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Should You Read The Shack?
Laura MacCorkle
Senior Editor, Crosswalk.com
You’ve heard about The Shack. It’s the work of fiction written by salesman-turned-first-time-author William P. Young that’s already gone into its fourth printing.
You’ve heard that it carries the endorsement of Eugene Peterson, translator of the popular paraphrase, The Message.
You’ve heard it’s “the new allegory”—a Pilgrim’s Progress, if you will—for the 21st century.
You’ve heard that it’s “life-changing” and will help you “see God in a new way” from well-meaning friends who have read it.
You've heard that churches are having their congregations read it. And students at some Christian schools, as well.
But you’ve heard some disturbing information about it, too. Words like heresy and bad theology from well-known leaders, theologians and authors in the evangelical community.
So, like me, you might be fairly confused and don’t know what or who to believe.
Back when I first heard about The Shack, I really wasn’t interested after reading a brief synopsis. Also, the chatter hadn’t started yet. Nor had the controversy.
But the roar has finally gotten loud enough now (from both sides) that I wanted to do some investigation and see what the ruckus was all about for myself. And I’ve found many scholarly and thoughtful sources that have helped me to understand what’s really going on in The Shack.
Hopefully, these will help you, too:
- “Stay Out of ‘The Shack’” from BreakPoint Commentary by Chuck Colson
- “The Shack: Ramshackle Theology” by Tom Neven, Boundless Webzine’s “The Line” blog
- “A Look at ‘The Shack’” as heard on “The Albert Mohler Radio Program”
- "'The Shack': What God Should Have Said?" by Walter Henegar, By Faith online magazine
- "A Reader’s Review of The Shack” by author & blogger Tim Challies (this is a FREE, downloadable 17-page review/guide that is beyond thorough. Tim addresses each heresy in The Shack and compares it to what Scripture really says. If you only read one critique, please read this review.)
Most Recent User Comments
stevenharness
5/2/2009 12:46 AM
I have listened to "The Shack" on cd's. Without trying to sound hypercritical, I cannot believe that people are comfortable with the theological content in this book. When I hear or read, "It made me feel so close to God, or I experienced God as never before," I want to say that those types of feelings are evoked in me regularly -- when I read the Bible. From the bottom of my heart, I encourage you to be discerning spiritually. This book is a heretical presentation of the Godhead. Go ahead and read it, but read it along with a clear reading and interpretation of Scripture. I'm not trying to be mean to Young or any one else, but I am grieved at the lack of spiritual discernment and biblical grounding among self-professed Christians in our day. God bless you!
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norgie
8/11/2008 2:33 PM
Yes, you should read The Shack! Here's why: it makes you think. It makes you think about God and how he wants to reach you where you are are. It makes you think about God's unconditional love for you (that is love without having to meet a certain performance standard - and I'm not talking about the need for salvation here). It makes you think about all the "stuff" that we clutter our lives with - both religious and every day cares - that keep us from the pure simplicity of a loving relationship with Him. It opens the door for conversation and talk about what it means to come face to face with God. What does that mean to you? How would He come to you and what method would He use that would actually get your attention and Keep it. How would you love him more after meeting with Him? This book should evoke a deep desire to spend more time with Him. Even though it is A FICTION STORY, the truths in it bring Life. So, this reader says YES - read it!
mercy423
6/27/2008 9:11 AM
I've read the shack - twice. It's an excellent book filled with inspiring information that has lead me to a deeper relationship with God.
Now... that statement should not make anyone want to read it anymore than some of these other opinions should make one NOT want to.
The beauty of experiences such as reading a book and gleaning from it what God has for you (and asking for the wisdom to discard what will not benefit you) is that it's a truly personal experience.
Our ability to grow and learn should not be limited by what others think of a document.
The opinions of others are (often) gems we can learn from. They shouldn't, however, exclude us from having our own experiences and forming our own thoughts and wisdom.
Now... that statement should not make anyone want to read it anymore than some of these other opinions should make one NOT want to.
The beauty of experiences such as reading a book and gleaning from it what God has for you (and asking for the wisdom to discard what will not benefit you) is that it's a truly personal experience.
Our ability to grow and learn should not be limited by what others think of a document.
The opinions of others are (often) gems we can learn from. They shouldn't, however, exclude us from having our own experiences and forming our own thoughts and wisdom.
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