(Throughout this post, there are links to articles that will fill in some of the blanks I know I leave. I have written this post based on the idea that most of you have heard something about this book and the many debates it has sparked. Because I assume you to have a general knowledge of this book, I have skipped a rundown of the story and characters and jumped right into my thoughts on the work. Please follow the links to read others’ thoughts and to get more details about this book.)
Just under a month ago, I was talking to a friend who said that he felt guilty because he didn’t read his Bible enough. Another friend of ours, with great intentions, comforted him by saying, “God doesn’t care if you read your Bible. He wants your heart”. I somewhat disagreed, but kept silent.
The next week at church services, I was approached again by that first friend saying, “Have you read ‘The Shack‘? I finished it in two days. You have to read it. It will totally explain God to you.”
It struck me as important that someone who had a hard time making time for Bible study could find it so easy to read this book in two days. And, it explained God to him when the Bible couldn’t? I made the immediate mental note to research Google this book.
“The Shack” was written by one man, William P. Young, and then gone over many times over for theological accuracy by about five other men. This, according to Wayne Jacobson who was one of those men. In his defense of “The Shack”, he says,
“Just because we didn’t put Scriptural addresses with their numbers and colons at every allusion in the story, does not mean that the Bible isn’t the key source in virtually every conversation Mack has with God. Scriptural teachings and references appear on almost every page. They are reworded in ways to be relevant to those reading the story, but at every point we sought to be true to the way God has revealed himself in the Bible except for the literary characterizations that move the story forward. At its core the book is one long Bible study as Mack seeks to resolve his anger at God.”
If you have a copy of this book, you will find on the back pages a call to help put copies of this book in the hands of every person you know. The call comes from people who say they have “been touched by ‘The Shack’ [and] are convinced this book deserves a reading across the broadest reaches of our culture”. So far, it’s working. Since June 8 of this year, the little self published book that could has been on New York Times best seller list.
Since it was hailed by one of its contributors as “one long Bible study” and because my friend ate the whole thing on a Biblically empty stomach, I wanted to read it. Jesus tells us in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Would I hear my Shepherd in “The Shack”? Or would I hear the Deceiver, manipulating my Shepherd’s words?
Some time ago Eric and I watched an interview with a woman who had authored a fictional story about vampires. She said that she was getting some heat from vampire enthusiasts because her vampires did not act like vampires act historically. Her very valid point was that vampires were fictional characters and she had the freedom to make them do and say whatever it is she chooses.
She was right. William P. Young and company are wrong. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are NOT fictional characters. The Bible is not subject matter that can be adjusted to fit what we think or feel it should.
I do not feel it necessary to present the fallacy of “The Shack” in order to defend God’s name against damage, His name will in no way be tarnished by falsehood. The damage that is done by books like this is to the sheep who still live on milk. Those who lump Bible study in with any number of things that are good for you but just too difficult to keep up with.
I will not debate whether or not some of this book is dead on accurate in its portrayal of the heart of God. In fact, I believe that the bulk of its accuracy is the most dangerous thing about it. Like the cake I made for you, it is made with some of the finest of possible ingredients, but it’s the little bit of Anthrax that’ll kill you where you sit.
Tomorrow, I will post the passages from the book that look like poison and we will talk a little bit about whether or not this book makes enough valid points to make it a worthwhile read for any who may be searching for answers, like my friend.
(I decided this had to be a two parter. Did you see how long it already is?)
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Been seeing the recommendations all around but have been leery. Got a free copy via paperbackswap.com and have had it at my bedside for a few weeks. Actually, been waiting for someone I read regularly and trust to review it. Now, I think I won’t be starting it until you post part two.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Brandy T. says:
I’m just finishing up The Shack, and I’m interested to hear your review of it (and totally diggin’ the Anthrax metaphore).
August 25th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Kim Heinecke says:
God isn’t fiction. That is a point worth making over and over and over. It took several commentaries before I could really put my finger on why I had a raised eyebrow when I read it.
I’ve got a link or two on this I”ll forward you…just in case you’re interested. You probably hve plenty, no matter to me if you read them - I only read a few…
Blessings on your day, girlie.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Briana says:
Looking forward to tomorrow’s post. I personally loved The Shack, but despite it’s claim to be “authentic” or “bible based” still read it as fiction. It was a beautiful story that tugged at my heartstrings.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:12 am
deleise says:
Hmmm, interesting. I am kind of with Briana. The main reason I liked the book is because it brought me back to the reality of how relational God is. I know that, but sometimes forget the extent of it. Kind of like when a preacher gives you a vivid word picture to help you understand the depths of the Word. I didn’t take is as the Word, but more of an invitation to get deeper into the Word. I’m looking forward to your links.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Lauren says:
I like the way you are going about this review. Well so far. There is always a chance, no matter how small, that your post tomorrow will be HORRIBLE.
Waiting patiently and holding off on the cake for now.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Sandra Dodd says:
We are the created and God is the Creator. He has spoken plainly about Who He is. But what becomes our response to our Creator when we create a god that is reduced to nothing more than deep feelings, human values and fundamental human hopes? Just a thought.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Kathryn Estrada says:
Thank you for your post Amy. I’ve read the book. Twice. The second time with questions and question marks by different statements. Some statements got a “nice!” But. I have wrestled with this book; and I am thankful to be able to “hear” other views and reviews!!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Natalie @ I AM (not) says:
well said. I wasn’t much of a fan. I walked away with about 2 thoughts that stirred me, but overall, the book didn’t do much more than raise my eyebrow more than a handful of times.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Heather Marshall says:
I’m about halfway through “The Shack” right now, and overall I think it’s great… but you know that feeling you get, deep down, when something doesn’t quite sit right with you? Last night it dawned on me that your anthrax cake was this book… and it’s the anthrax that’s not sitting well with me!
I haven’t quite put my finger on what exactly isn’t right with the book, but that’s most likely because I’m still in the midst of it, and still trying to sort it all out. I look forward to reading your part 2, since most likely it will all click with what my thoughts are trying to sort out.
Scary though, how real fiction can seem, don’t you think? It would be so easy for this book to become someone’s Bible if they’re not careful.
Thanks for your review, Amy!
Heather
TheStrivingWife.com
August 25th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Joshua Ritchie says:
“God doesn’t care if you read your Bible. He wants your heart”.
God would have never had my heart unless He had given me His Word to reveal Himself to me in order that my heart would be captured by His splendor as specifically mentioned in the Bible.
That’s has to be a run-on sentence, no?
October 8th, 2008 at 10:13 am