Is The Shack a Great Book, Controversial, Theological,Sinister or What? A Review
Posted: Monday, August 25, 2008
by Jeff Downing
When a friend of mine suggested that I read a Christian book that was so controversial that the author had difficulty getting it published, yet had become very successful nonetheless. I decided to do a little research before opening a page. What I discovered was many people thought it was "life changing" and were purchasing extra books to give out to their friends. On the other side, many Theologians are warning that this book has a great deal of potential to do more harm than good. I want to attempt to present both sides of this argument, and hopefully give everyone something to think about.
The three convince Mack that they are offering him a relationship that he could not even conceive of, and he ends up "correcting" his previous perceptions and falls deeply in love with the characters representing the Trinity. In addition, he is able to heal from the pain he has endured in his life, and see the value of improving all of his relationships. In the time they spend together, Mack is taught to stop judging God and others, and he is able to stop hating his deceased father, and to profess his forgiveness of the kidnapper.
Here is an example of one of the conversations with God:
"...Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable
tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume
that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish
my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace
doesn't depend on suffering to exist..."
The reason that so many people love this book, is that it asks question they themselves have, including why do bad things happen, and it provides a look at the Trinity in a very loving, understandable form. This book allows the reader to fall in love with their creator, and to heal many of the hurts from their past.
With all of the positives being presented above, why do some people hate this book? In Tim Challies's review, he warns that "we cannot trust our laughter or our tears but must allow our powers of discernment to be trained to distinguish good from evil." The problems cited by the authors critics, lies in his theology.
Here is an example:
Jesus is talking with Mack about how seekers find him and that he is not trying to make anyone a Christian. "I am not a Christian," Jesus says. Mack asks him if this means that all roads lead to God. Here is his answer:
"Most roads don't lead to anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you"
The author does not make it clear whether all religions lead to God, but he leaves the reader with that possibility.
Another example:
Mack stating that despite years of seminary and years of being a Christian, most of the things taught to him in the shack had never occurred to him before.
At no point in any of the conversations, is the Bible cited as important to developing a relationship with the Trinity.
Later on:
Mack paused, searching for the right words. "You're talking about the church as this woman you're in love with; I'm pretty sure I haven't met her." He turned away slightly. "She's not the place I go on Sundays," Mack said to himself, unsure if that was safe to say out loud. " Mack, that's because you're only seeing the institution, a man- made system. That's not what I came to build."
And again:
" I'm not to big on religion," Jesus said a little sarcastically, "and not very fond of politics or economics either." Jesus' visage darkened noticeably. "And why should I be? They are the man-created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about. What mental turmoil and anxiety does any human face that is not related to one of those three?"
On one side, we have a book that has the capability of bringing people much closer to God, that teaches people to love, and forgive, while healing our past hurts, and helping us to stop judging others. The other end of this, is that it does not point to Christianity as the only path to Jesus or Heaven, it makes the Bible seem irrelevant in developing a relationship with the Trinity, It does not encourage people to attend church, it sees no value at all in religion and it considers the seminary to be a waste.
I have my opinion about what Christians should do with this tool, but I would really appreciate yours.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Hi Jeff, Good book review. Based on the information that you have provided I can understand why the book is controversial. Established religions are often at odds with true spirituality. It was true when Christ walked the earth and it is true today. Sometimes people get the impression that the church will save them. The church does not save, Jesus saves. Some people hold the Bible so dear that they miss having a real relationship with God. There is a true distinction between Churchianity and Christianity. As far as Christ's comment in the book that he is not a Christian, I have no problem with that. Technically, the word Christian means "Little Christ", and Christ could never be a Little Christ... he is The Christ, the one and only. I also have no problem with the author's suggestion that many paths lead nowhere and some lead to Jesus. What's the big deal? Some of the roads in my town lead to my church, but many don't. I guess it all depends on where we turn on the crossroads!Thank you for taking the time to respond to the article. As I stated above, I am going to leave my personal feeling about the book out of it. I really hope that people will be willing to write about their thoughts and feeling on this subject. I am especially interested in anyone that feels that I have been unfair or incorrect in my writings.
HI My Love,I believe this book can be used for helping someone find the path to God. Not to church, but to God. After all, isn't that more important than leading someone to church. After they are lead to God, they will find their way to a church.I love youIt is nice to get a response even from a wife. Thanks beautiful.
I enjoyed your review Jeff! I wouldn't mind reading this one. I have always felt that church is not going to save you. Jesus it the one who saves. I also stand firm on my personal belief that Jesus treats us as his bride. US! Not a building of any religion. All religion is man made. I believe our goal is a personal relationship with God who sent His son Jesus, and later His Holy Spirit. Great article! Keep up the writing. Tell your wife hello and I love ya both.Thank you for writting your feelings about this subject.
I'm not really seeing where the controversial part comes in. The only touchy part I'm seeing is the fact that the Bible isn't mentioned to develop a relationship with Christ. How is this book heresy like people are claiming it to be? I'm lost:PYou have actually answered your own question. You can see what bothers many Christians, that the path we took towards a deep relationship with our savior is not mentioned. I understand why a lot of people hate religion but what is really at stake is relationship. Thanks for your letter
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