My Review of #1 NY Times Best Seller: The Shack
William P. Young wrote a fiction novel to teach his six children about his relationship with God. It is allegory about God’s grace healing brokenness.
Young planned on making a few copies of the book at Kinkos as gifts. But then he shared the book with a few friends. They told a few more friends and through word of mouth marketing the book is now number 1 on the NY Times Best Seller list with over one million copies in print. It has been on USA Today’s best selling list for 18 weeks.
The title of the book is The Shack. This book is extremely thought provoking, unique and incredibly emotional. It has been compared to Pilgrim’s Progress and C.S. Lewis’s work. On Amazon it has over 600 reviews and over 500 of them give the book at least four stars. It is sure to become a classic.
By habit, I am suspicious of books that are popular, especially in the Christian market (my readers know I don’t hesitate to wave red flags). I read The Shack guardedly expecting for Oprah’s New Age type religion/philosophy.
I was pleasantly surprised with this stirring and unforgettable story about God’s love and spiritual healing. Here is the book description:
Mackenzie Allen Philips’ youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness.
Four years later in the midst of his “Great Sadness,” Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack’s world forever.
In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant “The Shack” wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.
This is a fiction book. Missy’s death is a metaphor for an ugly, dark place hidden so deep that it seemed beyond God’s healing reach. Mack spends the two and a half days with the Trinity learning about himself and God and relationships in the shack which is transformed into a mansion in an Eden-like garden for the weekend.
I smiled, cried, pondered, prayed, and repented as I read this over two days. The main focus of this book is on God’s love, God’s mercy, and the importance of us loving and forgiving others. I came away from the book refreshed.
Once I felt comfortable the author believed in salvation by faith through grace and that Jesus being the only way, I let down my guard and basked in this well written book full of hidden treasures. This is a novel you read with a highlighter.
Those who view Christianity only as a religion with rules to follow will learn that faith and love don’t come from theology or rules they flow from a relationship with God.
“Grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.”
William P. Young, The Shack
Why is The Shack so Popular?
Young approaches the popular topic the love of God and human suffering in a story. Jesus taught in parables and object lessons because we learn well from stories. Young’s story is an attempt describe a God’s character to his children. But God’s character is essentially indescribable. We can only understand a part of God’s characteristics by what we know and experience in human relationships.
People in our culture have a need to connect with God as a personal God beyond the holy and omnipotent. Our reverence and wonder about the presence of God make hard to grasp God in terms of intimate family relationships such as God as Papa (instead of an unseen force or an abstract will).
Young presents an easy to relate to version of the trinity of three persons with unique personalities spending a few days casual friendly folksy conversation and home cooked comfort meals. Easy enough for a child to understand, loving, warm and rich.
If you have been hurt in your life through church or religion or experienced the pain of legalism or rejection of judgmental attitudes this book will especially touch you. I have been hurt a lot in churches so I was profoundly impacted.
There is such a chasm between God’s holy being and our imperfect world that it is simply hard to understand God’s mercy and loving actions with unworthy man. The Shack gives us a grasp of the depth of the love of God and it is beyond comforting, it is exhilarating!
“Every time you forgive, the universe changes; everytime you reach out and touch a life, the world changes; with every kindness, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again.”
The Controversy
Any book that includes conversations with God is bound to receive criticism. How can anyone put words in God’s mouth? But the critics seem to forget the book is a fiction story by a man telling a story about God’s love to his children, not a book on theology. This book is Young’s perception of God.
I was not in total agreement with The Shack (I am not in total agreement with several of my favorite authors). I don’t expect any book but the Bible to be perfect. Books are like watermelons; you have to be willing to spit out a few seeds.
I read many of the heresy hunters posts and some of them say some things that just are not true. The article “Is the Shack Heresy?” by Wayne Jacobson addresses each of the problems the critics bring up.
The predestination folks (particularly Tim Challies) seem to have the most problems with the book (the teachings in The Shack–God loves everyone– do not agree with predestination. See the video series for a full explanation).
A Feminine God?
I imagine the hardest part for Christians to grasp is God being first presented to Mack as a female. Its easy to understand a knee jerk reaction. I was cautious when I read this but not completely turned off I have a limited understanding of the masculine and feminine parts of the image of God (because of my studies in Hebrew roots). When Adam was first made, he was both male and female, formed in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
The Shack is not trying to reinvent God as a female, but revealing that God is beyond race and gender. The main character in the story Mack was abused by his father so the author presents a comforting mother type at first, later in the book (once the earthly father issues are solved) God is presented as the Father. Harper’s Bible Dictionary explains the Bible uses both male and female imagery to show the charter of God:
Although masculine images for God dominate (e.g., king, judge, father, brother, shepherd, etc.), it must be recognized that feminine images are also frequently used to describe God’s activity. Among these are images related to feminine anatomy (e.g., womb and breasts) and feminine function (e.g., conception, pregnancy, childbirth, maternal nurture, etc.).
