Comments on Carolyn's Reflections: The Shack

Carolyn, I too grieve the mentality of the "c...

2011-03-21T10:18:43.651-05:00

Carolyn, I too grieve the mentality of the "church", which as you mentioned concentrates on appearances rather than honesty... on performance rather than ministry to the soul. I have no interest in reading "The Shack" but I do want to hear what is really going on in the lives of the people around me. How else can we really show love and grace to each other, except to share what is really inside ourselves? I want to make a safe place for women to be real and to find healing. Thanks for calling things as they are & calling us to make them what they should be.

My husband was told to read this book and it chang...

2009-05-28T09:19:46.780-05:00

My husband was told to read this book and it changed his life. I read it soon after. The book itself, is a book...it's entertainment. What it makes you feel (or rather, what you decide to feel) is much more.
My brother was killed at the age of 16 almost 7 years ago. I am the only surviving child now at 29. I gave this book to my mom and she didn't get the same feelings I did...and that's OK! The Shack is just enough non-descript to allow your own interpretations. My shack is the site of my brother's accident. After 6 years of driving the long way home, I finally felt the urge to go back. When Mack describes Missy in the cave, I cried for hours. He said she was like an un-manned glove. It immediately took me back to seeing my brother for the last time. I love this book.

I think that the power behind 'The Shack' is that ...

2008-12-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

I think that the power behind 'The Shack' is that the story is told without quoting scripture--forcing the reader to find the truth behind the plot line. I found myself testing my own assumptions about the Godhead, the Trinity, and I came away thinking, "I really need to rethink how I view God." Which wheel on my 'Trinitarian Tricycle' is wobbling the most? God is using this book (as all Truth belongs to Him even outside written Scripture). He is breaking through our 'neat assumptions' and asking us to rethink our impressions about Him! Brilliant!
Gwen

While reading The Shack, I kept thinking it would ...

2008-11-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

While reading The Shack, I kept thinking it would be great if there was a study/discussion guide to go with it. I finally decided that God was urging me to write one. I would be glad to send you a copy that you are welcome to copy and share with others. Email me at prayerdigm.bookstudy@yahoo.com
Trish Pickard

No. They don't quote Scripture,but I didn't need t...

2008-10-31T21:10:00.000-05:00

No. They don't quote Scripture,but I didn't need them to. I could see Scripture themes. That's what was engaging for me. I thought, "Oh, that's what sin does" or "the Lion reminds me of Christ". And, to be fair, the theme of forgiveness is in Young's book is God's theme, but I had difficulty seeing Scripture themes throughout. However, it could be the way it was written. I, personally didn't think it was written in the same league as Lewis and Tolkien. Not in content particularly, but in structure (if you know what I mean). I'm not a writer, but I do read alot. It did not seem to be written as well as the aforementioned authors.
Anonymous..really Shari :)

You raise points that have been raised by others a...

2008-10-31T06:27:00.000-05:00

You raise points that have been raised by others and legitimately so. One of my mantras is that books need to be read critically. To be fair, novels usually don’t include a great many scripture references. You mention Lewis and Tolkien. The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings draw on biblical themes, but don’t quote scripture. This has a lot to do with the literary genre that Lewis, Tolkien, and Young have chosen.

Thanks again for your thoughtful engagement.

Thank you Carolyon. So as a thoughtful reader, I q...

2008-10-30T09:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you Carolyon. So as a thoughtful reader, I questioned the line that said everyone, not just those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven. Did I read this wrong? When I read Lewis or Tolkien for the first time I was excited because I saw Scripture all over the place. I didn't with the Shack. I saw some good things about forgiveness and facing, leaning into pain, but I didn't see Scripture...I didn't see God. Perhaps I shouldn't have thrown it aside and then skip to the end after the above passages. I'm not seminary trained so perhaps that's my problem. Does God really not need to punish sin (as the book said) and so therefore man doesn't need a Passover Lamb? Still anoynomous.

Anonymous,

Your point is well taken. I'm no...

2008-10-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

Anonymous,

Your point is well taken. I'm not sure why this crass attempt at humor was necessary. It certainly underscores the fact that Young's book is not above criticism. All of us need to be thoughtful readers.

The part that really bothered me with the book,(Ok...

2008-10-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

The part that really bothered me with the book,(Ok, there were more than one) was when the "father" told Mac to quit standing there as if his pants were full. As if my Father would shame me. He doesn't. I saw the interaction as shaming. God doesn't shame.

Our book club discussed THE SHACK over a round of ...

2008-10-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

Our book club discussed THE SHACK over a round of scones last night.

The treasures we found varied. The grimaces varied, too.

However, we happened to agree, too, that all stories of God's redemption are worthwhile - despite the human voices through which they quake!

I personally needed the reminder to look for God beyond my 3-dimensional assumptions, to be eager to talk with Him no matter how much He reveals of Himself, and to get my hands dirty alongside my Master Gardener. I agree with you: when He beckons me to face my "shack", may I pack up and go, too.

Thank you for your thoughtful post.

After reading some discussions on this book, I rea...

2008-10-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

After reading some discussions on this book, I really wanted to read it out of a desire to deepen my understanding of God's love for me. Some people warned against the "feminization" of God the Father, and some of the other human-like characteristics the Son and Holy Spirit are portrayed by, and I was hounded by a fear of straying from a biblical representation of the Trinity.

After reading many sources (including your books) and coming to a better understanding on God's heart for the differences and complementary parts of men and women I really want to read this book.

My husband and I lost a child to a medical condition years ago. The pain is lasting, but God is good. I've been manipulated by Christian leadership, but God is still good.

Thank you so much and well said. I couldn't agree...

2008-10-07T19:30:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much and well said. I couldn't agree more...I loved the book for the sake of thinking. I truly don't think we think enough as Christians and we are afraid that God isn't big enough to handle our doubts, fears and questions...our thinking.

SO, we "bull doze" the whole shack or thoughts of the shack and chalk it up to the shame of unbelief...we serve a God Who has gone to great lengths to be known and certainly doesn't have a problem with being misunderstood by His creation-He still reaches in and out to us!

I loved how the book made me think and consider what I truly do believe and what the Word has to say about Who God is and how He interacts with His own. I agree there are points to argue and debate but what about the opportunity to think and discuss?!

Thanks again for your thoughts and encouragement! Blessings...