The Shack

I recommend that especially in Western Theological circles The Shack be read. For the most part Western Theological thinking is fixated on the wrath of God and the sinfulness of man. However, the book thrust is to highlight God’s nature when it comes to relationships. The attribute of love and man’s independence is stressed throughout the book. Man’s independence is the reason why humanity is in the fallen state they are in. The way the Trinity is portrayed is very unique. I suggest that even if you do not like the way the Father is represented throughout most of the book you understand why it is being shown in the manner that it is. As the book explained God is neither male nor female, and God explains to Mack why He revealed Himself as the Father to Abraham.

One of the negative critiques the book is getting is that it espouses Universalism. Several things to keep in mind: (1) the author of the book addressed that issue and stated he did not believe in Universalism (2) in the book it is plainly stated that God tells Mack that He finds believers in whatever situation they are in. It was not stated in that exact manner, but I have concluded as much. I might be accused with equivocation, but I think that is a false charge when one considers the meat of the book.

Not everyone is going to like the book. You will either love it or hate it! The hyper-fundamental folk will most definitely have a field day with the book. Most of the time these people will beat their chests to expound God’s sovereignty to the point where God’s attributes are most certainly lessened, but these individuals just propose that “we don’t understand how it all works,” and/or the Bible says God “loves” and so that settles it. These people seem to not understand when they have a contradiction in their hands and just chalk it up to mystery. The book dealt rather well with a lot of these “issues,” because in the end it is a novel and so people just need to chill. Personally speaking, I highly recommend the book.