Man, if you want some controversy, carry this book around with you and see how many different responses you get. I got everything from that book changed my relationship with God to that book is heresy. Are there questionable theological statements in this book? Yes. Are most people missing the author's point because they're so focused on rather inconsequential statements? Yes. It's always dangerous when people base their theology on a book other than the Bible. Unfortunately, this does happen... (show more)

Man, if you want some controversy, carry this book around with you and see how many different responses you get. I got everything from that book changed my relationship with God to that book is heresy. Are there questionable theological statements in this book? Yes. Are most people missing the author's point because they're so focused on rather inconsequential statements? Yes. It's always dangerous when people base their theology on a book other than the Bible. Unfortunately, this does happen (just look at Blue Like Jazz or Velvet Elvis), and I'm afraid that it is happening with The Shack as well. My suggestion? Read this book and see what the Word has to say about the concepts that are discussed. If you haven't read it, you shouldn't be supporting it or bashing it. In the midst of all the debate, let's not neglect the absolute genius writing style of Young and the beautiful portrait he paints of the Trinity. (show less)

Okay, this is a book that I would NEVER have read on my own had it not been so highly recommended by such a close friend. Before I tell you what I loved about this book, let's start with why I would normally avoid it. There is probably not a single page that does not contain the words "God" or "Jesus" and with me not being a person of a faith this would have normally been too much for me. With that being said, I am happy that I really enjoyed this book despite the fact ... (show more)

Okay, this is a book that I would NEVER have read on my own had it not been so highly recommended by such a close friend. Before I tell you what I loved about this book, let's start with why I would normally avoid it. There is probably not a single page that does not contain the words "God" or "Jesus" and with me not being a person of a faith this would have normally been too much for me. With that being said, I am happy that I really enjoyed this book despite the fact of the truly tragic murder of a child and relentless "god" talk. My own religious beliefs and thoughts of what Mack experienced aside, I was truly moved by the conversations with "God." Beautiful inspirations of love and forgiveness! If the God in this book and his/her/whatever message is the real thing then the definition of "God" and religion and life has been so horribly twisted by humans. It really was a great book...I cried, I laughed, I felt enraged...it really runs the spectrum evoking emotions and I would recommend it to friends of faith and those without. (show less)

This book is unbelievable!

This morning I awoke from a terrible dream. A dream of truth and pain, chaotic images burst through my mind as I attempted to piece together what it meant. And words seemingly haunted me, words I heard in my dream – I must finish reading “The Shack.” (I'm not making this up) Daily chores etc… found me preoccupied throughout the morning. Then a random text came through on my phone: “Have you started The Shack yet?” Moments later the electricity went out in m... (show more)

This book is unbelievable!

This morning I awoke from a terrible dream. A dream of truth and pain, chaotic images burst through my mind as I attempted to piece together what it meant. And words seemingly haunted me, words I heard in my dream – I must finish reading “The Shack.” (I'm not making this up) Daily chores etc… found me preoccupied throughout the morning. Then a random text came through on my phone: “Have you started The Shack yet?” Moments later the electricity went out in my house. Taking the cue and w/ nothing better to do, I picked up the book to finish what I had started. Mixed w/ laughter and heaves of tears to the point I had to put the book down, crumbling to the floor I continued on w/ reading. I had to finish it… but didn’t want it to end either. I found myself longing for a real life experience that Mack had in the book at The Shack.
Something has happened since reading this book, which I cannot relate for I have no words to explain it. This book was an incredible lifeline. And all I know is that I want to lay under the stars as Mack did next to Jesus and let go of me and embrace all that He is in the silence of the moment. (show less)

Hmm! A lot of different reviews out there. Personally for me it was a blessing to see how God,Jesus, and the Holy Spirit totally ripped the "religion" problem to shreds. A lot of us grew up in churches that preached so much on not wearing jeans and you must wear dresses or don't do this, that they forgot the true meaning of what going to church should be about-that is to encourage each other in the Lord and your own personal relationship with God! This is purely a fiction writing ... (show more)

Hmm! A lot of different reviews out there. Personally for me it was a blessing to see how God,Jesus, and the Holy Spirit totally ripped the "religion" problem to shreds. A lot of us grew up in churches that preached so much on not wearing jeans and you must wear dresses or don't do this, that they forgot the true meaning of what going to church should be about-that is to encourage each other in the Lord and your own personal relationship with God! This is purely a fiction writing and that is what people should take it as-not a replacement of the Word of God. The whole basis for the Word of God is to point people to Jesus-who gave his life for everyone so that they will have eternal life. A free gift after all. That was my perception of the book. I actually cried in some parts just realizing how much God does love me-he gave his son to die for me. That is what I got out of it! (show less)

I recently read this book and have since followed a number of reviews, both good and bad. One thing I have noticed is that the critical reviews largely focus on the inaccuracies of the theology presented in the book which I think is incredibly misleading to someone potentially interested in reading the book.

While I can appreciate ones concerns over the religious aspects, I do not believe the book intends to be a lesson in theology. I can personally appreciate the array of emotions Mack e... (show more)

I recently read this book and have since followed a number of reviews, both good and bad. One thing I have noticed is that the critical reviews largely focus on the inaccuracies of the theology presented in the book which I think is incredibly misleading to someone potentially interested in reading the book.

