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Challenging conventional assumptions - Finding reality! |
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Book Reviews |
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The Shack by William Paul Young |
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I knew after the first page that the critics would be after this writer. He had taken God out of the ritual and traditions of the church house and the order of service and made Him, well, real.
I’m not sure how to describe this book. It is not an adventure novel, although it is certainly adventurous if one needs to face any issues with God. It is not a mystery, and yet the mystery of the story line is there as is the mystery of the search for an authentic and real God. It is not a theological treatise, although it does deal with how we think about God and challenges us to move beyond the hard cold security found in the recitation of doctrinal stands and position statements.
No, I am not sure how to classify it. But I am sure I enjoyed it. Since I read it, I have also read the critics, most of which are sure that Young destroys the correct understanding of the Trinity and is subversive to the organized church. I did not see those problems, possibly because I am not at all sure from time to time what belief system of the past I will be challenging in my own mind anyway.
So, I was not offended by his treatment of God or of some theological concepts that the average Christian does not understand anyway. I did not see it as an attempt to change anyone's theology or doctrinal perspective but as the struggle of the characters in the book to find God through their bitter disillusionment with life and the church.
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While some are telling their people to avoid it and to not read it, I suspect that most of my friends are smart enough and tough enough to know their own minds and to not need me to make decisions for them. The book is rather small, so it reads fast. One can get through it in no time, unless you cry easily. I read and cried, read and cried, and so forth, making the time extended in my journey through it.
Will I read it again? I’ve already started doing that. Did it mean anything to me? Well, I have gone through a similar path of my own, parallel to the story in the book and parallel to that of the author, so no, it was not a revelation, but it was affirming. It did change my perception on some things and I totally understand those who say it changed their lives.
Will I recommend it to my friends? I already have and in writing this review I challenge you to get it and read it. You don’t have to change your belief in the Trinity or in your church structure or really in anything. But you will find some things surfacing that may need to be addressed. You will not be diminished by it but will certainly be enhanced by it.
So, go for it. I highly recommend it.
Dave Fritsche |
