The Shack - William Paul Young - Is it really that good?

I guess I may as well start off by stating ‘The Shack’ has been one of the most enjoyable and exciting books I have read in a long time as it relates to the nature of God. It is really that good! I know within seconds there will be those who applaud and those who will stop reading anything I’m about to say! Although, if you’ve made it this far on The Sanctuary’s web-site, I think you may line up in option A.

I will admit ‘The Shack’ has some tension and is far from the level of literature often achieved in such a writings (i.e. C.S. Lewis, John Bunyan and the likes of others in which the book has been compared to), but a careful read opens up the door to some pretty incredible understandings of the nature of God, the trinity, the work and power of Christ through the cross, the nature of fallen humanity and the redemptive plan of God towards his creation.

In relation to the success of the book one can’t help but see the instant connection to the reader – ‘The Great Sadness’ – This is part of our human journey. It’s here C. S. Lewis states: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”. No doubt the main character, Mack was awakened to a reality of God he would have never known if not for the loss and pain of an abduction. Of course he asks the universal question in the midst of suffering; “How could this have happened? God, how could this happen?” (page 53)

Brilliantly portrayed author William P. Young uses the story to highlight the nature of God as it relates to not only the tragedy, but the role and nature of God through it and of course the process of healing, including forgiveness.

Beyond the story itself there are some tensions that arise for many in relation to the trinity, the ‘look’ of God and some of the quotes Young creates and places in the story as reference to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

There are of course theological differences rooted deep within people that may frustrate some readers (free will vs. predestination page 164; the nature of the Trinity – “Circle of Love” – “Chain of command” pages 122, 145, 222; God’s judgment on sin – “It’s not my [God] purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it” Page 120), yet I would suggest remaining open to each of these as even within mature Christians these debates and differences have been fought for hundreds of years and will continue, yet in my opinion Young never crosses a line of misrepresenting the truth of scripture and the nature of God.

After leading a three week course on Exploring the Shack, I would only encourage anyone to read the book and then openly discuss it. My closing thought on what one does with it:

Great topic for conversation

Great discussion starter with friends

Re-evaluate your own beliefs about God (using scripture to support and help reveal a deeper understanding of God within your life)

Grow in deeper intimacy with God as you re-read The Shack.

Awesome read (and re-read), Thumbs up!