For those of you who have already read The Shack, I wanted to tease out a few other points beyond these.
The most wrenching part is God's demand that Mack forgive Missy's killer. But there's something unsatisfying to me about the moment: part of how he's able to go through with it is that God showed him Missy's current happiness. Most people don't get that gift and indeed it's not part of what God promises in Scripture. Many of us would be forgiven for saying: "well, I'd get over my grief fast too if you could show me my loved one."
Also: it seemed like a bit of a cop-out that they were able to catch and punish the killer. Part of the message initially seemed to be that you shouldn't try to understand God's modus operandi through human notions of justice. But then in the tidy ending, God does make sure the bad guy gets what's coming. It was emotionally satisfying but I thought it might have been a bit braver to go with the idea that Mack would have to hold on to God's love while knowing that the killer escaped judgment, at least in this lifetime.
What did you think of the book?
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I agree with those that say it isn't about comparing it to the Bible. I think the book reaches you where you are in your journey. So many important lessons can be brought out. The judgement chapter was excellent. Something that I saw myself in Mack was I am so many times unable to forgive myself. That was Mack. He couldn't get on with his life until he had this out with God! Not only forgiving others but yourself. That is so where the enemy is good at bringing us down and causing doubts. Also I would recommend it to someone that knows nothing about God or the Trinity. "Christians" is a term I do not want to be associated with although I am one. We have given ourselves a bad rap and in fact that word has been over-used and mis-used! I also like the line in the book that reminds me that God has no exceptations for me! If you really think about it our whole life is full of expectations, of ourselves and of others. God however has none because he accepts me just as I am! Even before I came to Him he loved ME as a sinner! That simple truth needs to be brought to the surface again and again. And in the book it is beautifully done!
I gave it to all the Grads. last year. I would do it again!
I liked the book but people, there is no truth to this book. This book is written and classified as fiction-- "FICTION," not truth. Just because he mentions God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, doesn't mean a thing-- his intent was ficition and the author admits there is no truth in the book, just a fictional story. No truth!! You can use it to compare Biblical truth with his fictional story for conversation and learning to identify false teaching, but remember the Shack is fiction, the Bible is truth and written as such.
Loved the book. It has been a great discussion starter. I thought the theological quesions brought forward were rather mundane, but there's nothing better that having an animated conversation with adults about trust, love, violence, judging, revenge, God, Jesus and the Trinity. It has been great for our small town. We are not looking for a fiction book written for children to inspire as anything on par with scripture.
I really liked the book. I think it is important to remember that this book was written in more of a fantasy style. It is not a theological treatise and does not claim to be the "the truth." It is a great springboard for discussion.
At first I had problem with the book. I really didn't like the way the author presented God. a large Black woman, come on now. But as I read the book and started thinking about cultural norms what is and what is not accepted. That was problely one of the best examples that I could think of. a loving caring person. But the other thing was that as much as the book bugged me the more I read it. hmmm! Do I have a problem not anymore. I enjoyed this book as it means anything it did get me to think about what I my views of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit would be like or has they appear to me.
In all God is relvent and approaches you on your leval. Not some leval that a church prescribes.
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