It is amazing how easily Christians can slide into deception. I wrote a book review on the shack and posted it on my website at www.authordonnadawson.com. It was amazing how many emails I got criticizing my viewpoint and those emails came from Christians. Non-Christians were just as interested in what I had to say and seemed more curious. Are we so concerned about being tolerant and neutral that we are willing to give away truth and integrity? Mr. Colson, you have hit all of the nails right on the head. Well done!

The problem with the shack is that people are relying on a man's view of who God realy is, which happens to be a low view! God is someone who can not be defined, yess we can know things about who God is but it is impossible to try to understad his perfect reasoning and his perfect love and in this case his perfect fatherhood. To try to portray God and the trinity through characters in a book is crazy! Yess you may get a fuzzy feeling after reading this book, but guess what so do others after they read the book of mormon or whatever. It is possible to be inspired by false teachings and believe they are right. The only thing that can be trusted as a perfect peice of truth is the bible and to encourage the reading of this shack book is going to do nothing but defile and discourage people of reading the bible. In revelation the bible says your not to add or take away from scripture soo if this book is anything but perfect in comparison with the bible its hericy!

I read Chuck Colson's review, and other reader's comments several minutes ago, and to tell you the truth my heart is hurting for folks who are just babies in their understanding of God's character. I fear that they read a work of fiction and fictional ideas somehow become a cornerstone on which they build their new faith. Don't get me wrong, I love fiction. I applaud "Willie" in his tackling of really tough issues. But the Bible isn't just another book and "The Shack" is not it's equal. I am seriously sorry if I sound preachy here--not my intent. But if you are a new Christian (and "Christian" means "Christ-follower"), PLEASE get into God's Word, so your foundation will not crumble. Thanks for listening.

I agree that this article shouldn't have told people about the book. I found this book very inspirational in my new walk with God. I don't consider myself as a Christian but as a Child Of God. He has been revealing things to me for quite some time now and the way the world and religions view God isn't correct. The way things were described in the book is the way I have somewhat seen God and Heaven my whole life. I think people should read this book and get there own perspective of things. Just like the Bible everyone sees things differently depending where they are in like. Yes the Bible does teach you about love and who God is, but sometimes you need to see things from a real life point of view. What the guy went through pain wise, is what alot of people face from time to time. We are all human and we all hurt from something. Knowing it is okay and we will make it through it and that God is always there no matter what is a good feeling.

As a born again Christian for 40 years, with a very solid foundation in Scripture and in conservative denominations, I approached "The Shack" with caution because of negative reviews like this. But when I read it, immediately I was reminded me of Peretti novels in the late 80s/early 90s. How they awakened a generation to view the battle around us.

"The Shack" DEEPENED my view of my heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Yea, it's fiction. And the mystery of the Trinity as one yet separate is still a mystery. This is just a storyteller's way of presenting the mystery.

The book also leaves the reader questioning a bit as to what Mack really experienced there in The Shack. I think if you are given to one view or another, you'll draw a conclusion based on your own theology. I was challenged to look at why I believe what I believe about the character of God.

p.s. I'm really disappointed that surprises of the book are spelled out here. It sort of ruins it for reader.

While I agree with Mr. Colson's assertions about the seemingly "low" view of God in The Shack, as a Christian fantasy author, I was intrigued by the authors handling of the trinity. Mr. Colson is correct on his Biblical assertion of God; however, that is truth and The Shack is fiction.

From my reading (twice now) of The Shack, reading their website material and contacting them over the phone, I am comfortable with the fact that those involved are Christian men and seeking to put forth the lacking aspect of relationship in our Christian walk, albeit potentially at the risk of lowering the awesome nature of God within the storyline.

I would suggest going into the novel with "eyes wide open," and enjoying it for what it is. A Christian with a strong sense of theology shouldn't worry about damaging their faith, but potentially, like myself, enhance their emotional connection to an awesome God!
Eric Reinhold, Author
Ryann Watters and the King's Sword

When reading any literature other then the Bible, one must eat the meat and spit out the bones. Yes, there are some bones in The Shack. But there's some great meat, too. I came away from this book with a deep, new sense of God's Grace and Love.