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The controversial new bestseller, The Shack.
Photo courtesy of Shackbook.com.
Last week, Examiner.com looked at William P. Young’s surprise bestseller The Shack, which has sold more than four million copies since its publication. But with all this success, comes a load of heated controversy. In the past week, some Christian spokesmen have even gone so far as to call the book heretical, or at the least dangerously vague in its depictions of the Christian faith. The question at the heart of the issue is whether this book should even be listed as a work of Christian Fiction.
Even the most prominent Christian speakers cannot agree on the new controversy. Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message Bible interpretation, said the book could “do for our generation what John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress did for his,” while Christian singer Michael W. Smith said the novel “will leave you craving for the presence of God.”
But the opposition is equally strong. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called the book “undiluted heresy.” James B. De Young, a professor at Western Seminary called it a “hut of deception.”
The controversy swirls around two major Christian doctrines: the trinity, and salvation. The book depicts the Father as “Papa,” a large and sociable African-American woman, the Son as a young man of Middle Eastern decent, and the Holy Spirit as an Asian woman. Evangelical critics were unhappy with the book depicting God as a female, but they were most vitriolic about comments made by Papa that looked like a denial of the trinity. “When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human,” Papa says. Critics say this goes against the Christian idea that the Trinity is three distinct persons of God, not one person that appears in different ways. Of further concern to opponents, later in the book, Papa shows her scars from when the Son was crucified.
Supporters of the book point out that this novel is only fiction, and should not be taken as a theological commentary or textbook. It is nothing more than a story designed to deal with some tough issues Christians have to face, they say. It doesn't need to be perfectly accurate in its doctrine. Also, the Trinity and nature of God are hard to describe. “All human language about God is to one degree or another metaphorical and inadequate,” said Mark Strauss, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary.
The other major issue Evangelicals have concerns about is the issue of salvation. “I don’t need to punish people for sin,” Papa says. “Sin is its own punishment, devouring from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it.” Evangelical Christianity, however, teaches that sin needs to be punished.
But people like Strauss point out that this passage, like the entire book can be interpreted in different ways. “We have a theologically questionable statement, but one that could be interpreted in tow different ways.” He says this could mean that God could decide not to punish sin, which goes against traditional Christian teaching, or simply that on this earth, sin has its own consequences.
Despite the controversy, most in the Christian community agree the book is entertaining, and that it is most certainly emotionally gripping. The only way for people to decide which side of the debate they fall on is to read it.
“Employ spiritual discernment,” said Strauss. “Like anything in life.”
The Shack Website.
Comments
Hey Peter...way to go! I loved this book, but really had to look at it as just fiction...you did a good job of pointing out both sides of this argument...
hellow Peter..My wife and I really enjoyed the book,people really do have a preconceived idea of who they think God is; [religon,religon,religon] no people God wants relationship!
Because of abuse as a child I had a hard time loving any father figure including God, but because my "large" grandma loved me unconditionally and took me to sunday school and bible school I learned to love Jesus completely. Only as an adult could I even think of God The Father as a loving God. Get over it, this book is just a metaphor and because of our own pasts we all relate better to one of the trinity. I think it will bring more souls to salvation than any religous law.
i couldn't agree with you more. I think that people criticizing this book because it's not exactly theologically correct are missing the entire point. The metaphorical approach to God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit I found to be perfect. They are illustrated as much more repeatable to us and I found that comforting. The message of this book was to reassure that it is possible to have a relationship with God. Relationship is not religion. So Judith, I could not agree with you more!
After reading this book, i've come to realize the power that it obtains and the emotional impact it has on people. I know for a fact that anyone can relate to this novel in one way or another. Whether percieved as controversial by various people, I believe it to be a spectacular work of fiction which i've been glad to recommend to everyone i know. This is by far hands down the best book i've ever had the pleasure of reading.
