The Shack

The Shack by William P. Young


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Disclosure: I must admit that, in general, I am skeptical of Christian fiction and pop novels in Christian culture. (Note: I am not referring to fiction that espouses or alludes to Christian beliefs and/or stories, but rather, fictional representations of God and/or spiritual encounters)

Anyways, I was given this book as a gift from a relative of mine about 6 months ago. He had read it and said that he really enjoyed it. I had also heard it mentioned a number times amongst some of my Christian friends and the plot sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a chance. The header of the book reads: "Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity." In a nutshell (no spoilers), the main character "Mack" experiences a great tragedy in his life and his faith in God is shaken as a result. Throughout the novel, the main character's interactions and conversations with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, his friends and family helps him sort through and better understand his “Great Sadness” and suffering in light of a loving God. Although, the book itself is truly moving and the depth of the content is admirable, I was disappointed with the way that God was represented. As a result, I would not recommend it to most people although it might be an interesting read for someone who is strong in their understanding of the character of God.

First of all, let's talk about the story itself. Admittedly, the content is both difficult and moving. The characters are presented well and their sorrowful situation can definitely be identified with and demands sympathy. I actually got a little misty at one point while reading it. As far as the structure and writing goes, it is not particularly eloquent, but it is clear enough and it the story does not drag. The most engaging parts of the novel are Mack's direct interaction with God, and while this is the most engaging portion of the story, it is also the most difficult for me to accept. If the divine beings (trinity) in the novel were instead presented merely as other characters giving there perspective concerning the character of God, I think I would have been more accommodating to the content.

HOWEVER, when it comes to God, I have a hard time tolerating anyone claiming to speak directly for Him or especially “as” Him. One of my biggest pet peeves when I am driving down the interstate here in the bible belt is when I see a billboard for a church that says something like:

“Haven't seen you in a while” - God
or
“Blah, blah, blah, blah” - God

It doesn't really matter what it says unless it is a direct verse from the bible. What I am trying to say is, those people have no right or authority to speak directly as God! In the same way, I have trouble allowing Paul Young the freedom to present and speak as these “God” caricatures in this novel. God is presented as an Aunt Jemimah-ish cookie making person, Jesus as a young, fun loving buddy, and the Holy Spirit (or Sarayu) as a mystical, gardening Asianish woman. So, first of all I have a little trouble with God being presented in so light a fashion. But the main thing I have a problem with here is that Mack has extended made-up dialogue with “God” in these three forms for chapters and chapters. To his credit, I can tell that the author genuinely tries to present the trinity (some character qualities at least) as it is revealed through scripture, but just like the billboards I mentioned earlier, who is Paul Young to speak as God or even on his behalf??? Like I said, if these were merely other characters in the novel that happened to possess qualities that were similar to the characteristics of God as revealed through scripture, I would be more accommodating, but they are not.

These things being said, there are some very good qualities to this book. The themes that the novel approaches are deep and these themes are rewarding exploration for those who honestly seek to understand and have a relationship with God. Young approaches the theme of human suffering in a unique and compelling way, and I appreciate the loving and gracious quality of God that he presents. There are certainly less “fuzzy” characteristics of God that need to be understood as well, but this is a small novel so it makes sense that he cannot broach every theological subject all at once.

Unfortunately, while the premise and theme of The Shack is both interesting and challenging, the suspect quality of the way God is presented combined with a lack of scriptural reference, and very little mention of salvation makes this novel one that I would rarely recommend. I do not regret reading it, but I probably will not read it again.

LEAST favorite line: "Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in leather with gilt edges, or was that guilt edges?" (doesn't make sense contextually; the author is just trying to be clever. fail.

Recommended reading:

The Bible
Attributes of God by Arthur Pink

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