Thoughts on "The Shack"

Recently a couple of our members got into a little debate on Facebook concerning the runaway best-seller, The Shack. Most of the people I know who have read it swear by it’s heart-rending story and reflections on God’s care for his children. A few others think that it’s the height of heresy and that no self-respecting (or God-respecting) Christian should like it.

Today, one of my favorite preachers and writers, Tim Keller, shared his thoughts of the book on his blog. I pretty much agree with everything he says in his post.

If you have personally experienced a tragedy, it can be a very helpful book to remind you of God’s love for you and His purposes in difficult circumstances. However, if you’re going to try and personify the Trinity in your fictional book, you’d better be really careful. I don’t think William P. Young was careful enough.

I know some people will say, “It’s just a story, it’s not a theology manual.” But it is espousing a theological view, which many people are finding influential, without considering its alignment with Biblical teachings. Others will say, “It tells me about God’s heart, isn’t that more important than nitpicking doctrine?” When we compromise our doctrine, we sell our soul.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t read it, or that you can’t have a positive reaction to it. But please read it with Biblical eyes.