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!
For a very critical review of The Shack:
donholmes.blogspot.com
Google “is the Shack heresy” ? by Wayne jacobsen one of the guys behind the publishing of the book great article
grace to all bg
Jen, and others.. I doubt if you’ve read this book. It does everything of pointing to a real relationship with the God of the Bible, and Jesus - I think you have misinterpreted things catastrophically.
Going on about this whole new-agey thing. The Shack is nothing at all to do with this. Sarayu is NOT Saranyu. Read the definition of Sarayu here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarayu
It’s an indian word, yes. But it simply means water, and wind.
Papa is just a more western name for Abba or Daddy.
and Sophia actually means Wisdom, which is exactly what she portrays in the book.
I’d ask you kindly not to bash something you don’t understand, unless ofcourse you’re being devisive and trying to reduce the impact that God is having on people’s lives throuhg it… in which case, I’d ask you to stop, but I doubt it’d make any difference.
I fail to see any connection. Is God a loving, caring, compassionate God? YES! the bible is FULL of this imagery.
And regarding the whole all religions thing - if you read that carefully, you’ll see that Jesus says something to the effect of Him finding people from all religions - ie people in other religions can find Jesus (inspite of their religion, not because of it). He specifically says that not all roads lead to Him, but that He will go down any road to get to us. I think this is fitting. Many of the early Christians were involved in other religions when they found Jesus (through the preaching of the Apostles), etc. Don’t hea
(sor what Will’s not saying.
Personally, I struggle to find anything in The Shack that doesn’t have a scriptural basis (or at the least, fits within the biblical view of God) - and to be honest, it’s drawn me to rethink the rather unscriptural view of God as a wrath-filled judgemental God, almost devoid of love.
But - I also encourage you to read Wayne’s view, as he had a large part in influencing the way a lot was said in the book: http://www.windblownmedia.com/shackresponse.ht
And - actually, I’d encourage you guys to ask God what He really thinks. If there’s something you really don’t agree with it, give it to God. I’m not saying this book is perfect, but I think what error there might be is small, and parts that are really open to differences which we won’t really know until we are with Dad (and then I doubt it’d matter that much).
(sorry this is so long..)
cam
A similar problem has happened before when Moses went up the mountain for a long period of time the people became restless. With their leader absent the people wanted a god they could see so Aaron made one, the golden calf, Aaron proclaimed “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.” Why was that offensive to God? The people were sacrificing and worshiping an image that represented the Lord to the people. The people did not know what God looked like so they should not be faulted for that. The problem was that God was made and portrayed as an image according to the design of man. We can not make God to be as we want him to be and we cannot confine him to our space. What is more shocking is Aaron’s response when Moses asked Aaron why he did it. Aaron said to them, ‘Let any who have gold take it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.” (Exodus 32:1-35) as if a perceived miracle could made it right.
When the Christian family no longer seeks to reflect Christ’s image and people are no longer reading the Bible but every other book that promises to give them the answer, they will seek their own god to go before them. When someone asks why we did it we will say that we took all the spiritual ideas and through them into the shack and out came this verb (whatever you want God to be).
Young is a fellow human being who is seeking God and an experience with his love and forgiveness. Pray for him and his family as you pray for yourself and your family that we all may be conformed to the image of Christ who is the image of God, and experience more grace from God through Christ than Aaron did through the interceding of Moses. The story of “The Shack” is about a man who has received and is receiving reconciliation with his creator and the creator of the universe. We can read the story as such – a fictional story of a real man’s ongoing journey with God. But read the Bible instead and find the full and complete truth “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:20-21).