I believe books like this undermine true relationship. Relationship with God is only attained by true acceptance of His word. Refer to John 1 as scriptural proof of that. Fiction this book very well is. Church's should not be teaching out of this book! It is heretical and a tool of the devil to once again dull us to the plan of God. Christ has been made the judge, and He does so righteously. Sin isn't the punishment, sin is the status! Punishment is separation from God...Please, those who read this, read under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
SORRY YOU HAVE SO LITTLE FAITH HOW MANY STORIES DID JESUS TELL IN THE BIBLEB THAT WERE FICTION,YET HE TOLD THEM TO GET HIS GREAT POINTS ACROSS-I PRAY YOU WILL TAKE THIS NOTE AS SENT IN LOVE RON
Don' get cought up in the details.If it puts one person on a quest for God the worlds a better place.
If you believe this book is amazing, then try reading the bible, which is far more amazing and is actually true. Try reading the bible to identify with what God is trying to tell you through it. Concerning such works of fiction like the shack, I am always amazed by how much people want to believe a lie if it makes them feel better. Feelings are powerful motivators and cause people to do and believe all sorts of things that can wind up hurting them and others. Feelings are not a good gauge from which to judge and act from. The book "the Shack" is fiction and not truth which may you feel better initially but in the end it is only fiction and not truth. Emotions are really deceptive and the feel good feeling soon wears off. If you read the bible and ask God to help you understand what he is trying to tell you through it, then you can find real peace thru Jesus Christ, which is not a feeling but a state of being, something that the shack book cannot give you.
If you believe this book is amazing, then try reading the bible, which is far more amazing and is actually true. Try reading the bible to identify with what God is trying to tell you through it. Concerning such works of fiction like the shack, I am always amazed by how much people want to believe a lie if it makes them feel better. Feelings are powerful motivators and cause people to do and believe all sorts of things that can wind up hurting them and others. Feelings are not a good gauge from which to judge and act from. The book "the Shack" is fiction and not truth which may you feel better initially but in the end it is only fiction and not truth. Emotions are really deceptive and the feel good feeling soon wears off. If you read the bible and ask God to help you understand what he is trying to tell you through it, then you can find real peace thru Jesus Christ, which is not a feeling but a state of being, something that the shack book cannot give you.
The Bible is as fictacious a book as "green eggs and ham" by Dr Suess. It is meant to be used as a guidline. thankful1, i'm not trying to start a debate because clearly your fact is diluted in a sea of fiction that you call the bible. drunken fishermen wrote it but I respect it and although some is very harsh and downright ridiculous it helps people's faith which helps them to survive. The shack has done the same thing, in my opinion even better than the bible has for it has God serving his children, not the latter which the bible uses to stem fear in the hearts of the weak. I get a better feeling living with the thought that God is on ourside rather than fictacious tales of fire and brimstone and destroying a noble peaceful caring mans life just to prove the devil wrong. Stupid and irresponsible passage of fiction in the bible. I love God, and my work on earth and constant service to others is not done out of fear. It's done out of love. Drink all the blood you want, I have Faith.
All you have done is create your own god to fit your life. Your comments are amazingly hypocritical since you bash the bible, bash christians, then say you love God? Which God? What is your standard if you don't believe the bible and what is your constant service to others if you have no moral compass to prove what being good really is? Ridiculous comment John.
I read all of the book and have a had time understanding all that GOD can be. I had a father that died a month ago and I wanted him to go to hell and suffer as he made me and my family suffer!! I found out he gave his life to Christ two weeks before he died!! I am still mad, but this book made me realize that GOD had a purpose for this life and death. I will heal as time goes on, but the angels were glorifying in heaven when my father repented and accepted Christ. I will meet him again some day and will rejoice with him in heaven along side Jesus, Sarayu and Papa!! THANK GOD I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED!!!!
Wow! The Shack is a work of fiction. However, I believe that some churches may be in an uproar over it because they may feel threatened by it. In this day and age when so many churches are abandoning their congregations by turning from scripture and succumbing to what society wants to gain financial support for those structures that most people believe to be the Church. We are taught that the Church is not the structure but the people. This point is emphasized in The Shack. I have not been in a Church in about 4 years except for weddings and funerals. I have a good relationship with The Holy Trinity. He/She is my father, my mother, my saviour, my life. I think the message how God love's us is clear in The Shack. How dare anyone try to sabotage any persons attempt to have a relationship with God as a result of this book. Who said you are right? I have had a true relationship with God about 4 years now. A relationship that was absent of any man made structures, rules or ideologies.
