recently i took a break from reading several other books to pick up 'the shack'. it's a quick read.
a couple people mentioned it... then someone gave a copy to my son... and at least 2 friends are buying every copy they can and giving them away. so i thought i'd check into the fuss.
i don't read fiction much... so i can't really comment on it's quality. i can only speak out of my personal experience with the book.
so... ...for what it's worth. i liked it.
i can't say that it was hugely transformational for me... and yet i can imagine G*D using it in the lives of others in big ways.
the story is sure to create dialogue... although some will no doubt criticize it for several reasons. and some have already cast it into heresy pile.
i wouldn't put it there.
fictional stories that attempt to recast our images of G*D are sure to disappoint, anger or both. we like to hang on to our images. they make us feel safe. we like to squeeze them through our collander of scriptural interpretation. it makes us feel in control.
i'm not saying we shouldn't be critical. i'm just saying that most of us could stand to lighten up a bit. maybe even trust G*D to reveal himself through less than perfect means. seems like he's been doing that for quite sometime now.
but if you're the sort who likes to paint god with a uni-brow and laughing as he tosses souls into eternity. don't bother. you won't like it.
most of us... however... could use a little re-adjustment... seeing the old scriptures in new ways.
and if you're willing... this book can help you.