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Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-9647292-3-7
ISBN-13: 9780964729230
Publisher: Windblown Media
Country:
Year: July 1, 2008
Edition: 1st
Size: 13.21 x 19.81 x 1.78cm
Number of pages: 256
Weight: 204gr
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-9647292-3-7
ISBN-13: 9780964729230
Publisher: Windblown Media
Country:
Year: July 1, 2008
Edition: 1st
Size: 13.21 x 19.81 x 1.78cm
Number of pages: 256
Weight: 204gr
Binding: Paperback
editions
William P. Young, Wayne Jacobsen & Brad Cummings (Eds.)
Windblown Media; 2007
Hardcover
William Paul Young, Roger Mueller (narrator)
Oasis Audio; 2008
Audio CD
William P. Young, Roger Mueller (narrator)
Playaway; 2008
Unknown Binding
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reviews
Get real 
I looked forward to reading this book because everyone said it was a good book. Ha! I hate this book! What a let down! I hate the way God, etc was portrayed. Read the Bible … That's where truth lies.
I looked forward to reading this book because everyone said it was a good book. Ha! I hate this book! What a let down! I hate the way God, etc was portrayed. Read the Bible … That's where truth lies.
Love Hate relationships with the book … 
Hard core bible thumpin' quoters, snake handlin' Speakin' in tounge xtians will hate this book, which will put them in the same camp as atheists, go figure that one out! Middle of the road xtians, agnostics, & other non believers may love this book simply because this book is SWEET! It's easy to read, no quotes from the bible to be thumped in the head with, & like a good whiskey, it goes down easy. HOOAH! The aforementioned xtians are too purist that love to bash anything that's good, & that turns me off to xtianity in particular. They're like a bunch of Aton Ego's in Ratatouille, continually looking for any excuse to run something good down, just because they can. Then they go on spewing specific biblical quotes to justify their hatred of something so good. It's like pulling out a Betty Crocker recipe book when you go to a five star restaurant & saying »That's not what Beef Wellington's supposed to look like because Betty Crocker has it THIS WAY!«(then points to the Betty Crocker photograph of their particular Wellington). Well, I am sorry but life is like being a chef, which in reality, is an art form, & can take form from many different experiences & can be inspired by various different ways. This book should be required reading for everyone in middle school, as well as Malcolm X, & Confuscious, Bodhi Dharma, & other religions, just to make it objectively acceptable.
Hard core bible thumpin' quoters, snake handlin' Speakin' in tounge xtians will hate this book, which will put them in the same camp as atheists, go figure that one out! Middle of the road xtians, agnostics, & other non believers may love this book simply because this book is SWEET! It's easy to read, no quotes from the bible to be thumped in the head with, & like a good whiskey, it goes down easy. HOOAH! The aforementioned xtians are too purist that love to bash anything that's good, & that turns me off to xtianity in particular. They're like a bunch of Aton Ego's in Ratatouille, continually looking for any excuse to run something good down, just because they can. Then they go on spewing specific biblical quotes to justify their hatred of something so good. It's like pulling out a Betty Crocker recipe book when you go to a five star restaurant & saying »That's not what Beef Wellington's supposed to look like because Betty Crocker has it THIS WAY!«(then points to the Betty Crocker photograph of their particular Wellington). Well, I am sorry but life is like being a chef, which in reality, is an art form, & can take form from many different experiences & can be inspired by various different ways. This book should be required reading for everyone in middle school, as well as Malcolm X, & Confuscious, Bodhi Dharma, & other religions, just to make it objectively acceptable.