The book is fiction..It is not scipture...We are all entitlted to our own beleifs, and our own personal happening...I,as as well, have gone through some "trials amd tribulations" in my early years....Doesn't mean I"ve lost sight of my faith and what I believe in...You live and let learn...Gain stengrh in your faith..not disbelief or doubt...Learn from your experiences, gain from it..Only doubters cower... believers prevail!
satan often comes as an angel of light
Did you really name yourself God??
Judith, Robert and Hillary...I'm with you! After reading this book, for the first time when I raised my hands in church I felt like I really knew who I was worshipping. I'm thinking some people are taking some things too literal, and may be some not literal enough. I was raised in church my entire life, taught every legalistic law imaginable, heard about grace, but it wasn't practiced. Now, I understand grace more and give it more freely. And, someone said read with the leading of the Holy Spirit, believe me I did and learned so much with Him!
I have been praying for years, trying to find a way to forgive my father. I know God has been answering my prayers over and over, but I had unanswered questions. i.e. where do i put my anger? did I actually forgive if I could still feel pain? This book was the answer to my prayers. God healed me with this book.
I am not surprised that there are theologians condemning this book. They expose their own resistance to love, forgiveness and mercy, showing that religion is an exercise of their egos. To go in search of truth you must suspend your beliefs. If you have never suspended your beliefs[expectations], then you have never searched for truth. It is not spiritually dangerous to grow toward the light. Yeah there will be stumbling, but you are never punished for trying, unless you want to be punished. If you have a merciful God at your center, then chances are you are a merciful person. If you have a punitive God at your center, then you are p, a punitive person.
“I don’t need to punish people for sin,” Papa says. “Sin is its own punishment, devouring from the inside. Amen! As I get older more mature I can relate to this quote. Bad things all ways re enter my mind and devour me from the inside. The old saying what goes around comes around is so true. We all have to deal with our own conscious. Weather it's a good feeling or a bad feeling. It all comes back to haunt you. The book was wonderful even though fiction it just opens up a different perception.
It's true to say that God works in mysterious ways. This book is proof of that because it's clearly reaching out / touching people and bringing them closer to Him. Anything that brings people closer to God, can't be bad, or from 'the dark side', can it? For sure, Satan doesn't work that way. 'The Shack' is inspirational and heart warming and reminds us of how important a real relationship with God is.
satan will come in light if it is misleading. And draw peaple away from the written truth. If you need to forgive its not in a book, the ability to do so is given to us through the holy spirit. The love god gives us as bad as we are, gives us the power to love others.
What makes me so sad about this whole "controversy" is that it is all over nitpicky depictions of one thing or another. The book's overall message is that GOD IS LOVE. I do not understand how any Christian can be upset that a story about God's loving presence has been brought to the masses. I think it's disgusting that religious "scholars" feel the need to denounce it. Everybody needs to start their faith somewhere. Someone could have accepted Jesus into their heart because of this book. How can that possibly be bad?
Loved the book, especially the part about judgment, it really got me thinking, who are we to judge? God does not want anyone to go to hell, and yet we say things like, "they should perish for what they have done!!! Its a great book, and it really leaves you questioning your own life and relationship with the father.
Although a fiction book, lessons can be learned. All that God wants from us is our love.
I have always appreciated a good piece of literature. Not everyone is blessed with the creativity and imagination it requires to write a novel. Whether a book is ficticious or factual it can be interpreted in any way the reader feels fit. If you walk away feeling great, then great. If you walk away feeling sad, ok. Look at all of the money this author has made due to contraversy! Its just a book!!!!! It is well written and entertaining. It holds some truth but mostly fiction. The Holy Bible has the real answers!
OI, GOSTEI MUITO DO LIVRO. DIANTE DOS PROBLEMAS QUE VIVÊNCIAMOS, MUNDIALMENTE, A MENSAGEM TRÁS UM GRANDE CONFORTO PARA O NOSSO CORAÇÃO. É MUITO BOM FALAR DE DEUS, DO SEU AMOR DE UM PROJETO DE VIDA. LÓGICO QUE NÃO PODEMOS LEVAR AO PE DA LETRA, MAS PODEMOS APRENDER A VIVER, MELHOR. AQUELE QUE CRITICA O AUTOR DO LIVRO, É PORQUE NÃO ENTENDEU A SUA VERDADEIRA MENSAGEM. VAMOS REFLETIR MELHOR....
