The Shack touted as Pilgrim's Progress

About a month ago, a colleague recommended THE SHACK (William P. Young) as a fictional book that could give me a fresh perspective and reinvigorate my spiritual life. I've also seen The Shack raved and recommended by several other Christian leaders. Eugene Peterson's endorsement is most pronounced:

When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of "The Shack." This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" did for his. It's that good!

Now the book has over a million copies in print and topped the New York Times best seller list as #1 on the week of June 8th.

I read through The Shack with great interest. The book tells a story of how a father deals with a very personal tragedy and he had his version of Jacob's wrestling match with God. Through all of that, his spirit was renewed and he gained a new perspective about the character and sovereignty of God. Without divulging the plot (as the discussion forum has requested), I did find the book's story refreshing indeed, portraying God's mutuality within the Trinity in a playful whimsical way, while also showing the Godhead desire to relate more personally with us in a kinder gentler manner. I think the book's breakthrough value is how it gives the readers a new lens to see and experience the relational aspects of God.

By taking authorial liberty in a work of fiction and allegorical imagination in the storytelling, the book's personification of the Godhead has troubled some Christian leaders and readers. While William Young does intend to challenge our preconceptions of God, the story risks confusing some readers with theological misunderstandings. Is this a risk worth taking? I personally think so, but I know not all would agree.

I've heard Mark Driscoll denounce the book's theological problems, describing it as heretical. Similarly, Tim Challies' book review of The Shack ends with a caution against this theological fiction. [also] Andy Rowell noted favorable reviews from Mark Batterson and Brad Lomenick, along with a handful of other links and articles about The Shack. Christianity Today's Liveblog has a lively discussion under its blog entry titled "The Shack" Built on Shifting Sands?

Yet, Internetmonk soberly notes that The Shack is "... not a book about a conversation with the Trinity. It is a book about reconciliation to something horrible that has happened in the life of a man who believes in the Trinitarian God."

By the way, publisher Windblown Media has posted its response to criticisms and accusations. The book's website has posted a number of sample pages for you to preview. The author's blog has his latest thoughts. You can also watch this interview with the author, aired on the 700 Club.

What have you heard about The Shack? For those of you who've read the book, how has it affected your spiritual life?

--- DJ Chuang, Leadership Community Director @ Leadership Network

Comments

[James Pope]

Does "trivialize the Trinity" ring a bell? I'm not big on allegorical literature, but this book especially didn't do it for me.

[Mrs. Geralyn H.]

While the book "The Shack" brought me to tears and has a biblical flavor, it promotes a universal religion and does not follow the narrow way of God's Word in the Bible. Therefore, I would not recommend it to anyone
who cannot discern fiction from truth.

[Trish Pickard]

I was set not to like the book, The Shack but after reading it, I thought it was really good and thought provoking. All the time I reaad it, I kept thinking it needs a study to go along with it. I finally decided God was urging me to write a study which I did. If anyone would like it, email me at prayerdigm.bookstudy@yahoo.com. I would be glad to send you the study. You are welcome to use it and copy it for others.
Trish Pickard

[Lisa S. Banks]

I am always amazed and blessed by the comments of all; it so illustrates the massive expanse of god and His people; we may not all agree on what is being revealed, however there is no denying that God is speaking to us, individually and collectively!! Whooooohoooooo!!!
This not fitting together at this time is not to far off, what happened when Noah shared his intimate exchange with God, thinking about it, now hind’s sight is twenty-twenty.
I am just so thankful for the Sovereignty of God….The Shack is an awesome story of how to recognize where we are, take our responsibility for being there, and most importantly how to be healed within the most important relationship we’ll ever encounter The Trinity. When we as a community of believers stop managing sin, transgression and iniquity and begin to eliminate its usefulness by employing the tools God has given us, all the parts of the Body of Christ will begin to see the need for each other and come together and represent the Bride of Christ, that day creation will surely BLESS GOD!
Whooooohoooooo!!!