Theology of "The Shack"

DeWayneTN · Postby **DeWayneTN** » June 6th, 2008, 3:10 am

I'm surprised this hasn't come up on here yet but this book just reached number one in paperback sales on the New York Times chart and I have people everywhere asking me if I've read it. It is a runaway bestseller with about $300 in marketing money but some of the theology in it is causing some concern. It's an allegorical tale where a man goes to a remote shack where God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit appear to him in three different forms and they have conversations. Has anyone read it?

Here's an article from Christianity Today:
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliv ... built.html

MrDanger · Postby **MrDanger** » June 6th, 2008, 4:37 am

No, I haven't but it seems that anyone that knows I read books has been cramming it down my throat. So, of course, I haven't read it yet.

pastorables · Postby **pastorables** » June 6th, 2008, 4:42 am

I've never heard of it before your post. Have you read it? I did read several of the arguments for and against in your link, and I find what seems to be valid points on both sides of the aisle. Of course, this is without being able to interject my on opinion.

pa

DeWayneTN · Postby **DeWayneTN** » June 6th, 2008, 4:49 am

I have not read it but it's on my list (this is where Jeff laughs at me). Several others have and I'm waiting for the book to be passed on so I can see what the fuss is all about.

one love · Postby **one love** » June 6th, 2008, 4:58 am

well christ and the father talking to him in a shack is that not what joseph smith said happened then the book of mormon was written.

MrDanger · Postby **MrDanger** » June 6th, 2008, 5:00 am

That's what I thought I would eventually do...read to see what the hype is all about. Typically, these "life changing" books are mediocre at best to me. I have never been a bandwagon person towards books (music, movies, etc.). The bigger the buzz, usually, the bigger the disappointment to me.

DeWayneTN · Postby **DeWayneTN** » June 6th, 2008, 5:03 am

That's funny, Jeff. We were just discussing that this morning. As a "critic," I tend to be ahead of the curve with most things so when I find myself behind it, it's harder to psyche myself into arriving late to the party.

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » June 6th, 2008, 9:05 am

just got it last weekend. haven't started yet, plan on starting tomorrow.

AllenNope · Postby **AllenNope** » June 8th, 2008, 10:45 am

Plan to read it soon. It is a big hit among some of the men at Peerless. One said it is a must read for anyone that grew up in the COGOP. Looking forward to it.

soulsearcher · Postby **soulsearcher** » June 9th, 2008, 4:13 am

Thanks, DeWayne, for putting me on to this. I was not aware of the book but after reading your post, did a little online research. I'm very intrigued, and plan to buy some copies of The Shack today (for my son, myself, and my nephew, Pastor Jeffrey Smith).

This interview with the author (William P. Young) was enlightening.

http://www.drewmarshall.ca/listen2008.html#080120

panhandler · Postby **panhandler** » June 9th, 2008, 7:50 am

soulsearcher wrote:Thanks, DeWayne, for putting me on to this. I was not aware of the book but after reading your post, did a little online research. I'm very intrigued, and plan to buy some copies of The Shack today (for my son, myself, and my nephew, Pastor Jeffrey Smith).

This interview with the author (William P. Young) was enlightening.

http://www.drewmarshall.ca/listen2008.html#080120

BE CAREFUL my friend!!!!!!!!! Please read this book and pray before sharing it with anyone.

dalebert · Postby **dalebert** » June 9th, 2008, 7:53 am

I have read it(well just about done with it)......and ....well there are some things that are ok.....some ...well u be the judge

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » June 9th, 2008, 7:56 am

i bought it, but haven't started yet, in fact all my reading is behind sie we have been having so much flooding at church and at home.

my question is, isn't this fiction? it is, right? so doesn't that make it entertainment, and not something to found theologies and doctrinal stands.

DeWayneTN · Postby **DeWayneTN** » June 9th, 2008, 11:15 am

Started on it today. Hope to finish by next week.

soulsearcher · Postby **soulsearcher** » June 9th, 2008, 11:15 am

RamboPreacher wrote:my question is, isn't this fiction? it is, right? so doesn't that make it entertainment, and not something to found theologies and doctrinal stands.

Exactly. It is FICTION. In the interview I listened to they played a clip of a pastor/minister admonishing people, "Please DON'T read this book.... it uses graven imagery of the Trinity..." I was going, "But it's FICTION." The guy doing the interview said, "Where's the warnings to NOT READ C.S. Lewis?"

Jude 2