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Rating:  - Great Book
This fictional tale gives a new way of explaining theological issues. It is well written and does not condesend. The plot and the characters are interesting. It could be a good opener to Christianity for non-believers.
Rating: - Awesome book!
I would recommend this book to everyone.
You should order more than one book - you are going
to want to give it to friends to read.
Very thought provoking book.
Rating: - So loved......
I was hooked from the introduction of God to the very last words. Having been raised in the South, there is no more loving figure to me than "Papa". I could feel the emotions pulsating in the initial meeting between Papa and Mack. I have been there! I understood that feeling of being lost and unable to cope. However, as the journey began in earnest, I walked this path with Mack. I felt loved again! I will definitely read this again and again.
I ordered 15 copies for my book club and special friends. It is a message everyone should hear, over and over again.
Rating:  - Doctrine and Fiction
Whenever I've brought up many of the theologically egregious assertions of this book, the response I've often received is that "it's just fiction" or that it's simply an effective metaphorical device, but rarely have my concerns ever been addressed directly. I'm usually challenged in my use of the word "heresy" or questioned as to why I think this book is an attempt at systematic theology under the canopy of fiction. Yet the book reviews and the assertions the "Missy Project" makes about it suggest that The Shack has the ability to transform lives and give us a glimpse into the true nature of God.
In other words, perhaps it should be read as truth is what the proponents of it seem to suggest. One person told me it was an attempt to "influence people's personal theology". I was also told by a pastor that it had the power to heal and that many people to whom he'd given copies had received "healing" from it.
First and second Timothy (both in chapter 4) as well as 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 and John 8:32, however, speak of people not being able to endure sound doctrine and instead turning to "fables" and being sent strong delusion. The enemy will deceive people with signs and wonders. And that sort of deception begins with false doctrines, to deceive even if possible the elect. Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Paul told Timothy to guard the truth, to take heed to doctrine.
The larger theological issues I have with this book include of course God represented as a woman (pages 65,66 and throughout), evil having no "actual existence" (page 136 or 139), the Christian life not about being like Jesus (page 149),God's nature being dependent on the creation (page 94 and page 102), God's nature merely metaphorical(65-67), the attempt at properly interpreting Scripture as something of which to be suspicious, and God not having to punish sin because sin is it's own punishment.
There are a host of other problems with it as well, including as some other reviewers have aptly pointed out, the Shack's "god" being far too familiar, i.e. man making God in his own image. This is precisely what God has against Israel in Isaiah chapter 40 "You thought I was altogether like you". The Shack's god permits Mack to commune with his deceased father (page 216). Mack even kisses him on the lips.
Mack later thanks Papa for the experience. Papa says "No problem". But the God of the Bible would and does have a big problem with mediums, spiritualists and the likes, those who claim to be able to communicate with the dead.
The foundation for our beliefs as Christians must come from Scripture. It was the doctrine of the Authority of Scripture for which many Christians stood up during the Reformation and lost their lives. The Shack is an amalgam of philosophical & self-help therapeutic spiritualism, not true Christian doctrine. We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Rating: - Fiction Revealing Truth
This work can lead you into greater intimacy with God if you look for truth and don't stumble over how that truth is presented. God is totally other - not just the good qualities you see in a man magnified to the nth degree. Look for the truth about God (reflected in scripture) that is presented in the three characters who represent the Trinity. The truth is that God desires an intimate relationship with His people - friendship with God. He is holy and just and the Law is the standard but for those who come to Him through Jesus Christ He is gracious and loving and desires to bless you more than you can imagine. No book that presents God (apart from the Bible) will be 100% accurate. "Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
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