As "divinely inspired" as it may be, the Bible is as much fiction as The Shack. Before anyone gets their panties in a wad, if I'm truly created in His image, then my intelligence comes from Him and I fully believe He expects me to use it. Everything man has touched has been spun or perverted in some way; why would any thinking person expect the Bible to be any different?
I found the 'Shack'to be quite enlighting and good for the soul
I just read this book and I have been well taught to be cautious of deception cloaked in a lie. I was prepared to take the wheat and leave the chaff. Yes there were 1 or 2 things that I raised my eyebrows at and put aside as creative license or bias, it being a work of fiction. But by and large there are indeed powerful messages of transformation in this book that are inline with Christian tenets. God is Spirit and male and female are an expression of that Spirit, so why should it matter what gender, race or size for that matter that He would choose to present himself in. And this was more than the God is love, God is light and everywhere trick, there are clear points of view expressed by Jesus, I paraphrase, when Mack asked if all roads lead to Him, Jesus answered, not at all, most roads lead nowhere but it does mean I will travel any road to find you. So beautiful and true. This book is not trying to compete with the bible. I should inspire you to read it in spirit and in truth.
Southern Baptists wouldn't believe Christ was in front of them if he showed them the scars!!! The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary needs to open their closed minds.
Oh, and the person who entered their name as "God", you are totally ridiculous! Shut up!!!!!! The real God would be saddened by your crap!
All I know is that my Aunt read this book ... now she's flipped out and wild ! No one knows what has happened to our family member... it's seriously sad !!!! I AGREE...SATAN has transformed himself into an angel of light ... in this book...and I do not recommend anyone reading IT ! FIRST OF all our ''Loving ''GOD -- would never tourment anyone in Hell ! For dust you are and to dust you'll return---simply DUST --- Until our ressurection on earth.
Did you read the book? or just your aunt? B/c if you didn't read it, you shouldn't tell people not to read it. It's not a very good informed response.
This book was truly enlightening. I was born a catholic and to believe in my faith as it has been dictated for thousands of years. This book opened my eyes to a new way of looking at God. If we as human beings can't open our eyes to a new way, or a new thought how are we ever going to advance in our own lives. Also, it has been said that God created us in his/her image. So why can't God come to us as an African American Woman? If it were you standing in the shack, God might have appeared differently for your benefit. God may have appeared as a child, but is this case was not appropriate. I think this book was a breath of fresh air and I would love to talk to both the author and the teller of the story. I don't believe in church either, for the church does nothing for our communities except grow its wealth and power and makes you become fearful that God the almighty will do something wrong if you are not good. In my eyes, God is always good, but has very tough decisions.
if we follow what the the bible says and that is god works in mysterious ways like through a work of fiction who are we to say any different i have read the shack and it touched me in ways that i have felt in along time. why all the fuss? the author never said it was the bible,so we need to let it be a book that may touch people when other can't. why would any christian want to stop anything god can use to futher the kingdom?
I loved this book. I thought the theme of the breadth of God's love was such an important reminder. For me, it answered so many questions, as well as opening up new ways of thinking of things. Another book I recently read builds on this: Gita Nazareth's Forgiving Ararat. This book too explores themes of judgment and forgiveness and love in the face of violence. As a fan and publicist for this book, I'm interested to see what parallels are drawn between the two.
I agree with LAC about Forgiving Ararat. I can't wait to hear what people think of this novel. It's a murder mystery and supernatural thriller, but it's also a historical and religious exploration. It's an imaginative picture of the afterlife about a woman who unlocks the mystery of her own murder. I'm also a publicist and fan of the book.
I loved this book. You can nitpick everything little detail, but if God can appear as a burning bush, then who is to say he couldn't appear as a woman? I would recommend this book to anyone who has been dealing with grief. The message that spoke to me in this book was a message of love, friendship, and understanding.
