so a friend can read it. I NEVER buy three copies of any book. That's how much I was impressed with it!
Janice
Review ID: 10000000007943182
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The ShackReview created: 08/06/08
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
This book is recommended reading for anyone who has sustained a tragic loss.
It's important to be open opened minded and just let the message of the book grip your heart without insisting that you be able to explain everything you read. Deep truths lie between the lines in this gripping novel.
It's important to be open opened minded and just let the message of the book grip your heart without insisting that you be able to explain everything you read. Deep truths lie between the lines in this gripping novel.
Review ID: 10000000008243828
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The Shack - An eyeopener for me!!5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
I know that this book is very contraversial, but it's definitely worth reading! It's a fictional story, not meant to be "Gospel" so don't take it literally, word for word. It brought me back to the personal side of God, a part I had lost. It's an interesting perspective and you need to have an open mind to his creative ways of explaining his heart about the issue of God and His involvement in our lives.
Very much worth getting and reading, you won't put it down!
Very much worth getting and reading, you won't put it down!
Review ID: 10000000008162619
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best book I have ever read...Thankyou so much5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
YOU CAN NOT READ THIS BOOK WITH OUT BEING TOUCHED BY IT, I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN..THE WRITER GRABES YOU THROUGH THE WHOLE STORY, ITS JUST AWSOME...I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY MOTHER WHO IS GOING THREW SOME MEDICAL STUFF, AND DECIDED TO READ IT FIRST, WE BOTH LOVED IT , I AM GOING TO BUY A COUPLE MORE FOR GIFTS...
Review ID: 10000000008131332
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The Shack5 of 11 people found this review helpful.
I bought this book out of curiosity to see for myself what all the hype was about. I'm a student of the Bible, have been in an international prayer group for 12 years and I view this book as a pleasant little fictional story that is mildly entertaining. I read it straight through on a long plane ride and certainly didn't think it was awesome or life-changing in any way. I can see where it might have some appeal to those who don't really understand the teachings of Christianity, are comfort-seeking and believe in Santa Claus. In no way does it portray the fearsome majesty and splendor of the Creator of our universe ~ God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit of the old and new testaments.
Review ID: 10000000008044717
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The ShackReview created: 07/08/08
by:
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
The Shack, though controversial, describes the Trinity in such a understandable way. I finished this book a month ago, and still think about it daily and what I learned from it. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, are have different purposes in our lives, therefore have different relationships with us. The Shack showed this in a great way, and I would recommend it to anyone, believer or not. I think this book could be used as a witnessing tool for many.
Review ID: 10000000007886919
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Too Much Hype Spoiled ItReview created: 07/02/08
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but was left wondering what all the controversy and hype surrounding it was about. If you've ever read Peretti or Dekker you won't be so terribly shocked at Young's non-traditional views of the Trinity. The story is powerful, emotional and fun too.
I did feel like the author was rather preachy. Throughout the novel he makes it very clear that we've pretty much got everything wrong that we ever believed about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
On the other hand the critics who claim there are hidden "New Age" messages and blasphemy in the book are a little over-zealous in their search for evil.
Overall it is worth your time and money to read this book.
I did feel like the author was rather preachy. Throughout the novel he makes it very clear that we've pretty much got everything wrong that we ever believed about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
On the other hand the critics who claim there are hidden "New Age" messages and blasphemy in the book are a little over-zealous in their search for evil.
Overall it is worth your time and money to read this book.
Review ID: 10000000007782035
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Gormless has substance after all, paradigm shaken!Review created: 05/12/09(updated 05/12/09)
by:
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Most of the time the titles that land on the Christian Best-seller list seem to constitute the next newest "bandwagon", therefore I generally ignore them.
Not keeping up with the "latest", I was unaware of the sensation surrounding "The Shack" when it came into my posession. My first impression upon perusing the cover, was that this little story thought pretty highly of itself, claiming, as it does, to be the modern-day Pilgrim's Progress. Nonetheless I started reading, if for no other purpose than to prove it presumptuous.
I was offended. I was put off. It seemed blasphemous at best. And yet I soon found myself drawn by this presentation of God in familiar and conceivable terms. My reaction ran the gamut from "how does he dare" to "wow, how did he do that?"
For a short story, it took longer for this reader to finish than a book of 248 pages normally would. Probably due to the frequent necessity of having to stop and consider. Long after closing the book on the final page, "hmmm" and "aha" moments persisted in bubbling up, as the imagery and the message, seeming light and dreamy at first, proved more substantial than formerly imagined.
There is the infamous page 182,(184 in some printings), in which the author portrays Jesus making a statement that, to this reader seemed to go against the gospel. Yet by the time I had read so far as page 182 I was surprised to realize I was rooting for the success of this unusual little story. So I contacted the author for clarification, and he responded in such a way as to put my own concerns to rest, regarding his doctrinal stance.
