Don’t hate me ’cause I don’t like The Shack
Oy. My head hurts and I haven’t even started writing yet.
At the risk of sounding like a total Christian/inspirational fiction know-it-all, I’m going to give you my honest opinion of The Shack by William P. Young.
Yuck. Or to be more polite: No, thank you.
The Shack is a fine idea of a novel, I get what Young is trying to do with the characters and the message, but it doesn’t work for me.
It’s too preachy. The plot… oh, dear. What to say of the plot?
The Shack reminds me of those Matrix movies, remember the character of the Oracle? The Papa character reminds me of her.
Did you read The Shack? Do you agree with me or am I being too harsh? Let’s discuss.
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February 12, 2009
· 
Monica Brand · 
33 Comments
Tags: Christianity, fiction, Reading · Posted in: Believing, Reading
33 Responses
I had the same reaction you had. If I hadn’t promised to read it for a friend to discuss it with him, I would’ve put it down after the first five pages–if I made it that far.
My review: http://www.heatheragoodman.com/content/book-thoughts-shack-william-p.-young
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I have not read it, but haven’t been terribly interested in it either. I tend to shy away from things that are overwhelmingly popular.
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Heather, I was curious to see how my opinion would differ from yours. I’m going to read your review, now that I’m done with the book.
Other Monica, my sister-in-law lent it to me, that’s how I ended up reading it. I didn’t want to at first, due to to the whole little-girl-kidnapped plot line. I get too emotionally wrapped up as a Mom. But not this time.
I’m in the middle of it. I’m a mom and a grandmother of two very sweet little girls. the first part about the little girl was hard. But now I’m where he meets the trinity at the shack. I’m hoping that the point he is trying to make is that God will probably be much different than we picture Him in our finite human minds. If that is not his point, then I’m having a hard time seeing God as a “Tess” type. I’ll let you know when I finish the book, but so far I don’t think it will become a classic.
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I liked it. I know it’s not for everyone, though. I just appreciate Christian books that are outside of the cookie cutter box that so many of us are comfortable in. God isn’t in that box. God is able to more than we can ever ask or imagine, so why wouldn’t God be more than we could ever ask or imagine? There’s a part in there where Jesus says something like, “Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m not a Christian.” I loved that!
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Yeah. I think that’s part of the message of the book. The Lord is different than what we imagine or expect.
Deidra, thanks for bringing up that quote. I’m in the middle of cooking dinner right now, but later I’m going to come back and wax poetic about it. When I read it (“Who said anything about being a Christian?”) in the book… well, let’s just say I wasn’t very happy.
i read it, i liked the point of it, but i did think it was hookie in the midst – i think it all depends on your belief system. from what i hear the folks who have had a change in their belief system were the old school catholics.
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I’m back…
In regards to my anger about the statement “Who said anything about being a Christian?”…
I know folks who are looking for any excuse to walk away from the local church body and universal Church family (of which all true believers are part). These are the people who read statements like the above from a “Jesus” and will run with it, quiting the church, rejecting the name Christian, to adopt some wacky new term. I see it happening now and it saddens me.
If you don’t like your fellow believers enough that you don’t want to identify yourself as a Christian, that’s a big problem. Jesus spoke about it too – and not the Fiction Jesus from The Shack. The truth of the Bible, when Jesus says we are to love each other, forgive each other.
Oh, man. Don’t even get me started on this topic.
If you where hurt in the church or by another Christian, don’t quit the Body or reject us. *sigh*
I am reading it right now…I am not sure what to think…it is definately outside the box…I know there are many who love it and others who completely hate it…i might end up in the middle of that group.
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I knew I liked you!!;)
I read a great review of the Shack that I think every Christian should read, but I’m having trouble locating it. I’ll post it as soon as I find it.
Sarah
Read it and liked it – but it isn’t going to be one of those books I re-read for pleasure every few years (or less). It is a challenge to orthodox thinking, in the sense that orthodoxy frequently translates as closed-mindedness. God is not like us, and our abilities to be creative in attempting to imagine things like appearance or manifestation will always fall short – He said so, and I’ll take His word on the subject.
I’ve read better authors and worse authors in the field of spirituality – that the book has generated as much controversy as it has helped drive sales up, to be sure – but to be fair to the author and those who have not read the book yet, remember to read it as a work of fiction and nothing more – judge it by the same “rules” you would judge any other work of fiction, and remember that neither your faith in Christ nor your salvation can be affected by a work of fiction save that you permit it (or encourage it).
It is not a theological treatise, nor does it pretend to be one (despite what many commenters and online reviewers ascribe to the book). It does seek to address some hard questions, and may fail to address them in a manner someone is comfortable with (though the answer itself may be solid, it gets rejected because of how it is packaged or who delivers it).
Best thing to remember? Never get your theology (or history, or anything important) from Hollywood or mass market publishing houses, as the adaptation will never be as good, as accurate, as true as the reality.
