The Shack, Reviewed

If you have some time for a lengthy review and have already read The Shack, I suggest reading this posting by Scott Lindsey of The Resurgence blog.

I spent a bit of time discussing the book with my core group and reading it has led to some wonderful discussions about the role of the Trinity and how we interact with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I am thankful that this novel has opened up some questions that otherwise may have gone unnoticed.

I do issue a word of caution, however. Admittedly, I ignorantly read the book without doing any of my own Biblical research alongside the reading and allowed myself to take some of the novel's words at face value. A primary example where I should not have done this regards Young's view of responsibility. In the novel it is stated that the word responsibility does not exist in Scripture (in English translations, of course). Scott Lindsey, the author of this review, points to very clear instances where responsibility IS discussed and called for in Scripture. I am ashamed that I did not read more carefully into the theology.

At the same time, I am thankful that the book brought to light our human ability to interact with the Trinity. I encourage reading and discussing this book alongside a careful exploration of Scripture and with a reverance to our God, most deserving of our awe and worship. Quoting Lindsey, "So if you come to the book well-schooled in God’s holiness, justice and wrath, you will benefit from the exposure to his grace, mercy and love."

I'd be happy to discuss!