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If you read The Shack with an open mind, it somehow doesn't matter what side you stand on in the God Argument, even with the author's obvious self-interpretation of Scripture laid out in front of you. P.S.I would also have to sincerely disagree on a number of critic's comparison of this work to The Pilgrim's Progress. For what it's worth, The Shack is a half-decent work of fiction. I would recommend this book to people with a simple curiosity about the emergent/postmodern movement's beliefs, or to anyone looking for a touching story in the genre of Christian fiction. I honestly would not hold it up as a literary masterpiece, and if you read it, perhaps you will see why. Some people who read this may need to watch their emotions throughout the story simply because it can be very easy to confuse inspirational feelings with something that is absolutely true. For Christian readers, solid theology is strongly lacking, and awkward sentences plague the book.
If you do this, The Shack will rock your world. One of the best books I have ever read. Get ready to open you mind and spirit(you know the part that is only known to you).
Wisdom seems to be connected to God in The Shack and being eternal with the attributes of God but somehow not being God. I am concerned about the Christian love of this book. That would be a change in the nature of God and at that point, it is definitely no longer the God of the Bible.The Bible. There's another point. I believe it is pulling us into a mindset of we determine the nature of God by feeling and experience and what's important is how we are seen by God instead of how he sees us. It's definitely faulty however the way he portrays it. God's voice had been reduced to paper, and even that paper had to be moderated and deciphered by the proper authorities and intellects."Yes. He speaks of how he suffered on the cross, an unorthodox view known as patripassianism.When he speaks of the Trinity, I'm not sure if he's really modalistic or tri-theistic in his perception of the Trinity.
As I read "The Shack" I am confronted with a fear of mine that Christians are too quick to buy into something because they find it comforting without checking first to see if it is true. Hearing the voice of God is a new phenomenon and unfortunately, Young's book will help more people think it's normative and then when things don't go away, we have fresh apostates.There's also the way each person was presented. Down with education and further study of the Bible. I hold that Wisdom is actually Christ, as I believe the early church did. Where do you see the Bible cited at all in this work. Not once. I regularly read books by those opposed to the faith and by cultists and go through them circling items that need to be addressed which will be done later on on my own blog, www.deeperwaters.wordpress.com. My pen went into overdrive on this one.There is just too much that is wrong with this book and if you felt any rumbles while reading, that would be the sound of the early church fathers rolling in their graves.
I do not think Young really gives much of an answer as I've seen many and I didn't think Young really added anything.My conclusion. God is presented as a black female. However, the Seminary training is right. The Father is not incarnate and not of any race and when portrayed it is most often as male and it is that way for a reason.The appearance of Wisdom is also confusing. I see no reason to think of anything beyond a Sunday School faith for this one.
Now I'm not really swayed too much by this objection, but many people are. It might seem pleasant to many, but I see it as poisonous. I really don't know Young's stance on this and he doesn't give enough information to tell.As for his answer to the Problem of Evil, I do not find it convincing. For an example, consider how "Papa" in the story has scars on his arms. Now I'm not against blacks or women of course, but it would be best to go with God the way he has presented himself.
However, it is interesting what he does say on pages 65-66."In seminary he had been taught that God had completely stopped any overt communication with moderns, preferring to have them only listen to and follow sacred Scripture, properly interpreted, of course. If you want a good understanding of the Trinity, don't go to this book.When the Trinity talks to Mack and asks him about his kids, I was stunned by the idea that God was limiting his knowledge. It seems the basis for Young's doctrine is his own experience and emotions.
This story is a fantasy that leaves a bad taste. I find anthropomorphism objectionable in the first place and the author takes liberties that do not enhance my connection with the spiritual dimension. I found this book offensive. It glosses over and minimizes the horror a child would experience at the hands of a pedophile who murders his victims.
When I am busy thinking etc. Jesus is asking us to leave our differences behind us, to let go of our ego and to listen with our hearts. It gives us a more realistic view of life and God.We have all heard many times the expression "The truth will set you free". Many Christians are wanting to put this book in the "burnt" pile. I can't believe I let this book slip by when others were talking about "The Shack".
Too bad they can't let go of their "theology" and move onto their "relationships". One way is to open ourselves to discovery. That is the bottom line, how we relate to one another, is how we love one another. It is as simple as that but so hard to put into practice.Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. I miss the true dialogue that is taking place. Most of us are so busy thinkiing about our next move that most of the time we forget what is going on and we make fools of ourselves.
I am usually very in the "now" with books that are progressive in this genre.Well, enough scolding myself and on with the review.Getting into the book, I saw some similarities with Joseph Girzone's books, especially Joshua. Discovery that happens inside of us every time we are in relationship with one another. Luckily if we are among friends, we will be accepted for this kind of behavior but nevertheless, we are loosing ground and many times we will not be taken seriously.Many of the reviews of "The Shack" are from Christians and non-believers. Joshua: A Parable for Today.I love the way William Young inserted his theology (Study of God) into a novel. I And Thou by Martin Buber.Relax and respond, instead of heading into a pathway of collision. I find that when I stop thinking and talking, things start to make more sense.
How can we discern the truth that will set us free. Instead of always trying to be ahead of each other, try pulling yourself back and listening to what is really going on in your relationships.
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