It seems that the controversy against this book is not well seated. First off about God appearing as a woman is explained in the book. I agree, if He can appear as a burning bush, as a cloud as a still small voice, i would imagine that He could appear as whatever pleases Him. Secondly the issue about salvation and "Papa" showing His scars, it makes sense that God would have the same scars as Jesus would should He decide that the "vision" would serve his purpose. Only because God and Jesus are one in the same. The Holy Spirit in the book is only mentioned as an Asian woman once, the rest of the time, the Holy Spirit is a ever changing semi transparent figure. I believe this is one of the most important Christian fiction novels written in our time. I encourage everyone who hasnt read it to do so. It will change your life.
Christianity evolves. By looking at Christianity 50 years ago, we can see the leaps and bounds of changes. The presentation of service today would not have been "appropriate" 50 years ago. The way pastors dress, the music in the beginning and even the subject matters which are chosen cover a much wider spectrum ideas and concepts than ever before - going to hell is not the main topic anymore. "The Shack" is one of those important tools that help us to evolve in our own personal understanding and relationship with God. I believe that christianity matures one dead pastor at time. It is through new pastors and authors that offer us unique ways of relating to God, relationships and experiences by challenging our current belief system. If this novel upsets you - great! There is gold there for you. Look inside yourself and find out why. The more you know yourself the the greater your relationship with God will be. Enjoy!
The controversy is so ridiculous! People are making a big deal about whether sin should be "punished" or "cured"? Really??? Either way you look at it, sin is unacceptable! Isn't that the only message we really need to get?
In my opinion, religion had made is almost impossible to ENJOY a relationship with Christ! All the rules and warnings and the over all "your going to Hell unless your as perfect as Jesus" attitude. If we all needed to be as perfect as Jesus then what was the point in His coming at all?
I LOVED the book. It helped me in my Walk because before I read it, I had a really hard time relating to Jesus Christ as a human being, which he is. I couldn't grasp the idea of "God made into flesh in Jesus." This book helped me relate to Jesus on a much more personal level because I wasn't so overwhelmed with the idea that He is God...which He is. He is God, but he is human too. This book helped it click and I've enjoyed my relationship much more with Him since I read it.
I agree! I loved this book, it was as if God knew I was struggling with the concept of Jesus as a human but also being God. He put this book in my lap and my relationship with the Holy Trinity is on a whole new level.
whats with the problem of papa? Jesus called His Father Abba which has the same intimate meaning for Father or Daddy. why be uncomfortable with that?
This book showed me to live and breath in Gods Love and have a open relationship with God.Do you think lose of power and money may be the reason religious institutins are afraid of this book?
The book was a beautiful illustration of Love, unconditional. It's really sad that people get so "out of sorts" over what they *think* God wants/or expects from all of us. We as humans really have no "earthly" idea-literally what eternal expectations we will fully fulfill or not. We can only imagine. Just like in the book it was stated that Papa said we have taken things and made things into something to just conform to. Not what love is always about....I think you have to realize the story was labeled fictional, however; it was told by a friend who's friend experienced this, it was a true story. Now who ever doesn't believe doesn't have to. It's better to have lived believing that their is a God, than to live like their isn't one and find out there is." No evil is more likely done sometimes than with a religous conviction. Discern it for yourself.
I think what this book screams is of God's Love an His Amazing Grace.Nobody that reads this book can be left untouched whether you agree with its contents or not. As long as it maakes you thing about God i feel it has reached its goal. As for sin Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins all you nned to do is to accept Him as your Saviour. God is a God of love not one to condem us for everything we do wrong if that was so we would all be heading straight to hell, no exceptions. That is why Jesus died for us.
I agree with Dave and kenzie. Shannon, I don't think your Aunt going wild has anything to do with the book, get a grip.Maybe she was a prisoner of religiosity and she got freed from that, who knows. We are not to rely in our own understanding, but to TRUST God will all of our hearts. IF she had a strong relationship with God, the Holy Spirit will protect her thoughts, restore her soul and. will reveal the lies eventually if there are lies to be exposed. Opression is just one of the things we have to put up with in this fallen world. We can brake free from that. It happens on an off with all of us.
Trust in your GOD with all of your heart, do not lean in your own understanding.
I loved this book and find it to read like my generations bible. I am the lost generation of Catholics who became tired of every mass being surrounded by money, guilt, and the fear of God !! I will share this book with everyone and keep in my purse to remember what I truly believe and how I would like to work towards my relationship with God. It has renewed my faith... and so glad I picked this book up.
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