Help Your Friends Discern Biblical Truth
Have you read The Shack? I confess, I haven't read it yet. So why, you might ask, am I talking about a book I haven't read? Good question!
The answer hast to do with popular culture. Just like there's no avoiding Oprah, Avatar, or The Da Vinci Code, there's no avoiding this mega best-selling book. Numerous articles, blog posts, forums, and discussions have come within earshot. And I'm very disheartened by what I've read about the widespread acceptance of The Shack by evangelical Christians.
If you have read The Shack but don't quite know what to do with its message, I want to bring a new non-fiction book to your attention.
It might help you pin down why you feel uncomfortable with Paul Young's work
of fiction.
When you have a few minutes of free time, consider the claims found in Burning Down the Shack by seminary professor James de Young,
a former colleague of William Paul Young's.
First, from the book's description:
"Millions have bought into the theology of Paul Young whose book, ‘The Shack’ portrays God as a loving, black woman. Similar changes in appearance were given to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The story of pain and redemption then resonated with the public.
But is Young's worldview important? Is his theology that big a deal?
James De Young thinks so. In fact, it's so important that he's written a compelling book challenge to 'The Shack.' In 'Burning Down the Shack,' De Young manages to shed important light on the implications of Young's pluralistic faith, and provides readers with a gripping counter-balance to the popular little volume that's spent many weeks on the best-seller lists.
Exploring the nature and character of God from Scripture, De Young concludes that it is necessary to proceed carefully with 'The Shack,' lest important truths be skewed and even jettisoned. Without being confrontational, De Young makes the case that dangers can lurk under the foundation."
Important Article Discusses Burning Down the Shack
This weekend, do take the time to read, “How ‘The Shack’ Seduced Evangelicals”
by WorldNet Daily. Here's a short excerpt from the article:
…with 10 million copies in print, "The Shack" has been on numerous best-seller lists for more than two years and become an iconic work among enthusiastic evangelicals, with many buying multiple copies to hand out to their friends. But De Young believes the acceptance of "The Shack" by evangelicals and their institutions is evidence of a church in need of renewal.
"I'm really dismayed to see that Christian publishers and radio programs, TV programs have basically imbibed the feel-good spirit of 'The Shack' and have not critically examined the theology," he told WND. "If you point that out to them they feel offended. They feel that you're being overly critical. They feel something like, 'Well, can't you look beyond the doctrine and appreciate the story.'"
Related
“Theology: Is God HE? Re-imagining God in ‘The Shack’”
posted by Chrysalis
Photo: tremotrav (Flickr)
Up Next—Discover Your God-Given Gifts
Have you read The Shack? Your raves, rants, reactions?
23 Comments:
I have read "The Shack", but really was not gaga about it like others at my church. Our Pastor has firmly spoke out against it, even to the point of putting a disclaimer in the book that is in our library. I love to read, but it took me awhile to get through this small book. I guess it never really drew me in because I don't need it. I have been hurt by things in my life, but by the time I read the book I loved the God I had come to know in scripture. All facets of Him and his son! I didn't need to see he any other way. I so wish christians (I made it lower case for a reason)today would go to The Word instead of all these other books to make them feel better! I know full well that they would find the healing they think they found in "The Shack" there.
Great Post! I'm going to so recommend the book!
Yes, I have read it. I'm not a fan of it, several things bothered me about it. I think Mark Driscoll said it best about what was wrong with it in a sermon of his that I saw a clip of on YouTube. I can't say it as eloquently as Mark Driscoll so I'll just give you the link. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK65Jfny70Y
I have not read it, as my pastor spoke out strongly against it plus by reading things that people were posting about it. I defnitely didn't want to read it. Thank you for speaking out about this for all to see! I"m going to post it in my Saturday faves.
I haven't read it...nor did our pastor address it...however, it has been recommended over and over again from so very close Christian friends...I kept hearing how they cried through it and at that time I had enough to cry about without reading something that made me cry more...a lot of young people have read it...good post.
If it makes me feel funny I usually won't buy or read it...that is what this book did for me
I have a copy of it......sent to me from a friend in the USA after I warned against it. But I cannot bring myself to read it...just as I could not bring myself to watch Jesus Christ superstar...just as I personally am not allowed by a strong Holy Spirit conviction to be on facebook, and I grieve so much to see my church using it with the young people...and just as I cannot support the continual allusions to films in sermons...films I would never encourage young people to see....let alone set an example by going to see them myself. We do not belong in this world. We should not be comfortable in it.
We are pilgrims in a foreign land...and many of us are forgetting that we are in fact soldier in a battle, but taking time aside to play with toys.
I am nowhere close to where I should be...but I want to stay in the race and not play with toys on the sidelines.
e-Mom,
Great discussion on this book. I have read The Shack. It is a fascinating, fictional, story. It draws in believers and gives us a glimpse of the loving nature of God in this character of a Big black woman.
What bothered me about the entire story is that evil or the presence of satan is completely left out of the equation.
We didn't have to deal with the fact that there is an evil presence in the world that directly impacts our life. Perhaps the author was intentional in this regard and only wanted to point to the loving character of God but it was a half truth of what we deal with in everyday life and in major trauma.
Excellent post as always. Sending you a hug. Lynn
I've read it, but with a critical mind. The copy in our church library has a warning label about the controversial nature of the book, too.
