Comments on: “The Shack” Review: Part Two

By: Ginger

Ginger — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:37:35 +0000

Amy,
I agree with Nicole on this one. I too was loaned a copy of the book after seeking advice on why I was unable to read Scripture. Long journey short, “The Shack” along with a few other books guided me back into the Word and helped me identify the source of my neglect and rejection. I completely agree that it is not healthy to read any book (fiction or non-fiction) without a good Scriptural comparison, knowledge and insight. And I do see much danger in it for people who are still on “milk.” However, this book also allowed me to have a wonderful, Biblically guided conversation with one of my kids who was seeking something different in regards to Christ. It spring boarded her into Scripture as well. Anytime I have recommended the book to people in conversation, I have suggested reading it with Scripture in hand.

By: Natalie @ I AM (not)

Natalie @ I AM (not) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:08:41 +0000

Well said. I think I said that last time, but oh well…well said.

By: nicole

nicole — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:50:01 +0000

Okay so my response is not going to be popular. I really liked the book. As one who was feeling VERY spiritually dry at this season in my life, it caused me to look at our God (Jesus and the Spirit as well) in a different way. It stirred my heart. It made me wonder. There are OBVIOUS flaws in the book theologically. It caused me to pick up my Bible for the first time in months, perhaps longer then that but I am to embarrassed to really think of how long it has really been.
I have a lot I could write about, but perhaps I need to do my own review on my own blog (sorry this is so long Amy). If if it causes non-christians to seek God and Christians to re-evaluate, draw closer to God, and seek scripture I think it can be a good tool. It is our responsibility, as Christians, to search scripture for ALL our answers, regardless of the author. It is our responsibility as Christians to teach others the truth. Perhaps if we find out our non-Christian (and Christian) friends are reading this book, we should invite them to study God’s word and to learn more about Him through scripture. There are good things you can get from this book, and one of them may be to really talk to someone that is not in a loving relationship with our great and awesome God about a book that really stirred them. If your attitude is a condemning one of the book then you may miss an opportunity to study scripture with them. They will figure out the non-truth “ingredients” of the book as they seek the truth in scripture and as God reveals it to them.

One more thing I might add, I think many people think of God as all fire and brimstone. Christians and non-Christians alike seem to easily see that characteristic. The loving, caring God that cares for every person and wants a deep relationship with His children is missed quite a bit…even among Christians. The Shack (and of course scripture) makes it VERY clear that God wants a DEEP relationship with each one of us. The Shack made me remember that and want to seek a spiritual renewal with Him. That makes my heart happy. God was able to use and work through this book for me despite its flaws.

Sorry Amy, hope you are not offended. Looking forward to spending time with you at the retreat!

By: Cat

Cat — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:34:42 +0000

Amy, I so appreciate your boldness in speaking out, even though your opinion may not be popular with some. I love that you encourage and challenge us to hold everything up against the Word – the true measuring stick.
you also saved me $10 )

By: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:43:26 +0000

OK, well. No point in me even starting it. Not even gonna waste my time. Back onto Paperbackswap.com! Thanks, Amy. I would have been really upset to be “Oprah-cized” by this book – reading something that sounded on track but was WAY off!

By: Brandy @ my12hats

Brandy @ my12hats — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:03:28 +0000

I totally agree that, while it has some good points, it should be chalked up to a piece of fiction, and that’s all. Taking things like this too seriously can be dangerous. Thanks for keepin’ it real!

By: Heather Marshall

Heather Marshall — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:15:58 +0000

HAHA I’m on page 179 right now… but wow, I didn’t expect “Jesus” to say that…

I guess this is where we need to heed the REAL Jesus’ warning to be as shrewd as serpents, but innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16)

Thanks Amy!

Heather
TheStrivingWife.com

By: Kristen

Kristen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:37:43 +0000

That would be the exact page where things get a little anthrax-y for me and I thought, “Um…what?”

Great thoughts.

By: Briana

Briana — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:59:34 +0000

I agree. I remember when I took Intro to Philosophy at ACC one semester and my prof tried to convince me that the God I was following was the same one the Muslims, Buddhists and many other religions were following. I did not agree with him then, and I still don’t. I am afraid that he was very convincing, though, and many students in that class agreed with him by the time we were done studying the “philosophy of religion”.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:24:39 +0000

Remember when the “Joshua” series came out? Probably 20 years ago now. Are you too young to remember that, Miss Amy? Yeah, probably…but anyway, The Shack sounds a lot like that. Some truth, a few feel-good lies, and a whole lot of heart-tugging. Whateverdude. Like you said in your last post, writing like that should come with a warning: do not consume on a Biblically empty stomach.