I've just finished reading the controversial book, "The Shack" written by William P. Young.
It's a story that is very hard to read in the begin chapters, where we are introduced to "The Great Sadness" of the main character Mackenzie but read further and the story just explodes. I know that a number of people who read my blog will at some stage read "The Shack"; I can't say too much without spoiling it for them, so I will concentrate on sharing my thoughts on the book if I may. There has been a lot of mixed responses to this book, mainly in America but over here in SA as well, some good, some bad. All I can say on that score is that we need to remember that this is a work of fiction it’s not meant to be taken literally. There was for me, one particular moment that raised my uncomfortable antenna, it was where we were first introduced to the Trinity. However, I decided to put to one side my deeply held understanding of the Trinity and to read on. I'm glade I did as the picture becomes much clearer and my concerns lessen. What I take away from this book is a deeper appreciation of God's love for all whom He has created. This awareness comes through a fictional story that promotes much thinking; could we not liken such an approach to parables? I wonder.
I've heard some of the negative stuff that has been said about this book and know that for many these thoughts come out of a deep love for God and I respect you for such, I however have decided that this book has encouraged me to love God all the more, not the picture of the Trinity seen in the book, but the one who makes Himself known to me through His living Word, through creation, through many people and all kinds of situations encountered in life. My hope is that others will also be led deeper into their relationship with God, or better still, brought to a place where they may seek the one true God for the very first time in life.
I will try to keep my closing thoughts brief. Before reading this book I had never heard of the author William P. Young; from his notes at the back of the book I believe that he has written this book while living out his own relationship with God. He may be unknown to many; my question is, "If he was one of the familiar Christian greats of our time, would we be so troubled by this book"? If you are tempted to read this book, remember that it is fiction and persevere, I think you, like me will be rewarded if you do so.