In the story, Papa explains that there is no hierarchy in the holy trinity–there is no need because each serves each other. It is a thought provoking description and my jury is still out on this section. But I have no problem questioning this and gleaning from the rest of the story.
Turkey Bacon
I was very disappointed that God served bacon for breakfast (See my view on the Bible dietary laws). My 30 year old son helped me with this. When we discussed it he said (tongue in cheek) “Hey mom, it is probably the same turkey bacon you serve.” I was enjoying the story so much I didn’t want this part to ruin it. So in my mind–it is turkey bacon.
Christian can agree to disagree in non-salvation issues and still love each other. The harsh reviews almost all misquote the book or twist the meaning of a few lines. The Shack is not irrelevant to God, the Bible or Jesus–it just knocks man’s traditions and that upsets some people.
To fairly critique the book I would ask the question:
What did Mack learn from his weekend with God?
The Shack is not about theology or religion, but about the sweetness of an intimate relationship with God through Christ.
Mack is reminded of basic truths found in God’s word that he allowed forgot during his great sadness. The truths are given in an unconditional casual conversation format that may make some people uncomfortable.
Mack learns that he doesn’t really trust God and “Trust is the fruit of a relationship where you know you are loved” (p 126).
Mack discovers that God’s desires an intimate love relationship with each of us. He learns God wants him to spend time with Him and intimately communicate with Him, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, and to give his life meaning and purpose. He learns that God can use all things, even sin and evil to develop this relationship for good (Romans 8:28).
Mack discovers the depth of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:4-5) . He learns that he can not be self-sufficient and realizes he has been made acceptable through Jesus Christ and Him alone. He learns he will not find God through guilt or condemnation. He understands God is lovingly and patiently waiting on Him to submit (1 Peter 5:7).
Mack is reminded of the two most important commands–to love God and love others (john 13:35). Mack already knows he must forgive others as Christ forgave Him but in the shack he is helped through the process.
Mack learns God works through everything including our brokenness and sadness (Philippians 3:8). When we are separated from our prideful flesh (the carnal, corrupted life) through grace and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us He will gradually bring us to the restful place of humble dependence, wherein we can consistently receive the grace that leads to intimacy. Beautiful, loving intimacy!
Mack learns God wants us to be made complete in Christ (John 6:44-45). God wants us to be of one mind with Him. God wants us to make His ways our ways, His thoughts our thoughts.
I came away from the book feeling loved and secure with a strong desire to cultivate my relationship with God through His Word. How can that be a bad thing?
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men!
In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You keep them secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord! For He has shown me His marvelous loving favor…
Psalms 31:17-19
Video Review of The Shack
Windblown Media: Publishers of The Shack
The Shack was rejected by traditional publishers. Young’s friends Wayne Jacobsen and Brad Cummings began
Windblown Media to publish this book. FaithWords recently signed on as co-publisher with Windblown (read the interesting story behind the name Windblown here).
When I found out Wayne Jacobson was involved in the publishing of this book I was very pleased. Several years ago I read a book by Wayne with excellent object lessons of God’s love titled My Father’s Vineyard and recommended it on my site. Wayne’s site Lifestream.org is committed to help people discover the joy and freedom of relational Christianity.
Brad and Wayne host The God Journey. Each Friday they post an audio podcast to encourage others by sharing their journeys, searching the Scriptures, interacting with their listeners, and examining current events and cultural trends. They inspire those whose spiritual hungers cannot be met in the conventional expressions of Christianity and yet want to live more deeply in Jesus and be part of the church he is building.
You can read excerpts from The Shack here.
Listen to an audio interview by the author here.
In Closing
The Shack is not emergent, nor new age. It does not demean the trinity. It is William Young’s view of God. You may not agree with all of it but it makes you think outside the box and has encouraged thousands to develop their relationship with God.
I was pleased when my Southern Baptist pastor recommended The Shack from the pulpit. It made me realize how secure he is in his position. I’ve been in other churches where the pastor would never dream of recommending any book that would point a person to any thing but the pastor of the church for a relationship with God.
There are many scathing critiques about this book. Most just throw around the words “bad theology” with nothing to back it up.
I like this blog post by a Pastor: Reviewing the Reviews of “The Shack” because he took time to address the issues instead of throwing stones and leaving.
If you would like to know the types books I read you can see a list of my library here.
My post below on Self Control was influenced by The Shack.
Have you read The Shack? How did it help you?
Why do you think The Shack is so popular? Why is it so controversial?
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Popularity: 25% [?]
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Thank-you for doing this review, Robin. It was great to hear from someone who didn’t lovelovelove the book and everything in it nor who hated it and thought it a plight on Christian literature (my dramatized perception!).
