I would never recommend this book to someone who is questioning to a great degree their understanding of the bible. To those secure in their Biblical understanding I find it an emotional and enlightening way to look at the trinity and God’s love. I found the point where Mack was forced to judge his children especially poignant. By making the connection with my own children I found that Christ’s desire to sacrifice seemed much more real and understandable. This book reveals no new truths, however, it does help us in some ways to understand those this we already know to be true. I think this would be a tremendous book to study if it were done from the standpoint of God’s love, the trinity and a discussion of where the book digresses from the Truth of the Bible.

First of all what people miss is that this book was written for his children and not for the New York times best seller list. What is written in the book is the part of Christiantity that is in the bible and so many times missed in the pulpit. Gods love and forgiveness.
Look, the bible is the most debated book in the history of the world. Anyones attempt at a commentary will clearly be judged and someone sitting behind a computer and annonimity will try to rip it apart. If you believe in the bible and what it says, you should have no problem with someone trying to make the world a better place by helping his kids and anyone who wants to read it understand that there is a God who loves us and wants to enter into a relationship with us.
If you want to rip apart books I suggest you start with the bible and provide commentary on every chapter of it since you clearly understand “the truth” as it happened.

I like the book because it stretches the imagination to realms beyond how we see God. God is totally infinite and we are finite. To suggest that God may not be the white grandfather figure with a flowing white beard, the image that is so commonly connected with God, may shock some people into retreating to their prejudiced poles. But it may allow others to broaden their horizons and consider that we truly cannot comprehend God other than knowing his love and forgiveness.

I think we need to keep in mind that this isn’t a doctrinal thesis written to prove or disprove the Bible or God or anything else for that matter. It is a story to be read and enjoyed for its literary content and that is it. Why do we feel the need to categorize the books meaning? Just read it and enjoy it for what it is. A story of love and forgiveness. Nobody mentioned the Judgement chapter. Ahhhh, now that is some good inner soul searching to be gained from the application of that message into our lives.

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.