Recommendation and Review: The Shack by William P. Young
September 17th, 2007 by iMonk
UPDATE:Tim Challies and I couldn’t disagree more on this review. He really disliked the book, and I - and my family so far- have been deeply moved and helped by it. That’s the way it goes.
The emerging church, whatever that is, is producing a body of literature of its own that reflects its particular approach to spirituality and theology. The Shack, an unusual novel by William P. Young, may be a significant contribution to that particular theological literature. Or you may just want to read it for a more ordinary reason: William P. Young wants to introduce you to what it means to be loved by the Trinitarian God, and he’s created a compelling story to do so in a way few sermons could ever begin to do.
Though written as a novel, The Shack is mostly a series of theological conversations and experiences between the main character and God, framed between a short plot, and covering a full menu of experiential and spiritual topics. Eugene Peterson’s recommendation compares The Shack to Pilgrim’s Progress, and while I doubt that comparison is particularly appropriate, The Shack is a book that can generate much conversation among anyone with thoughts of God and sure controversy among the rigidly certain. Through the author’s choice to present difficult theological concepts in a creative, even fantastic way, readers who would not approach theology will find themselves drawn into deep waters. Young has taken a dive into deep waters, and it’s an adventurous swim back to shore.
Young is not a master of elegant prose (though his descriptions of the indescribable are well done), but he is wonderfully passionate about the love of God. This is a book that will leave certain aspects of the Gospel indelible impressed on the reader: the nature of the Trinity, God’s personal love for us, the meaning of trust and forgiveness, and the constant creative presence of the Holy Spirit. Young takes many chances, and while not all of them pay off equally, those that do are pretty magnificent. ( I can’t remember setting in a classroom and being moved to tears by a novel before, certainly not one in the “Christian” market.)
Those inclined to look for emerging church error or general heresy won’t be disappointed, and I am sure Young enjoys some of this theological and traditional mischief. I’d recommend putting up the doctrine gun for the duration of this book, and letting the story entertain and explore. This isn’t a confession or a catechism, but it is something a lot of people will read and absorb. It is difficult to not be drawn into the central character’s “Great Sadness,” and the transforming experience that sends him back into the world a changed man is one all readers will find themselves envying. If you can read this book as what it was meant to be, and not as a chapter of someone’s Systematics, it will work on the level we most need such a story: our own sense of intimacy with God.
(I’m not minimizing Young’s theology, and I don’t agree with all of it by any means. But this is a book to leave you talking, thinking, praying and worshipping. At least Young swung for the fences instead of playing it safe. It’s provided wonderful impetus for my prayers since reading it.)
Theological novels are a difficult genre, and I won’t say that The Shack achieves all what we might hope for in such a book. Still, despite a few less than stellar aspects, I must say I found the book personally moving. I will be re-reading it, and I will be purchasing several copies for others. This is a book with enormous pastoral potential for those who need a fresh look at the Trinitarian God revealed in scripture. Young has succeeded in making God a compelling character and the message of the life of faith beautiful, even in the midst of great loss, grief and the brokenness of the ordinary person
We all have secrets, and we all have reasons trusting God is difficult. An afternoon in The Shack may be used by the Spirit to change you and to refresh your entire experience of God.
A good book. I look forward to reading a future great book from Young.
The Shack can be purchased here.
Great review, Michael! I strongly suspect God has his hand of blessing on this book that very few others have known. My wife’s little bookshop here in Wales is the European distributor of The Shack and we’ve seen 120 copies fly off the shelves in eight weeks, which is unheard in the spiritual dark places where we share the Gospel. The publisher tells us that the first printing has nearly sold out. It’s a great story that moved me to tears over and over.
I would offer my review to your readers as well, if you don’t mind (otherwise, just edit out this paragraph). I have a couple of links to interviews that might prove helpful. Thanks!
Hi Michael,
Our church, Emanuel Lutheran, has a book club/discussion group. Would it be ok if I forwarded your review of the Shack to the leader of that group? Thanks and God bless.
Ivy
Sure.
Michael - I bought the book and am about 1/3 the way into it (just read “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”).
In your review you said “I’m not minimizing Young’s theology, and I don’t agree with all of it by any means.” Without giving any plot spoilers, can you tell us whether your concern for Young’s “theological mischief” has to do with his creative license in how the trinity is represented by characters in the story? Or minor delights, such as God already enjoying the music made by people who’ve not been born yet? Or, do you have more substantive issues with (for example) the dialogues and explanations of free will, good vs. evil, etc.?
I’m already thing of several young adults to whom I would recommend the book, but we might not be as discerning as you when it comes to compartmentalizing inspirational flights of fancy vs. theological accuracy, so your opinions are welcome.
Salvation in other religions is the first thing that comes to mind. Some of the way he conceives of God’s sovereignty seemed off track, but I’d have to get back to the book. Maybe I’ll think of others.
Hi Michael, appreciated your review of The Shack. Paul definitely didn’t play it safe, and because he did swing for the fences, it offered me a fresh and inspiring perspective of the love of God for me.
I’ve since purchased 2 case lots from Paul to share with friends and family as conversational starters about faith.
When Paul was in my town for a book signing, we connected and enjoyed an hour long conversation that was recorded on video. Here’s the recording for your viewing pleasure.
Thanks once again Michael - appreciate your review.
The Shack was one of those books I couldn’t put down for long, though I did put it down periodically to ponder what I had just read. The presence of God in Mack’s life was so real it made me think Mack might be real too.
Thanks for your excellent review, and thanks to Sherman for the ipod interview with Young.
Feelings plus emotion plus ingnorence = “The Shack”.
The Holy Bible plus The Holy Spirit = Truth
Take your choice.