The Shack did impact me, and how I perceive my relationship with God. I read it only because it caused such a buzz and I wanted to be in on the conversation (only I was the first one to hear about it, let alone read it, in my real life circles!). It offered a fresh perspective on who I am and how God wants to relate to me.
It was wise to read this book with caution. It pried open many of the “boxes” that I contain my thinking about God in, but also alluded to some things that may confuse a new or immature Christian. Until the emotional wave had passed over me, a little while after finishing the book, I didn’t think analytically about what Mr. Young was saying about different doctrines. It really is a book about knowing God, not about explaining disciplines of faith.
It should be read understanding that it’s an allegory about a God-experience, otherwise the reader may be emotionally led into believing something about God that is not scripturally based. It was easy to become immersed in the story and overlook any faults in theology. Only the Bible is inerrant when it comes to teaching truth about God.
Overall it was good to read a book that stretched my safe ideas and forced me to think about same-old things in a different way, and to re-introduce me to a God of lovingkindness and intimacy. I hope that those who read it, though, measure their experiences against scripture and not this book.
That’s just my simple take on it, a good book written by a human. It has flaws, but it’s a tool that can be used to draw people to the Lord.
Bobbie-Jo’s last blog post..Contentment
I am definitely a shack advocate. I am generally not a big fan of Christian fiction, but this particular book was engagingly descriptive. As with any book, especially one that purports to explain God, theology is challenged and belief systems are questioned; but even Young admits that he would “not be too surprised, in spite of our concerted effort toward accuracy, if some factual errors and faulty remembrances are reflected” (13).
Paul (the New Testament one, not the author) was an advocate of reasoning with people, a fancy, Greek way of saying that he liked to talk matters of faith and belief and theology with those around him. And ultimately, that’s how The Shack has become so popular. One person recommending the book to another and then engaging in conversation that ultimately strengthens our faith, our belief, and our relationships with each other and with God.
Tina Marie’s last blog post..The Shack: Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (Part 1)
Very complete review. How did you find my blog? I am always curious to know how people come across it!
Pomo’s last blog post..Article on The Shack
I will have to check this out…looks like a great read Robin!
Angela’s last blog post..An Early Father’s Day- Almost Wordless Wednesday
I think you’re take on the book is fair. You’re right, it isn’t emergent or new-agey. One thing I did like was that he take things like the Trinity, the death and resurrection of Christ, and even I think the Creation seriously and as things that really happened. That puts him quite a ways ahead, in my mind, of some others who lay claim to be Christian teachers and thinkers but who, for example, say things like the resurrection of Christ didn’t really happen.
I agree with Bobbie-Jo, that it needs to be read with understand, or, if I may use another word, discernment. There were things it that I liked, and others that I question.
At the least, it wasn’t so far out as to be something I couldn’t recommend at all. But do read it with your eyes open, so to speak.
jazzact13’s last blog post..book review–the shack–overview
Robin,
I loved your review…so thorough and hitting on all the questions that have popped up when I’ve talked to others about this book. I really appreciate the information you’ve shared. I’m waiting for my copy from the library. I’m number 27 in line, so I have a little wait before me. : )
Yvonne’s last blog post..Encouraging Children to Write: Elementary to High School
Thank you Robin! I also read this book a couple months ago, when it was recommended to me by Steve and Jane Lambert of Five in A Row.
I had read a lot of the “dissin’ ” of the book and was a bit suspicious of it. However, as I was transported into the story line and saw the beauty of Christ’s mercy, love and patience…I was instantly a huge supporter of this book as well. Excellent review Robin.
Love Deanne
Deanne’s last blog post..Watching Women
Robin, I love YOU!I had been wanting to read this for while but also tend to judge things the way you do by the Word, and just really didn’t want to be dissapointed. I don’t think things have to be perfect but I do want evidence of a deep relationship (with God)in an author before I let things sink in. Because when we read or listen to what comes from anothers interpretation of HIM and HIS ways it does influence us. I had a feeling this book would be good, I hoped so anyway. I am so glad to hear your opinion. I value it. I would like to read it as soon as it appears at my library, no book $$ at the moment.
blessings my dear sister!
Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
Penny Raine’s last blog post..our version of “big brother”
I don’t generally read fiction unless I read something before I allow my kids to read it. However, after reading your review, I had to get this book. It sounds like an awesome book, something that I would enjoy, learn from, and that would greatly affect my relationship with the Father.
Thank you, Robin, for reviewing the book in such length. I can’t wait until it arrives!
Blessings and prayers for you and yours
Mara B.’s last blog post..Tiger Direct will rip you off!
Thanks for reviewing the book.
I have a lot of friends that want me to read it. However, due to the horrific events to a child in it I know I cannot.
I still have flashes of images & words from “The GreenMile” hit me even years after seeing it.
