Mandy’s Monday – The Shack -book review

Posted on March 10, 2008 by mandy.
Categories: Book Reviews, Mandy's Mondays.

51mdavzbyl_bo2204203200_pilitb-dp-500-arrowtopright32-59_ou01_aa240_sh20_.jpgLast month I had the privilege of going to a Pastor’s Wives conference at Sandy Cove, along with nine of the other pastors wives from our church. While there I heard about William Young’s book The Shack from several of the ladies who worked at Sandy Cove. I am not much of a fiction reader, I think it has to do with my ‘get something done’ mentality and therefore I read tons of nonfictions books that can help me learn something to apply to my life. But when I step back and read a fiction book I am always encouraged! I should do it more often. Who needs to get things done, just soak yourself in a good tale and be inspired! :)

Last week I finished The Shack and I must say I enjoyed it. There were times when I was not so sure and probably would have put it down for good if I had not heard from others a few warnings. Young says he wrote the book for his children and never expected it to actually be published, so its rising popularity is a surprise to him. The Shack unfolds a story of a man walking through the pain of family tragedy and his developing understanding of and relationship with God, and His “role” in this tragedy.

The first warning I received was that I might not agree with all the theology put forth in the book, and that was found to be true. Although I must say I once or twice found myself board with the theology dialog and wanted to get back to the story. I may give the book a second reading to pay more attention to the theology dialog now that I am not distracted with wanting to know what is going to happen in the story and how things are going to end up.

The second warning I received was that there was a murder early on in the book that sets everything up and not to give up on the book thinking it will be too graphic. I am glad I got this warning, because I surely would have put the book down. The subject of the murder hit too close to home and for a few days I could not read it before going to bed. But once the event is over, and with out many details, the true story of the book emerges with the aftermath of tragedy and the healing that is needed.

I would add one warning myself: be sure to read the forward! Now you probably think that is silly, who would skip it. Well I did and was confused on several points until I read it after finishing the book and then thought “Oh, now I see who that guy is and why this happened….” Silly me!!

By far I would say my favorite part of the book would have to be (now skip over this paragraph if you do not want to know something ahead of time – although this is not crucial info.) when Mack is reunited with his Dad and there is a colorful reconciliation. It was a beautiful picture that Young painted of forgiveness and reconciliation. Some of the other items I enjoyed was God’s comments that He is especially fond of Mack, or Mandy or … What a great way to put it, especially fond of :) . There was the interaction with Wisdom that I found interesting and thought provoking. And Young’s description of our quest for power in every relationship compared to God’s quest for relationship in and of itself was challenging!

Over all I would recommend the book (with the warnings :) ) and say it is good, frustrating, enlightening and interesting to read. If you decide to read it let me know. I would love to sit and talk this book over with another reader or two!

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5 comments.

Angela Arnold
Comment on May 5th, 2008.

I read the book, thought it was true- doesn’t it say in the book it’s a true story? I was devastated about Missy for ddaaayyysss, all to find out, it wasn’t true. Here’s some advice- if your going to make a point about God in ANY way, make a true one. I am truely disappointed to the core. I really was affected by this story, only to find their was no “Mack” or “Missy”. No point at all, and for the love of God, why did you do it? Now the people with questions- just have more questions. Where on terrible earth did you get the song Missy “wrote”. Disturbing.

Marshall Waren
Comment on May 18th, 2008.

When I received the book and I was somewhat suspicious when no known Christian scholar had endorsed the book (only new age song writers and pop culture writers). Also, I have read Pilgrims Progress and was looking forward to what Eugene Peterson said, but PP is an allegory and I did not see an allegory in the opening pages and it also concerned me that Peterson is the author of the heretical Message Bible (Gal 1:8-9), but I decided to read it anyway before I looked for any reviews. I got sucked in the story because of my own personal tragedy of losing a son, as I think so many people will be also. As I began to read it reminded of “The Five People You Will Meet in Heaven” and how unbiblical that book was. When it finally got to the Trinity part I read with great trepidation. When God is depicted as someone we can see (human) that is not Biblical (God did present himself as the pre-incarnate Christ to Abraham on the plains of Mamre, Gen 18, and in the form of an angel to Jacob when he wrestled with him). Then when Jesus appears as a “buddy” to Mack, which is not the Jesus that is taught in scripture. When I got to the part about being a Christian I had had enough and did some research on the book and as I suspected this is a “new age” teaching, like universal salvation and with no hell. Young does stop short of “all roads lead to Christ” with some esoteric answers on page 182.

Although the book does not state total universalism, it sure implied it with the presence of Mack’s Dad. Jesus teaches that without the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8) that one can not see the Kingdom of Heaven. Also in John 15:5-9, Jesus teaches that one must bear fruit if one is saved. The story tells of an abusive father and drunkard that obviously was not bearing fruit nor processed the Holy Spirit, but he appears with God to Mack.

This book is a touchy-feely book that people that do not read God’s Word will fall for. I heard about it at my son’s church and am surprised his pastor didn’t know scripture any better than this.

Read this review, I believe it to be the most accurate: http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/shack.htm

CJ
Comment on October 13th, 2008.

I found the book very enjoying and it drew me to a deeper relationship with G-d. The revelation knowledge that I experienced was spirit quickening, as well as, enlightening. If you are grounded and rooted in the word, then you should have no problem with this book, because it is just fiction. If you know the truth, then the truth shall keep you free of all deception. Also, if you truly know G-d, this book should not distort your view of Him. The author never said that this was a replacement to the Bible. It is a Fiction novel, not non-fiction. Additionally, the author never stated that this book was the core of Christianity or any other religion. I found compassion, brokeness, forgiveness, love, grace, and mercy to abound in this novel. I believe that we all need something or someone to challenge us, during our spiritual walk, and draw us closer to Him. The Shack will prompt you to experience an encounter with the “true” living G-d and cry out to Papa. Shalom!

If you are looking for theology in a fiction novel, this book is not for you. READ YOUR BIBLE!

cathy
Comment on November 16th, 2008.

it moved me beyond words. everyone out there must read it.

Trish Pickard
Comment on November 23rd, 2008.

While reading The Shack, I kept thinking it would be great if there was a study/discussion guide to go with it. I finally decided that God was urging me to write one. I would be glad to send you a copy that you are welcome to copy and share with others. Email me at prayerdigm.bookstudy@yahoo.com
Trish Pickard

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