Yes, there’s nothing like a rotten book of imaginative ramblings about a loving God who reveals himself as Father , Son and Spirit through the perfect work of Jesus to a broken world.
Thanks for letting us know that one can’t believe the Bible and read a novel. Do you have a list of approved books we can read, or should we just stop with this either/or?
“Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There is only one God, not multiple. There is only one way to heaven, not many. The Bible, (The infallible, accurate word), says so. This is black and white, with no gray areas. Heresy is real. One can read a novel and the Bible, one just has to understand that only one is completely accurate and that the other can be very confusing and deceiving. You decide which one is accurate.
Some of the worst mistakes are made by people with the best intentions.
Try the fruit, you will know them by their fruit
Take God seriously. Yourself…not so much. The fruit is looking pretty good right now. I’ve given my two teenage daughters each a copy of the Shack. This book has made God very accessible to them in a world that competes for their attention and allegiance daily.
Hi. I’ve just finished reading The Shack myself (like yesterday). I see this book linked to Emergent folk, but I don’t think it is. It’s coming from somewhere else. It’s closely linked to the guys who wrote So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore who seem to be much older, ex-pastors and leaders who’ve raised their families in typical churches……and feel completely lost 3 decades later.
Anyhow, these 2 books have been the most eye-opening, insightful books I’ve read in a long time. For those of us whose minds default to a “mean God”, there is a love here that conquers that religion of fear.
A friend recommended The Shack to me. I read it in 3 days…it touched me beyond words. I so wanted Macks story to be true. I had to continue to remind myself while I was reading that this is a fiction book. Yet,truthfully knowing in my own heart, that the shack is in all of us; unforgiveness, perfectionism, lying, broken relationships and feeling unworthy. Paul Young spoke to my heart. I felt the love that Pappa, Jesus and Sarayu showed to Mack. My life will be forever touched by this book. I will definately recommend this book to all of my family and friends.
Just like Mack, I am in the midst of the Great Saddness. I found reading The Shack to be comforting, thought provoking, healing, and promising.
Relationship with God? Definately. Can’t argue with that…but what god?
Please look up: powersthatbe (find out who “Papa” really is) and also: she of a thousand names. The similarities are too frightening to ignore. For anyone who shrugs it off, beware of the strong delusion that the Bible speaks about in 2 Thessalonians 2:11, Matt. 24:24
There is a movement quickly rising, one of goddess worship, one that started at the Tower of Babel, with Nimrod and Semiramis and has moved throughout history and people groups, a counterfeit trinity with ever changing aliases, including Sophia, Papa, Sarayu (also Saranyu). This is the same pagan goddess as Diana, Isis, Aphrodite, the Virgin Mary (of Catholicism), Ishtar, Mother Earth, etc… This movement represents a transgendered god/goddess that is all about Oneness, Love, Peace…Though, not the same Oneness, Love and Peace that can only be had through a relationship with the Jesus of the Bible. No, this has to do with god of the New World Order- a god who compassionately embraces all religions, beliefs and creeds- cuz after all, isn’t it all about DIVERSITY, LOVE, TOLERANCE, ACCEPTANCE and PEACE? Those who disagree must be hatemongers! Granted this book does not dismiss Jesus as being God, but I do see it as a “gateway” book, one that subtly introduces alternative views of God, to open and condition the readers’ minds for later, more emboldened ideas of the nature and character of God. Oprah is a big proponant of this new religion, I wouldn’t be surprised if she picks this book as part of her book club one day. Keep an eye on the ecumenical movement, the Catholic church calling back all her protestant “daughters”, there is also a video that can be viewed online called “Messages from Heaven”. Arm yourself with knowledge so you can see what is coming. Also related: Kali and Transgender goddess cybele
Keeps your eyes open people- especially those of you who claim to be christians! Where there is the real thing, there is always a counterfeit, designed to try and deceive the very elect.
I just finished reading the book and concluded that there are a few main points that the author wants to leave the reader with. 1) God takes care of each one of us in all situations, we can trust him on that 2) we must forgive in order to be free and to start building a relationship of trust 3) we are to stop judging because everyone will someday be dancing in the eschatological laser light show where full forgiveness and relationship is restored, and the most important thing 4) God in Jesus loved us soooooo much that he committed suicide for us so we could experience his love.
My home cell want to use this book as a topic. I am suspicious, and sceptical about this book. Could it be biblical to sctch God as a woman figure?
Was it wrong for Jesus to portray God as a mother hen?
“Oh Jerusalem….how i would have gathered you under my wings.”
Was it wrong to portray God as a lion in Narnia?
Or as a lamb?
Is there something wrong with the female that we should be avoiding?
It’s imaginative fiction.
So is this book in line with what the Bible teaches then?
JJ:
I say in the review that I have some theological problems with the book, but I believe it creatively and helpfully deals with many issues about the Trinity and forgiveness. I don’t know of any book by anyone that is perfect aside from scripture. This book would get a B+ from me on reflecting Biblical theology, but it will do much good for many people whose view of God is too rationalistic.
If I was a hardcore Calvinist, I’d avoid the book.
I think people miss an important piece of context when they critique this book oftimes. The guy who wrote it is not a theologian or even an author by trade - he wrote it for his family as a way to talk to them about God and his faith. Somehow he went from there to publishing by the encouragement of others. He didn’t write it for it to be picked apart. I tell my kids lots of stories to help them connect the gospel and the good news of Christ. Hopefully I can handle the criticism with grace if ever they get published (they won’t … but he never intended it for mass market production)
I confess, I think this book is pretty awful. It’s badly written, cliched, heavy-handed and I cringed all the way through. And that’s before you get anywhere near theology. I appreciate where you’re coming from, though: we need help to know God as more than a set of propositions. I just wish people would read something better than The Shack to point the way!