Had so much promise, then imploded in a cloud of wild assertions
For me 'The Shack' was like a roller coaster. One minute I was loving it, the next I wanted to throw the book down in disgust. Eventually the coaster car derailed completely and plummeted to a fiery explosion below. I bought this book for my wife since it had come highly recommended. She couldn't finish it. Disappointed, I began reading, hoping to find in it something my wife hadn't--hoping to justify the fifteen dollars spent. I found the first few chapters engaging, heart wrenching, and well written. Confidently I thought I understood why this book had sold three million copies. However, when God came into the picture, the writing quickly turned sappy, cliché, and preachy. In an effort to save time (yours mostly) I'll forego the discussion on the literary merit of this book and focus on something more important (to me at least): the theological ideas presented in this work of fiction. This is after all, an inspirational novel and I think before reading it, the general public should be informed about what exactly it inspires you to do. Don't misunderstand; I believe the author was well-intentioned. I believe he published the book to change lives rather than make a profit, and in fact there are several themes presented with which I couldn't agree more. On the other hand, much more prevalent are the ideas that aren't biblically based, or generic to Christianity, or even remotely close to anything Christ taught while he was on the earth. I repeat: Although Jesus is a main character in this book, the doctrine presented if far removed from traditional Christianity. In an effort not to appear overly subjective and preachy myself, I'll simply sum up some of the general assertions of this book and neatly categorize them as bible based and opinion based. ****SPOILER ALERT**** Don't read any farther if you wish to be surprised by the religous doctrine. I won't reveal any part of the actual story. 'SHACK' IDEAS SUPPORTED BY THE BIBLE Forgiveness is important. God has no favorites among his children. God's only motivation is love. God lets bad things happen to good people because that's what happens when he gives us our freedom on earth. He can however, use tragedy to work his purposes of good. 'SHACK' IDEAS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE BIBLE Jesus was just a human with no power--albeit the first human to let God completely work through him. (p.100) God doesn't want us to try and understand Him. (p.101) You don't need to follow religious rules or even the ten commandments. (p.197, 202) You don't need to go to church. (p.178) You don't need to put God as a priority in your life. (p.206) You shouldn't try to follow Jesus' example. (p. 149) You shouldn't share the gospel with others. (p.181 – Although in the back of the book, we find a list of ways to share this novel with everyone we can.) We don't have to do anything to be saved. (p.189) It doesn't matter what religion you are, or if you even believe in Christ (p.182) Before long I began to notice a pattern in the doctrine being presented. The author was telling us: People are important, improve your relationship with them and with God, after that do whatever you want; we're all going to be saved regardless of what we do or believe. At once I began to realize the real reason this book has sold so many copies. It eases a person's pain by emphasizing God's love, and then eases their conscience by telling them God doesn't care what you do. I have no doubt this book will change lives. The only question is which direction they'll turn.
For me 'The Shack' was like a roller coaster. One minute I was loving it, the next I wanted to throw the book down in disgust. Eventually the coaster car derailed completely and plummeted to a fiery explosion below. I bought this book for my wife since it had come highly recommended. She couldn't finish it. Disappointed, I began reading, hoping to find in it something my wife hadn't--hoping to justify the fifteen dollars spent. I found the first few chapters engaging, heart wrenching, and well written. Confidently I thought I understood why this book had sold three million copies. However, when God came into the picture, the writing quickly turned sappy, cliché, and preachy. In an effort to save time (yours mostly) I'll forego the discussion on the literary merit of this book and focus on something more important (to me at least): the theological ideas presented in this work of fiction. This is after all, an inspirational novel and I think before reading it, the general public should be informed about what exactly it inspires you to do. Don't misunderstand; I believe the author was well-intentioned. I believe he published the book to change lives rather than make a profit, and in fact there are several themes presented with which I couldn't agree more. On the other hand, much more prevalent are the ideas that aren't biblically based, or generic to Christianity, or even remotely close to anything Christ taught while he was on the earth. I repeat: Although Jesus is a main character in this book, the doctrine presented if far removed from traditional Christianity. In an effort not to appear overly subjective and preachy myself, I'll simply sum up some of the general assertions of this book and neatly categorize them as bible based and opinion based. ****SPOILER ALERT**** Don't read any farther if you wish to be surprised by the religous doctrine. I won't reveal any part of the actual story. 'SHACK' IDEAS SUPPORTED BY THE BIBLE Forgiveness is important. God has no favorites among his children. God's only motivation is love. God lets bad things happen to good people because that's what happens when he gives us our freedom on earth. He can however, use tragedy to work his purposes of good. 'SHACK' IDEAS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE BIBLE Jesus was just a human with no power--albeit the first human to let God completely work through him. (p.100) God doesn't want us to try and understand Him. (p.101) You don't need to follow religious rules or even the ten commandments. (p.197, 202) You don't need to go to church. (p.178) You don't need to put God as a priority in your life. (p.206) You shouldn't try to follow Jesus' example. (p. 149) You shouldn't share the gospel with others. (p.181 – Although in the back of the book, we find a list of ways to share this novel with everyone we can.) We don't have to do anything to be saved. (p.189) It doesn't matter what religion you are, or if you even believe in Christ (p.182) Before long I began to notice a pattern in the doctrine being presented. The author was telling us: People are important, improve your relationship with them and with God, after that do whatever you want; we're all going to be saved regardless of what we do or believe. At once I began to realize the real reason this book has sold so many copies. It eases a person's pain by emphasizing God's love, and then eases their conscience by telling them God doesn't care what you do. I have no doubt this book will change lives. The only question is which direction they'll turn.