Here’s my big problem with The Shack as “fiction”: the author sets the novel up as if it’s based on a real life event. The foreward and afterward with the Willie character play it as such. Re-read those to see what I’m talking about.
If it’s NON fiction then label it correctly – creative nonfiction, biography or memoir. The Shack is fiction with a strong memoir spin, quite the rage in literary circles nowadays. I don’t mind fiction that reads like a memoir (An Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England comes to mind as a good example), but not when it comes to the things of God. Maybe I’m taking The Shack too seriously… or perhaps the Spirit within makes me shudder.
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- February 15, 2009
I read it and enjoyed it immensely for what it is- fiction. It did make fabulous points that resonated with me personally about the way God views forgiveness and judgement. I thought it was great- so try not to hate me for liking it LOL
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Well, I think this post and comments prove we all have different tastes and expectations regarding Inspirational fiction. No surprise there.
My husband and I “read” it on books on tape. Someone said that was our mistake. We neither one liked it, thought it was weird. We are both happy Christians, not angry at anyone or anything Christian. I have pastor friends, who I truly respect, say that they don’t want to have anything to do with it. I am about to think that anything that sets up this many conflicting thoughts and gets this many good people riled up might just as soon be left alone.
our pastor cautioned us against reading it, so i’m not wasting my time. i’ll stick to the pure Word and not look to fiction for my inspiration.
I read it and was shocked at the well know Christians who endorsed it and hence have led many who arent strong in their faith to also read it and maybe possibly be VERY confused! I was offended at the portrayal of an Almighty God and the members of the Trinity. I am all for “out of the box” thinking- God is way bigger than we can ever imagine but I dont think portraying Him as the Shack did does anything for His character but demean Him and attempt to bring Him down to our level in some way. We so need to remember that God is God and we are NOT and that His ways are not our ways- His are higher. If we had a God that we could understand fully- why would we need Him? But that adds to His glory and the Shack takes away from that.
I would totally agree with anothers comment that we should NEVER get our theology from a fiction novel but unfortunately many do and a work that is being billed as one to deepen your faith and challenge you and so on- is being read that way and so I beleive this could lead some to be more confused on what Christianity or true Christianity really is then they already are.
As for Jesus saying He wasnt a Christian- I found that VERY offensive. The believers were called Christians first at Antioch- is right from the book of Acts- the accurate history of the Christian church and what does it mean? Christian simply means “a follower of Christ”- so by that definition, is Christ a Christian? Did He live by His own teachings, those of the Word of God? Literally- He doesnt follow Himself but He certainly practiced what He preached so I dont think He would have objected to being called “a follower of Christ’s teachings”.
I guess all in all I did not enjoy the book- it got weird with the whole thing of finding the girls body and all that and I was just in too much objection to say it was a good book. I guess we could say there is a liitle good in everything if we want to look deep enough or change it around enough times but honestly- I dont invite folks to my house and prepare a gourment meal and then dump it in the garbage can filled with all the peelings, wrappers, bad parts I cut off, … and then say – that I hope they dont mind if they have to pick through my trash for their gourmet meal because surely their effort will produce some really good food for them. We shouldnt have to work this hard to make a book work- why? There is so much good reading out there that can strengthen our faith and yes – even challenge us to new levels and to move out of the box but why read stuff that is borderline heresy and find the good in it?
I’m not ready to call the book garbage; there is some good there. I will say it’s NOT my first choice to hand a friend, “Read this to learn about the Lord.”
Young took a lot of liberty with the godhead, but that’s okay with fiction, even fiction marketed as Inspirational fiction. It’s fiction. (Lisa, I love everything you said in paragraph two of your comment.)
This is from the back cover of the novel:
In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant THE SHACK wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You’ll want everyone you know to read this book!
Me again: Transform you, huh? Is that why it’s on the New York Times bestseller list with over 1 million in print? People DO want to be changed. The Shack is NOT the book to do it.
Monica, thanks for your review. I did NOT like The Shack even though I agree with most of what Paul Young was trying to communicate. I did not feel drawn in to the story as I found the characters sickeningly sweet and unbelievable. The attempts at humour only made me groan and roll my eyes. This morning I will be attending a women’s group to discuss the book. I feel certain that my opinion will be the minority. Pray for me.
I was drawn into the story. Took away some sweet things. But I don’t recommend this book to anyone who isn’t already a strong believer, who doesn’t know the Bible WELL and who isn’t led by the Spirit. There are some very unbiblical things in this book. One for instance: God tells the main character that He is not into authority, especially the authority structures that exist in the world. But that clearly contradicts much scripture: Romans 13:1, Jude 8:8-9, 2 Peter 2:10-11, 1 Peter 2 13-14.
The Shack is emotionally compelling – that is why it is dangerous. Many Christians allow their emotions to override the voice of the Spirit and the Scriptures. IMHO, this book was written from this man’s soul, not by the Spirit.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The Shack is emotionally compelling – that is why it is dangerous. Many Christians allow their emotions to override the voice of the Spirit and the Scriptures. IMHO, this book was written from this man’s soul, not by the Spirit.