Multiple websites and blogs have sprung up, dedicated to the sole purpose of expressing impassioned outrage over the "apostacy" of the book, even labeling the author a "heretick". Quite a stir for a harmless little tale that started out as merely a bedtime story for the author's grandchildren. I submit that the reader will do well to keep in mind "The Shack" claims to be nothing other than a work of fiction. By so remembering, one may avoid the wasted energy of taking offense, and simply enjoy a fun, thought-provoking, discussion-worthy work of tremendous imagination.
And if, by chance, the readers assumptions and foregone conclusions about the nature and character of God are refreshingly challenged, well then, so be it.
Not keeping up with the "latest", I was unaware of the sensation surrounding "The Shack" when it came into my posession. My first impression upon perusing the cover, was that this little story thought pretty highly of itself, claiming, as it does, to be the modern-day Pilgrim's Progress. Nonetheless I started reading, if for no other purpose than to prove it presumptuous.
I was offended. I was put off. It seemed blasphemous at best. And yet I soon found myself drawn by this presentation of God in familiar and conceivable terms. My reaction ran the gamut from "how does he dare" to "wow, how did he do that?"
For a short story, it took longer for this reader to finish than a book of 248 pages normally would. Probably due to the frequent necessity of having to stop and consider. Long after closing the book on the final page, "hmmm" and "aha" moments persisted in bubbling up, as the imagery and the message, seeming light and dreamy at first, proved more substantial than formerly imagined.
There is the infamous page 182,(184 in some printings), in which the author portrays Jesus making a statement that, to this reader seemed to go against the gospel. Yet by the time I had read so far as page 182 I was surprised to realize I was rooting for the success of this unusual little story. So I contacted the author for clarification, and he responded in such a way as to put my own concerns to rest, regarding his doctrinal stance.
Multiple websites and blogs have sprung up, dedicated to the sole purpose of expressing impassioned outrage over the "apostacy" of the book, even labeling the author a "heretick". Quite a stir for a harmless little tale that started out as merely a bedtime story for the author's grandchildren. I submit that the reader will do well to keep in mind "The Shack" claims to be nothing other than a work of fiction. By so remembering, one may avoid the wasted energy of taking offense, and simply enjoy a fun, thought-provoking, discussion-worthy work of tremendous imagination.
And if, by chance, the readers assumptions and foregone conclusions about the nature and character of God are refreshingly challenged, well then, so be it.
Review ID: 10000000012005729
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The Shack: Suspend your Disbelief4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Wow! I have been on a religious fence for what seems like most of my life (I know, lukewarm is the worst way to be). But this book had me in tears by the end and rushing online to find out more. I was so dissapointed to find out that it was fiction, even though I knew it had to be. This book has been a springboard for many valuable religious/spirtual conversations in my life, and it has helped me visualize God in my life in a way I haven't in the past. Read it!
Review ID: 10000000011877031
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The ShackReview created: 05/05/09
by:
badertscher7 ( 1 )
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Excellent - Real page turner - Life changing - If it is not true, you want it to be!! It describes the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in a descriptive, heart-warming way, and "the great sorrow" in a way you can understand and sympathize with.
Review ID: 10000000011874710
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Beautifully TransformativeReview created: 05/03/09
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4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
I keep this book on my nightstand and refer to it often. Frankly, I found this story to be more comfortng than reading parts of the Bible. It presented the trinity in such a user friendly way. As I told one one of my friends, it was like Father, Son and Holy Spirit sitting around my dining room table telling me how my life is truly in God's hands. I found it to be a transformative story... something that truly changed the way I pray. Mac was understandably broken by his loss. I personally don't know how I would recover from the loss that Mac experienced. Amazingly, Mac's experience in the shack really DID bring him to an understanding and appreciation of this thing called 'faith.'
Following a very shattering experience, my parish nurse suggested I read it. She stated that she found it 'life changing'. She was right. While it isn't exactly high theology, the story makes clear the role that God plays in my life. After I read The Shack I was able to approach my bad experience in a much healthier way.
Following a very shattering experience, my parish nurse suggested I read it. She stated that she found it 'life changing'. She was right. While it isn't exactly high theology, the story makes clear the role that God plays in my life. After I read The Shack I was able to approach my bad experience in a much healthier way.
Review ID: 10000000011823863
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A moderating response to the Shack4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
The Shack is a book which elicits a strong response. Either you like it, or you hate it, or so it would seem. I happen to find myself in the lonely position of falling somewhere in between.
As fiction, I found the book emotionally evocative. As a commentary on the impact of abuse, I respected the powerful message on forgiveness. As a reflection on God, I appreciated the undertaking of a description of the trinity, the emphasis on relationship with God over religious ritual, and the focus on complete surrender to God.
