Comments on The Shack
Several have recently asked me if I have read The Shack written by William “Paul” Young, and if so, what I thought about it. When I am operating at top form, I ask them the same question before I answer. I have heard a variety of diverse responses from folks who have read this best seller. For some, the experience of reading the book has provoked what they call “revolutionary” changes in the way the look at life, God, and suffering. A few have perceived the book as dangerous; and in the words of one reader, it is “further evidence of the ‘Oprahfication’ of America.”

I have read the book and below are some observations. Please note this is not a book review in that I am not going to summarize or even cover all key ideas. I hope these observations help you put the book into context.

First, the book really engages the reader and it is well-written if you determine “well-written” to mean the reader emotionally invests in the story. I found that after I read it, I could not put the story out of my mind. It is certainly not a poetic masterpiece; if it was, I doubt that it would have captured the hearts and minds of Americans.

The genre is a blend of a morality play and mystical fiction. Some reviewers have labeled it “theological fiction.” Don’t try to figure how much of it really happened and how much of it is imaginary. If you do, you will miss the point of the story.

In my view, its greatest value relates to the understanding of the Trinity. Don’t worry about the names of the characters. They appear to be reaches that pull in “pop psychology” readers. Instead, focus on the relationships of the three characters. The Trinity will never be fully explained this side of heaven. So, don’t expect the book to tell all you wanted to ever know about the Trinity and were afraid to ask. As is the case in all religious fiction, it attempts to simplify at the expense of mystery. It does, in my opinion, give good insight into the Trinity.

Like most American Christian books, it addresses the issue of evil and suffering. However, I really don’t think it adds much to the subject. American Christians obsess over the issue of why bad things happen to good people. We have difficulty believing God does allow people other than us to make choices. When bad people do bad things to good people like us, surely God owes us an explanation. Yet, when good people like us dress our children and grandchildren in only brand name clothes instead of providing food and clothing to needy children . . . well, that is neither evil nor suffering, it is just careless neglect on our part. (Enough of the pontificating on the evil of materialism that has many Christians by the jugular . . . for now anyway.)

The book beautifully illustrates the power of forgiveness, yet I don’t think he explains how to find the power to forgive. Readers who struggle with bitterness may find the book a motivating factor in helping them to get over it and to get on with it. This may be a reason middle-aged adults are identifying with this book so well. By mid-life, everyone has some things they need to get over.
The dialogue, on one page, has the fragrance of universalism or the belief that there are several paths to God; yet, in other places, that appears to be rejected. The author is not attempting to explain the entire Christian faith, so he is weak and indecisive on this issue.

This is not the Bible and should not be read as if it is. If you should choose to read The Shack, remember it is more like an adult morality-driven fable. By all means, after completing this book, go back and read the Gospel of John.

And in closing, (it seems like I have heard that line before), I would not give this book to a non-believer or to a young Christian. I think it could be confusing. I think it is best read by middle-aged Christian adults who have allowed the injustices of life to drain the passion out of their souls. The church in America is full of baby boomers who still are trying to determine if they want to pursue their dreams in life or just live as if they are already in a retirement home but have driving privileges. Many of them will not have to change much when they do have to go to assisted living because all they really think about now is eating, finding something fun to do, living longer, and complaining how young folks don’t have a purpose in life. This book might help some of them realize that living better is more important than living longer. If readers do sense their passion for good and for God have been restored as a result of reading this book, may even more read it.