The Shack | William P. Young | Not Theology but very practical

The Shack | William P. Young | Healing for the hurting soul

books:

The Shack

	The Shack William P. Young Windblown Media, 2007 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 670 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Not Theology but very practical

It is not a theology book, but a book emphasizing the relational nature of God and how that relationship of love can be understood in the events of severe suffering in our lives. It portrays a rather unconventional (though not unorthodox) presentation of God (Father, Son, Spirit). Obviously, any book that tries to adequately portray God will fall short. He is incomprehensible and unportrayable. Like other books that try to blend spiritual elements into human experiences it will have 'flaws'. An attempt to describe a rainbow to a blind man would always fall short. Here are the reasons I liked the book. It portrays God in His eternal communion in His tri-unity. It attempts to show the eternal love Father, Son, and Spirit have shared rather than simply the 'official' theological roles. Second, he tries to do the same with the purpose of suffering. He shows that God is intimately involved in the designed outcome of our puzzled suffering. The author chooses the cruel abduction of a child, her vicious murder by a serial killer, and the 'escape' of capture and punishment of such a villain. This happened while the father was busy rescuing one of his other children. The father in the story was also horribly mistreated and tortured as a child by his 'religious' dad. The author tries to incorporate real life events that are all too common today. The real question has to do with "How could God let this happen if He loves me?" The other question has to do with forgiveness. 'How can I forgive my dad and do I need to forgive my daughter's murderer?' Mixed into the story are relational issues of husband/wife, church authority, religious structure, and a host of other things.
My caution is that while attempting to simplify one side of the human equation we often oversimplify the divine side. This book should be read to open discussion on the 'relational' nature of the Trinity, the 'relational' aspects of suffering, and the 'relational' understanding of marriage, parenting, and church. It is an incomplete attempt to show one aspect of God. Many will see it as irreverent because of God's portrayal as a black woman during much of the story. However, he explains his reason for such a portrayal and I remind everyone that God could present Himself in any form He chooses (an angel, or even a burning bush). I did not take it as a belittling of God but as an emphasis on His eternal affection within the Trinity and as a `nursing mother' who has deep and tender affection for His confused suffering children. The book does make it clear that God is in control and that He is working all things together for His glory and for the good of those who belong to Him.
My greatest concern was with the fact that some could interpret the book to teach `universalism', but I did not take it that way. Any time we focus on one aspect of God's character, we will run the risk of omitting other significant and weighty aspects. I think the book has value in opening discussion on subjects like God's sovereignty over suffering, forgiveness, family relationships, and true fellowship with God as opposed to `religion'.

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Healing for the hurting soul

Please do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book! It contains within it one of the most breathtaking looks at our God that I've ever seen. It has the power to heal and restore if you let it's words in. don't try to figure it all out theologically. Just let it's message of love from God penetrate your heart and remind you of how deeply you are loved even in and perhaps especially, when life falls apart. Don't wait another day. Get it! You'll be glad you did!

Very profound - Makes you think!

I loved this book. I loved the author's way of weaving a beautiful web between fiction and non-fiction. Please remember that this story IS fiction but really is a tool to be used on how grace is used. I was highly impacted by this book and even after 2 weeks of finishing it, I am still thinking about it. Esspecially during my 5 mile runs. I would highly reccomend this book to others.

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Amazing Read

This is a "can't be put down" book. It will really challenge your "God box".
I have often struggled with the evil that happens in this world and how to
put it together with my views of God. The book doesn't give you a one-size-fits-all
answer but moves you to think about what you believe. Most of all it gives you hope!

An excellent read

This was recommended as a "must read" by two Christian friends that believe it was inspired a closer relationship with God. I'm not quite finished with it but while simply written it is thought provoking. A testament to how much God loves his children on earth.

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