This book was sent to me by my mentor. I had never heard of it. I started reading it and then realized that I needed to read it to my 4 oldest kids as a read-aloud. We were upset at first about what happened to his daughter, but we have been through some shocking things that we thought God would never allow, since we gave our lives completely into His hands. So we knew that sometimes God allows things that don’t make sense to us. So we were able to keep on reading, and we could really relate to what Mack was feeling. The line that Papa used so often, “I’m especially fond of you” made me feel like God would say that to me, and I felt Him saying it to me as I read this book. I think many of us Christians need to really know how God feels about each one of us. Then we would treat each other with more love, because all of the masks would be gone and all of the jealousy, competition and comparison would be gone.
I loved this book and felt that it was a great experience for me and my children - ages 10-17. Nobody knows how the Trinity really works. It’s beyond our understanding. But this is a good theory based on what we do know. We have to have some kind of conception of it, and I don’t think this one could be harmful in any way. Reading this story helped us to feel closer to God (each of my kids really liked the story, too) and I know God wants us to be close to Him.
We had our understanding reaffirmed that God can always be trusted, no matter what circumstances come into our lives.
Thanks for this positive review, Robin, because I believe many people could be helped by reading this book.
Love,
Penney
Penney Douglas’s last blog post..The Medical Experts? Not!!!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for your review. I haven’t read the book, and I’m not sure if I will, but I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts of it with us :). I greatly enjoyed reading your balanced review. I admit, I’m one of those who experiences a knee jerk reaction when God is presented as a female figure.
Jennifer Bogart’s last blog post..FIRST Wild Card Tour: She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt
Thank you, Robin!! Just yesterday I was pondering whether or not to buy and read this book. I TOO am LEARY of Christian fiction. So often the books are fluffy and not at all biblical. Now that I’ve read your EXCELLENT and THOROUGH review, I think I will get a copy and dive in.
God bless you for your dedication to serving the Lord.
Sally Olson
Livermore, CA
Hi,
I just wanted to refer you back to a recent Heart of Wisdom article called Spiritual Disorientation. Here is a quote: “After sharing this story with my young Christian friend, I explained that there are times when we can become “spiritually disoriented”, especially as a young believer facing stormy times. During these times, Satan will attack and it is important that we trust our flight lead, Jesus Christ, and our instruments, God’s Holy Word, to see us through. Our faith must stand solidly upon the foundation of Jesus, the chief corner stone as described in Ephesians 2:20 and upon the pillar of truth, the Bible. Faith like love is not based on our feelings, it is a choice. Even in times of doubt we can choose to believe and know that just beyond the clouds of doubt is a clear blue horizon waiting for us to journey towards.”
I cannot recommend The Shack without reservation because it is one more book that is scratching the itching ears of people who want to de-construct and de-value scripture. I realize it is a FICTIONAL story, but along the lines of The DaVinci Code it is written in such a convincing way that people will be deceived. Much of The Shack does not stand up to scriptural doctrine - and the reader needs discernment. Perhaps it could be read and discussed together with mature christians who know their Bible- but to recommend it to young people or immature christians is not responsible, in my opinion.
Hi Robin;
My girlfriend just plopped this book on my counter last week. Thanks for giving us some more background details, I am not sure that I am comfortabe with God being portrayed as a female…a female and feminine attributes are very different. Hmm, I will read it and take that to God.
thanks;
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
*come meet us, we love new friends!
Kimmie’s last blog post..Homeschool homemaking skills
CarolinaMama’s last blog post..Sun Without The Cancer
Thank you, Robin, for such an indepth, well thought review on this book.
Dawne’s last blog post..WHY We Homeschool
Great read, Robin. You really went into depth.
Gary R. Hess’s last blog post..Quest for the Longest Poetry Meme
Robin,
I’m adding this to my post! It’s a FABULOUS review of the book! I walked away with so much from this book…you articulated so well many of the feelings that I felt…I too left wanting to “cultivate” my relationship with the 3 persons in 1….
Thanks Robin for linking to me….
You are, as always…a blessing!
hugs to you!
lori
[...] My Review of #1 NY Times Best Seller: The Shack [...]
Great review! For those concerned about the theology read what Wayne Jacobsen friend of the author and one of the editors of the book says:
“Let me assure any of you reading this that all three of us who worked on this book are deeply committed followers of Jesus Christ who have a passion for the Truth of the Scriptures and who have studied and taught the life of Jesus over the vast majority of our lifetimes. But none of us would begin to pretend that we have a complete picture of all that God is or that our theology is flawless. We are all still growing in our appreciation for him and our desire to be like him, and we hope this book encourages you to that process as well. In the end, this says the best stuff we know about God at this point in our journeys. Is it a complete picture of him? Of course not! Who could put all that he is into a little story