While I can appreciate ones concerns over the religious aspects, I do not believe the book intends to be a lesson in theology. I can personally appreciate the array of emotions Mack experienced, including those pertaining to faith. In my reading of The Shack, I found the instrumental issue was not to redefine anyone's faith or perception of the Trinity but to illustrate one man's journey into healing after enduring a horrific tragedy. The personification of the Trinity by Mack certainly does not correlate with traditional illustrations of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. That being said, I found it particularly interesting because God, as most of us "know" him, is not about the outside (physical attributes) but rather the soul. Consequently, portraying the Trinity in such physical contrast to tradition reminds us that what He looks like is not important; it is His message that is important.

Regardless of how fictitious others might perceive it, it is Mack's perception of his newly discovered relationship with God and Jesus that took him to a better place and helped him heal. The story was not an effort to transpose religious convictions but rather to illustrate one man's metamorphosis into personal contentment. Simply put, this was one man's process to freedom from the pain and guilt associated with his daughter's death. It is not intended to be a prescription for all. This was Mack's story and Mack's alone.

Being critical of the theology in the book misses the integral theme of the story. The book is not a lesson in religion; It is an individual's journey into a freedom never known. If his relationships and conversations with the Trinity seemed flawed, it is irrelevant. It is irrelevant because it is not about the masses, it is about Mack. For whatever reason, these conversations and relationships are what brought Mack the healing he so needed. The process of healing may be different for everyone but the importance of making the journey is equal. For those who have suffered, Mack's process is not a prescription for all but the importance of his journey is significant to all. (show less)

Wow ... just finished this tonight and the whole book is still swirling in my head. Someone gave me the book, said it was awesome and didn't require a lot of thought. Well, not the case for me. I read the book in little bits at a time and the last 50 or so pages made the book one I could not put down. While my experience is different from Mack's, my husband and I have lost 6 precious children to miscarriage. Did that make me angry at God? You betcha ... Did that come very close to break... (show more)

Wow ... just finished this tonight and the whole book is still swirling in my head. Someone gave me the book, said it was awesome and didn't require a lot of thought. Well, not the case for me. I read the book in little bits at a time and the last 50 or so pages made the book one I could not put down. While my experience is different from Mack's, my husband and I have lost 6 precious children to miscarriage. Did that make me angry at God? You betcha ... Did that come very close to breaking my spirit? Yes. Did that drive a huge wedge between me and God? Unfortunately, yes.
On the flip side, do I feel like organized "religion" in the forms it takes today, as in mega churches and cell groups, has chewed me up and spit me out? Sadly, yes. We don't even attend church right now based on experiences we have encountered in the name of "religion".
Where did I lose the relationship that I once had with the Father? I don't know but I do know this book is life changing and really not for those who already believe but for those who are searching or have been hurt in the name of "religion". This book deserves a second read shortly so maybe I can reconcile my feelings and hurt with relationship. (show less)

An ENCOURAGEMENT and a CAUTION - was ENCOURAGED through the book in pursuing the presence of God in my life - but also believe it should be read with CAUTION as I felt a couple of areas in the book have dangerous implications - the book implies everyone's actions are a result of other's influence in their life - and thus seems to imply no one's finally responsible for their own actions (the chapter where Mack's asked to judge) - and some of the stuff on God's limiting of Himself sounded very ... (show more)

An ENCOURAGEMENT and a CAUTION - was ENCOURAGED through the book in pursuing the presence of God in my life - but also believe it should be read with CAUTION as I felt a couple of areas in the book have dangerous implications - the book implies everyone's actions are a result of other's influence in their life - and thus seems to imply no one's finally responsible for their own actions (the chapter where Mack's asked to judge) - and some of the stuff on God's limiting of Himself sounded very loving and all - but ultimately is it really loving for God to "submit" (the book's word) himself to humans? I don't know that I'd prefer that kind of world. (show less)

I can now understand why this book is so controversial and why it is almost viral in its distribution. After reading, your first thought is that you need to get a friend to read it too so that you can challenge and discuss the content. But you also know that the book has the capacity to help our understanding of a loving triune God and innocent suffering in the world. Everyone I know struggles to reconcile the two.

I was drawn in by the story of Mack and his family and heart-broken by t... (show more)

I can now understand why this book is so controversial and why it is almost viral in its distribution. After reading, your first thought is that you need to get a friend to read it too so that you can challenge and discuss the content. But you also know that the book has the capacity to help our understanding of a loving triune God and innocent suffering in the world. Everyone I know struggles to reconcile the two.

I was drawn in by the story of Mack and his family and heart-broken by the loss of his youngest daughter. His invitation back to the desolate location of Missy's murder opens up a weekend of knowing God for who He really is (or might be).

Its a fictional story and it doesn't claim to be the Word of God. Its an interpretation and an exploration of God's nature. Several passages will stay with me but I can understand why some people won't like the book. Its not particularly well written. The early chapters start off like a passable thriller and the encounter with God is difficult to comprehend and relate to (IMO). At times I felt like I was reading a sermon and only taking in some of it (like most sermons!).

Read this book. Better still, borrow mine. I didn't appreciate the reader/marketer compulsion at the end. It smacked of tele-evangelism, but that could be the cynical side of me. (show less)