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Christianity Today, July (Web-Only), 2008 |

Fiction for the Faith-Starved

The Shack tells a compelling, if imperfect, story.

Review by Cindy Crosby | posted 7/10/2008 09:25AM

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But let's face it: Readers are talking about The Shack for its theology and its storyline, not for its faulty mechanics. Reviewers have criticized the book for hinting at universalism, as well as for feminism and a lack of hierarchy in the Trinity. Rather than slicing and dicing the novel, looking for proof of theological missteps, a better approach might be to look at significant passages as springboards for deeper discussion. The Shack is a novel, after all, not a systematic theology.

Keep that in mind when reading The Shack. Despite its weaknesses, this is a story with the potential to wake readers up, to rekindle or reinvigorate their faith. In an era when so much Christian fiction is about pat answers, conventional themes, and the regurgitation of what we already know and believe, such stories are good news for thoughtful readers.

Cindy Crosby is the author of By Willoway Brook and, with Thomas C. Oden, the Ancient Christian Devotional.

Related Elsewhere:

Download chapter one of The Shack by William P. Young, free from Oasis Audio and powered by Audible.com.

The book and audio versions of The Shack are available from ChristianBook.com and other retailers.

The book's website has a readable version of chapter 1.

Derek Keefe wrote about how to read the book.

Collin Hansen discussed The Shack's depiction of the Trinity in "The Trinity: So What?"

USA Today reported on criticisms of The Shack's theology.

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July (Web-Only) 2008, Vol. 52

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[Reader Reviews]

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Dot from Texas

Posted: July 15, 2008 12:45 PM

Good grief, get past the theology -- if you all want theology, go read Wayne Grudem. This is a book for anyone who has ever asked why God allowed something horrific to happen. How could God just stand there and "comfort" Missy as she was being murdered -- would a real father just stand by and watch? Why didn't the murderer have a heart attack and die instead? This is Mac's dilemma, and it is our dilemma, too. Why does one survive cancer and another die, even though people are praying for both of them? Why was the young family coming home from church all killed by some fool driving 98 mph on a Sunday morning? As Mac wonders, how can he trust God with his own life if this is what God allowed to happen to an innocent child? This is what the book is about -- can God be trusted? This book is not intended to be theologically sound; and by the way, if one of you actually understands and can explain the Trinity to the rest of us, I'm sure we're all ears.

Gary Blevins

Posted: July 11, 2008 10:22 PM

I'm not going to reproduce my comments on "How to Read The Shack." However, this review further highlights the main problem we have in the church today. We are quick to criticize those who cling too tenaciously to God's Word, but will tolerate almost anything that makes someone feel closer to God. All that matters is that we "connect" with people. It's OK to misrepresent God as long as people are "reached." We must worship God as he really is or it is not truly worship. To talk about rekindling or reinvigorating someone's faith based on the distorted theology of this book is frightening. It is not enough to "reach" people if we are pointing them in the wrong direction. God is not honored by that and people are not ultimately "helped." I agree that this book should stimulate discussion in the church. But that discussion must lead to a thoroughly biblical understanding of the issues addressed. Anything less leads to idolatry.

Anonymous

Posted: July 11, 2008 11:51 AM

There is something wrong when people get all hot and bothered with God taking on a female form. Femaleness was created in the image of God. At what point are the critics insulting the image of God? If Driscoll and Mohler dislike this book, then it has to be good. These theologians have rotten fruit. They need to spend time in sincere prayer and ask God to dwell in their hearts and shape their attitudes.

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