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August 12, 2009 at 4:19 pm · Filed under Bible study, Commentary, Discussions, Natalie, Reviews
Windblown Media gave me the privilege of reading The Shack when it first released. They also hosted a live conference call with William Young, the author, allowing him to answer our questions about what we read. Since then I’ve read The Shack again and am on my third time through with my husband.
Some bestsellers aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, but this is not one of those books. In the next few weeks I will give you a few peeks inside The Shack and explain why I recommend it–even with its flaws.
Eugene Peterson said, “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good!” While I would not take it quite that far, I agree with his sentiments. This book is good on many levels. Let me begin the discussion with a few clarifying points:
The Shack is not a theology textbook or a doctrinal statement. It is a story. Like Pilgrim’s Progress, Narnia, and other great works of the Christian faith, the driving power of this book comes through the fact it is told in a story format. You do not have to agree with every allegorical image and metaphor to get a lot out of this book.
The Shack is about grief and the heart of God. If you have been blessed to be spared from severe grief in your life thus far, this book may hold less meaning and power. It’s a gut-wrenching look at senseless evil and suffering in our fallen world. It asks the toughest questions and does not tie everything up in a nice little package at the end. Read the rest of this entry »
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Into “The Shack” – Part One
August 12, 2009 at 4:19 pm · Filed under Bible study, Commentary, Discussions, Natalie, Reviews
Windblown Media gave me the privilege of reading The Shack when it first released. They also hosted a live conference call with William Young, the author, allowing him to answer our questions about what we read. Since then I’ve read The Shack again and am on my third time through with my husband.
Some bestsellers aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, but this is not one of those books. In the next few weeks I will give you a few peeks inside The Shack and explain why I recommend it–even with its flaws.
Eugene Peterson said, “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good!” While I would not take it quite that far, I agree with his sentiments. This book is good on many levels. Let me begin the discussion with a few clarifying points:
The Shack is not a theology textbook or a doctrinal statement. It is a story. Like Pilgrim’s Progress, Narnia, and other great works of the Christian faith, the driving power of this book comes through the fact it is told in a story format. You do not have to agree with every allegorical image and metaphor to get a lot out of this book.
The Shack is about grief and the heart of God. If you have been blessed to be spared from severe grief in your life thus far, this book may hold less meaning and power. It’s a gut-wrenching look at senseless evil and suffering in our fallen world. It asks the toughest questions and does not tie everything up in a nice little package at the end. Read the rest of this entry »
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