However, in spite of all I appreciated in this book, there was much that I found to be of concern. Throughout this book there are significant misrepresentations of Biblical Christianity, ranging from a God who never condemns ("I do not do...condemnation" p. 223), to a God who has no expectations of us as human beings and is never disappointed. For a book with material that deals so much with human depravity, it had very little to say about the biblical view of sin. On the whole, it seemed to pander much more to current streams of thought regarding ecology, egalitarianism, authority and ecumenism, rather than reflecting the Word of God. In fact, in a book which seemed to encourage us to know God, it was surprisingly silent, and sometimes even negative, regarding two of the most powerful means by which God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind, the Bible and the local church.
I understand completely why this book has been embraced as Gospel truth by some, while being written off as heresy by so many others. As for me, I do not feel it warrants either of these extremes. Instead, I would advocate that, for those who read it, it must be read with discernment and an awareness of our great proclivity to absorb current values, rather than the eternal values of our Heavenly Father. Do not read God's Word through the lens of this book, read this book through the lens of God's Word.
As fiction, I found the book emotionally evocative. As a commentary on the impact of abuse, I respected the powerful message on forgiveness. As a reflection on God, I appreciated the undertaking of a description of the trinity, the emphasis on relationship with God over religious ritual, and the focus on complete surrender to God.
However, in spite of all I appreciated in this book, there was much that I found to be of concern. Throughout this book there are significant misrepresentations of Biblical Christianity, ranging from a God who never condemns ("I do not do...condemnation" p. 223), to a God who has no expectations of us as human beings and is never disappointed. For a book with material that deals so much with human depravity, it had very little to say about the biblical view of sin. On the whole, it seemed to pander much more to current streams of thought regarding ecology, egalitarianism, authority and ecumenism, rather than reflecting the Word of God. In fact, in a book which seemed to encourage us to know God, it was surprisingly silent, and sometimes even negative, regarding two of the most powerful means by which God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind, the Bible and the local church.
I understand completely why this book has been embraced as Gospel truth by some, while being written off as heresy by so many others. As for me, I do not feel it warrants either of these extremes. Instead, I would advocate that, for those who read it, it must be read with discernment and an awareness of our great proclivity to absorb current values, rather than the eternal values of our Heavenly Father. Do not read God's Word through the lens of this book, read this book through the lens of God's Word.
Review ID: 10000000010140739
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Will reread this book and pass it onReview created: 11/06/08
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4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
First I listened to the audio book, then I bought the book itself, there is so much in this book, very uplifting. Highly recommend, even for those of us who are not Christians. This is a universal introduction to the core meaning of life on many levels. Both the audio and the book were excellent, but I think the book is easier to highlight:)
Review ID: 10000000009284463
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The Shack4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
I am part of a jail ministry out of our church. One of the girls we were doing Bible study with mentioned that she was not sure about God and why he let things happen (her fiancee died while she was pregnant) and said that she had read this book and recommended I read it. So I bought it and read it.
It definitely gives a different perspective on God and the Trinity.
I liked how it dealt with loss, forgiveness, love, and redemption.
I think it is a good fictional read, and enjoyed it.
It definitely gives a different perspective on God and the Trinity.
I liked how it dealt with loss, forgiveness, love, and redemption.
I think it is a good fictional read, and enjoyed it.
Review ID: 10000000009253924
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Read; think. -Works for me!4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
-Bought it after reading someone else's copy. Then I read reviews of all ratings. I will read it at least once more, gleaning insights I missed before, keeping in mind that The Shack was written by Young for his own five children as a book of fiction to reveal spiritual/supernatural matters. It is so helpful for us to know that we can grasp enough of God's omni-ness to trust Him in spite of/ because of our own prejudices and misunderstandings. For me, a good read and a must re-read!
Review ID: 10000000009079802
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The ShackReview created: 10/10/08
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4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Aside from the Bible, this has to be one of the besk books I have ever read. Even though it is the story of someone else's experience; it makes you take a deep look inside your own heart. While reading this book I found myself just wanting to kneel before the Lord and tell Him that I love Him and to ask HIm to help me to be a better, less judging person...I received this book about lunch time on a wednesday and finished reading it by lunch time the following day...I could not bear to lay it down....Now, I am constantly thinking about reading it again, slowly, if that is possible for me to do!!! This would make an absolute fantastic movie.......Geri
Review ID: 10000000009015722
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A must readReview created: 10/09/08
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halfstockholm ( 0 )
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
This book will change your life. It takes God out of the box. It touches each person in a different way. Healing for your heart.
Review ID: 10000000009002611
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The Shack4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Best Christian book I ever read and I have read alot. Must read for all. Brings faith to life and answers questions on a level one can undersand.
Review ID: 10000000008944012
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