Read with caution
I read the Shack last week and was deeply touched by it. I very enthusiastically recommended it to some friends. Someone mentioned to me that it is controversial. I was surprised to hear that and started reading some of the criticisms and the publishers replies to some of the criticism. I realized that I had 'filtered out' some parts of the book that might be misleading, perhaps harmful, for someone who is too immature in their knowledge of doctrine and relationship with God. I myself am pretty firm in my theological understandings, and have learned to 'skip over' some questionable parts of Christian literature and benefit from the portions that are 'ok'. God is our King, Master and Lord. He is our Savior and Lover of our soul. Many of us have little problem relating to Him in those ways as His redeemed servants. But those of us who relate to Him most naturally in those ways may have special trouble relating to Him as our Friend, Brother and Abba Father. I am one of the latter. My need is to grow in relationship to God as my Father, and Jesus as my brother and friend. I got a big lift from the Shack in that way. BUT for those who need to learn more of God as their Lord, for those who arnt already saved, those who are not solid in their grasp of orthodox theology – The Shack may not be safe to read without some guidance from someone more mature in their faith.
I read the Shack last week and was deeply touched by it. I very enthusiastically recommended it to some friends. Someone mentioned to me that it is controversial. I was surprised to hear that and started reading some of the criticisms and the publishers replies to some of the criticism. I realized that I had 'filtered out' some parts of the book that might be misleading, perhaps harmful, for someone who is too immature in their knowledge of doctrine and relationship with God. I myself am pretty firm in my theological understandings, and have learned to 'skip over' some questionable parts of Christian literature and benefit from the portions that are 'ok'. God is our King, Master and Lord. He is our Savior and Lover of our soul. Many of us have little problem relating to Him in those ways as His redeemed servants. But those of us who relate to Him most naturally in those ways may have special trouble relating to Him as our Friend, Brother and Abba Father. I am one of the latter. My need is to grow in relationship to God as my Father, and Jesus as my brother and friend. I got a big lift from the Shack in that way. BUT for those who need to learn more of God as their Lord, for those who arnt already saved, those who are not solid in their grasp of orthodox theology – The Shack may not be safe to read without some guidance from someone more mature in their faith.
Almost like walking earth when Immanuel – God with us- did 
The Bible (the Word of God) is great; yet, we cannot ask questions. John 1:14 says Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The people at that time could ask Jesus questions. In the Shack, the main character is able to ask God questions. One question is »Why do you hide things?« and the answer was »Why do children play hide and seek?« so that we (humans) who have a passion to explore will find them. Yet the Shack is more than a Q & A: it is about healing. The forward notes that most of our hurts come through relationships and so will our healing. If you have a hurt then the Shack will bring healing. Also, if John 5:39 (You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life) has even remotely applied to you then you will enjoy and benefit from reading the Shack. Another sample quote is »relationships are messier than rules but rules … will never love you.«. If the book is too slow for you at first then skip to chapter 5.
The Bible (the Word of God) is great; yet, we cannot ask questions. John 1:14 says Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The people at that time could ask Jesus questions. In the Shack, the main character is able to ask God questions. One question is »Why do you hide things?« and the answer was »Why do children play hide and seek?« so that we (humans) who have a passion to explore will find them. Yet the Shack is more than a Q & A: it is about healing. The forward notes that most of our hurts come through relationships and so will our healing. If you have a hurt then the Shack will bring healing. Also, if John 5:39 (You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life) has even remotely applied to you then you will enjoy and benefit from reading the Shack. Another sample quote is »relationships are messier than rules but rules … will never love you.«. If the book is too slow for you at first then skip to chapter 5.
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last update: 3/15/2010
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