Lon, I agree. I just want to add: it’s okay to write from the soul, how else is there to write?? Shack fans, don’t hold The Shack up as a product of the Holy Spirit. There is only One Word…
Well…there is only one Bible – only one collection of writings that God Himself has set aside as the ultimate written authority for the Church (and everyone!). But I believe God is still in the business of communicating to us by His Spirit. The Bible itself refers to things spoken by and done by God that are not included in the Scriptures. (John 21:25)
And this same Jesus appeared supernaturally to Paul (at that time Saul) on the road to Damascus. And since He is the same “yesterday, today and forever” then it should be no surprise that He would, by His Spirit continue to intimately communicate with us.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;” (John 16:13)
And that is what I mean when I say that this man wrote the book from his soul. Yes, every book written has some connection with the writer’s soul (mind, will and emotions), but not every book is one that God has encouraged a person, by His Spirit, to write.
Oh, I thought you meant to create fiction from your soul/gut/heart. As a writer, those are the same to me. I may write something that comes from my soul, but it’s not like I want folks to study it, underline passages and memorize it like we do with the Bible. Thanks for coming back to comment again.
I agree with Monica. I don’t like the book. No, I hated it. At least Monica is open to opinion, I am not.
I had a hard time with the kidnapping, torture, and gruesome murder of the young girl. I know this was an emotional set up to create an atmosphere from which to present a different perspective of God, but I didn’t like it. As to the concepts presented, I don’t have a problem with them, and have, in fact, already read them many other places within a much less disturbing context. I don’t mind that others enjoyed the book. I was just disappointed after having so many people that I know recommend it.
Half way through and I hate the book.. Sorry, I just do. The Matrix connection also ran through my mind. I invested money in the book, so will finish the read, but I have to force myself.
I totally agree with you. I’m almost done reading it, and I can’t stand this book! And yes, I thought the EXACT same thing about Papa: it’s like they stole the persona of the Oracle from the Matrix. I was hoping for a more spiritual book (that follows somewhat along what the Bible teaches) and expecting a lot more. Unfortunately for me, I have been terribly disappointed.
I didn’t care for “The Shack” for several reasons. Right off the bat it was difficult to get past the stilted writing. I know this is Young’s first published work, so I’ll forgive him that, but it really did affect my attitude as I tried to digest the message of the book. The dialogue bugged the dickens out of me. . . how Papa, Sarayu and Jesus all “discussed” one topic at a time, giving it different metaphors and explanations , beating it into the ground until it was all I could do to keep from skipping ahead entire boring pages at a time. Theologically, my views differ here and there from the author’s, which was a minor issue. This was a story. But he plays the book off as an allegory, when it’s not. It’s not about symbolism and interpretation. It’s an in-your-face monologue about the author’s personal beliefs. Mostly I’m disappointed at what a yawn-fest the book was. So many times I wanted to just stop reading it, but many of my friends and family members had spoken highly of it and I just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t feeling the same way. I thought I had to be missing something, so I kept reading, hoping the good parts were just another page away. But good parts never came. Instead, I went back and forth between sheer boredom and being aghast at how corny the whole thing was. It’s a shame, because the topic is a magical one, and I was hoping I would feel that when reading the book. Instead, I felt no emotional connection to it and its characters, and it has not changed the way I feel about, or relate to, my God.
I was so happy to find a place where there were others that did not have the profound connection to this book, as so many of my friends had. There is an interesting review of this on Amazon where an English teacher reminds us that putting a physical charachter to God is actually heresy. I thought it was so disrespectful. Oddly enough, my idea of God, is a light-hearted kind God, who loves all of us the same…but this was just over the top…and Mindy…it was soooooooo boring!
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I felt that once we met the Holy Trinity in their physical incarnations it ended being a book about faith. Faith is belief in something you can’t see and Mack could see them all. I didn’t care for this book.
Didn’t like this at all. The back cover shares about how if you are going through a great sadness (like the main character) then maybe this book will help you too. But wait, Mack meets the actual, physical Jesus, GOd and the Holy Spirit. He talks directly to them all. They are real. He has proof that they exist. So how is this a book about faith? HE meets them in the flesh. He no longer has a need for faith. I don’t get it. Also the part about “I am especially fond of you” Would God say that? Sounds so superficial – like a used car salesman or a fraternity brother on a first date with a girl. I don’t get this book at all. I thought it was truly awful. And the dad reunion? He runs to his Daddy? But he was severely abused… But because Daddy has colors shooting out of him it means he loves his son? What? I was laughing at that part. OH about Jesus and his nose being big? And they laughed at his comment that he was a Jew? That was clearly an anti-semetic remark. I thought this book really was awful.
I read this a while back after putting it off for as long as I could. I actually ended up enjoying it, but I am able to separate my beliefs and look at it as ‘entertainment’.
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And that’s my problem with The Shack. Folks using it as a theology book, not as a work of fiction for entertainment. Thanks for commenting, Laura.
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