I can see how it would be a source of confusion or misguidance for someone who doesn't have a solid background in what Scripture actually says ... just as there are people who think that The DaVinci Code is non-fiction.
I have read it because so many people were - and they were asking questions and I wanted to answer with understanding. I did not like it one bit - I couldn't wait to be done with it - I would NEVER recommend it as good reading. It was too 'out there' for me. I understand the authors battle with trying to understand God in the midst of tragedy - but He takes it a little too far. And when the big black woman (God) was introduced I just wanted done with it. (BTW I truly love beautifully coloured skinned ladies) but that is not the portrayal of a Holy God in my mind - He is beyond what our eyes can understand and I love that about Him.
It shocked me at the time as to the number of believers in my circle who were all consumed with it. I even checked out The Shack website and was horrified at the hype.
Anyway I would not give it two thumbs up - I would give it a -10 and definitely direct believers away from reading it :D
Personal email responses are on the way to most of you. Thanks for your thoughtful insights. A lively discussion indeed!
Tara: Excellent video! We appreciate Mark Driscoll because of the fine ministry he's established right here in our own neighborhood (Seattle).
In his discussion about the Trinity in this video, Mark makes some important points about heretical teaching found in The Shack. He names idolatry, goddess worship, modalism, and egalitarianism. Whew! (Burning Down the Shack also mentions pluralism.)
Thanks for leaving the video link, Tara. Care to identify yourself so I can visit your blog?
Blessings, e-Mom
e-Mom,
Oh, absolutely! I'm a frequent visitor here albeit not commenting much, just changed my log-in name to my google account. Sorry for the confusion! My blog is www.gigglesngulps.com. You know me already! :) I just can't figure out how to add my picture to the new account! So sorry! -Tara
e-Mom,
I think I fixed it - you should be able to find me now when you click on my name. :) But I see you found me on Facebook already! :) -Tara
i actually read it...with the idea that it IS fiction...
its theology or lack there of wasn't a concern to me...i appreciated how the book portrayed the love and forgiveness of God and the struggle we have to really connect with Him sometimes...
that said: I never could quite say that I liked it...didn't see why all the hype over it really...not sure i ever recommended it to my friends...it just never 'set' right
thanks for the post!
Tara: LOL, thought it might be you!!! (I also know another blogger named Tara, but your original comment didn't sound like her.) Anyhoo, that's why I went looking for you on Facebook! So glad to reconnect again. See you over at Giggles 'n Gulps!
I couldn't get into at all.. funny been having conversations about it all this past month again.. thanks for the info!
Special K: I appreciate your point of view, Special K.
In secular circles, God is often portrayed as a "killjoy" in the sky--the Judge. So it's refresing that his "kinder, gentler" grace-filled nature is presented in The Shack.
On the other hand, sin, evil, and death have marred creation, and that's a reality we all must come to terms with. Perhaps that's why The Shack felt uncomfortable to you?
Amydeanne: Happy Saturday. Thanks for stopping by to comment!
THANK YOU for posting this. I'm looking forward to reading the book you've recommended.....
I too, have been saddend by how easily 'Christians' can show no discernment whatsoever and 'go with the flow' just because everyone else is. I tend to run the other way! I have not read The Shack, but have had many, many discussions about it.
Just last week, I was chatting with a young friend of mine (she's 16), and she told me that the book had literally made her nauseous - she couldn't even finish it.
I think the Holy Spirit will get our attention any way he can!
Hmmm.....
Thank you again for yet another EXCELLENT post.
All for Him. (and it shows, Emom.)
Blessings on you.
Kristy: Thanks for your strong support of this blog... I do appreciate it!
Your remark was amazing: the book had literally made her nauseous - she couldn't even finish it. I think the Holy Spirit will get our attention any way he can!
It sounds like you're having a postive influence in the lives of young people. God bless your ministry! (((Warm Hugs)))
I happen to be reading it now. It has been recommended by some people at my church. I haven't got to the theology yet, but I am disappointed by the quality of the writing. A great work of literature it is not.
Buffy: So if The Shack isn't great literature, how would you describe it? ღ
Well I have read a bit more of it now and I must admit I am enjoying it more. Basically the back story is just the construct on which to hang the theology.
The book is really addressed to those people who have a very negative view of God because of past expereinces (or lies) distorting their thinking.
I don't think it's intended in any way to replace the Scriptures but may be it will encourage more people to read them.
Don't you think the right tools come at the right time? Some people need a book like The Shack and some people have gone well beyond it.
I'm surprised that you would take this view, Buffy. We know that "story" is very powerful. Jesus spoke in parables for that very reason. Fictional story gets past people's defenses and into the heart. When untruths are presented this way, they are dangerous.
I'd encourage you to read the article I linked to in this post. You will see that the author is not telling an innocent tale, but has a distinct anti-biblical agenda.
Luckily, you're well endowed intellectually, and can think rationally about what a book is or isn't saying and how it lines up with Scipture. However, many (if not most) people are not.
The majority of fiction book buyers are women--and they are being deceived by mega best-selling books like this around the globe. I doubt very few of them actually go to the Scriptures to find out how God really loves them.
When you are finished with the book, I'd ask you to reconsider your opinion.
That is all!!!
(((Hugs))) e-Mom
You have some valid points. Anyway this is certainly something I will be keeping in mind as I finish the book.
OK, let me know what you think when you've finished. (BTW, I'm not anti-art, as my recent post on The Arts shows. But I am pro-Truth in a big way!) ღ
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