OK. after much prodding, I finally read The Shack. There were some theologically weak and amusing moments (I think Young’s model for God was the ‘Oracle’ from the Matrix), but overall I would say it was a good read. It was even powerful at times and brought me to tears once or twice. (I am not one to give in to the dark side of senitmentalism, by the way).
What I found compelling about the book, was it cut to the heart of the human problem of pain and did a decent job of weaving God right in without giving in to Calvinist determinism or willy nilly process thought. For anyone who has little girls, it is especially moving and troubling (the basis of plot and weekend with ‘God’ is brought about by the death of a young girl), and is probably why it was so gripping for me. Read it, with discerment and an open heart!
Any book that compares itself to “Pilgrim’s Progress” on the front cover has been red-flagged right off the bat as probably not that great.
I agree with Dan. Plus I live under a rock, apparently. I hadn’t heard about this book until now, and Mr. H tells me I am already late. I’ll probably read it right after I finish Left Behind. Heh.
I was too coerced into reading this book as a ‘must read’. Usually, such books leave me behind in disappointment, like “Left Behind”. This read however hit me pretty hard. As Father Neo stated, it will strike deep if you have girls of your own, as I do, but the most poignant part for me was what unfolded at the Shack itself. I found it emotionally stirring, thought provoking, and spiritually stimulating. This book was penned by the author as a story for his children. Not the typical Christian fiction written for commercial enterprise. It’s a quick read, and you may be surprised how it speaks to you!
Read the book on the flight back from Haiti this past Sunday. I hadn’t heard of it till the weekend. Definitely a quick and interesting read.
I didn’t care for the bit about God doesn’t want Christians but rather people who have the right “relationship. And there aren’t rules, just “relationships.”
But this is definitely a good book for seekers.
I’m late joining this one and have to say its the most powerful modern fiction story about God I’ve read. I agree with Father Neo, God is like the Oracle in Matrix. Can you smell the cookies? The book was recommended to me last winter by a very close spiritual friend when I was struggling with painful decisions requiring a lot of discernment. I cried and was so moved and inspired by the modern approachable relationship of the Holy Trinity that I bought it for several people. I then asked them who was it written for, believers or non-believers? You might be surprised the illumination and closeness it brings to those of us who already believe, if we give it a chance. My friends both assumed it was for non-believers, or seekers. Are they right?