Homeschooling with a family business
Sep. 21, 2008
Review of The Shack by William Young

I just finished reading The Shack.  I have to say that I didn't expect to like it; in fact I thought I would be offended by it.  But I came away pleasantly surprised by the book.  I found it to be a well written perspective on suffering and on God's intervention in our world.   I think Young's emphasis on relationship and how Christianity is really about a relationship with the Godhead is excellent.  There is a chapter where this is contrasted with those who live a life routed in the law and it was well done.

There were a few things I have a bit of trouble with but I think I understand where the author was coming from.  I am not sure if it is not on the verge of blasphemy to protray God in a way He has not chosen to betray Himself in the Scripture.  I think the presentation used can be of help to us, but this book is only of value if it is kept in clear view that it is not Scripture.  It is one man's thoughful reflections on Scripture and the Christian life.   Therefore when it conflicts with SCripture or when the author reflects on something that is not clear in Scripture the book needs to be read in that light. 

There were also a few times when I felt the author might be taking a more open view of salvation than I believe the Scripture does.  But perhaps I am reading too much into the statements this man made also.

That said I believe this book is worth the time of any serious Christian.  For someone who is not a Christian it can be a helpful tool, but only if it leads them to interact with the God about whom the book is written and with His Holy Word which HE has given us.  REad The Shack with care and let the wisdom of another brother help you along the path. 


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Oct. 21, 2008 - Excellent review by Douglas Wilson.

Posted by REInvestor


Found here at http://dougwils.com/index.asp?Action=Anchor&CategoryID=1&BlogID=5989 or just go to dougwils.com and scroll down. He talks about the blasphemy of having God the FAther appear as a woman and finding comfort in that. God is not presented in Scripture as a mother , although He encompasses that too, but as a Father. And we don't make peace with that unless we accept Him as a father and learn to honor fathers. Go read it. A much better review that mine.


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