“Why?” Paul Young’s best-seller seeks to answer this age-old question common to all humanity. If you haven’t read The Shack, I’d ask you, “Why not?”
God seems to be working through this new book. Millions have bought it, mainly through word-of-mouth, as no marketing money has been spent. Many people have remarked how it has touched them deeply. I enjoyed the read myself, though I admit that I have some reservations with it theologically.
This fictional heart-tugger describes an experience of God. In so doing, the story depicts God as approachable, personal, relational, and Trinitarian (just as historical Christianity believes: God in three persons; Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Some may raise their eyebrows at the character of God the Father appearing as a black woman. I think that’s a healthy imaginative thought – especially since so, so, so many Christians imagine God as a white male. Where did that come from? Hey, don’t ya enjoy a challenge, a change?
The Shack makes a strong point about God’s presence. Often God meets us in the place of our deepest pain. The main character is called back to an abandoned shack where years before his worst nightmare had come true. It’s in this dark place that God comes to him.
More than anything, I think the book makes a strong case for forgiveness - especially as Christ taught, to forgive & to love our enemies. Forgiveness is not a cold command. Forgiveness is a mark of the character of God, a window onto the heart of our Savior.
In the book, God says, “Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver…to release you from something that will eat you alive”(225) and “it’s about letting go of another person’s throat”(224).
Forgiveness is a Christian theme that the church has not taught (or practiced) enough. The main character, Mack, finds full-bodied forgiveness in that he (painfully) learns to forgive the perpetrator, himself, and even God.
If nothing else, The Shack may motivate many to forgive others and to turn to God.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
The Shack was captivating from the first page to the last. Looking forward to hearing from those who read it. Would be great to break into small groups within the sanctuary to discuss. So glad we are tackling novels. Hope we will continue this in the future.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
I believe that we all have our own “shacks” that we try to avoid or forget about in life. We use our hectic lives to try to bury those painful experiences or “great sadnesses.” But, like Mack, I feel called to go back to my shack. No, I haven’t received a note from Papa, but throughout so many daily lessons, sermons from Pastor Jason, and special moments with fellow believers, I know that I too, must humble myself, get over my personal pain and issues, and forgive in order to experience the relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that He wants me to experience. It’s going to take more than just a weekend to do it, but I believe that God is patient. He knows that I’m still a work in progress.