Book Review: The Shack

I just completed The Shack by William P Young. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

It is a difficult book to explain.

First, it is a novel. It's the story of a man and his family in the midst of tremendous tragedy. It is also a story about where God was and is in their lives and circumstance. On this level, it's a good story that will keep you turning the pages.

Second, it is deeply theological. Within the narrative, the author seeks to explain/illustrate deep theological truths in a way that we can begin to get our heads and hearts around. By putting theology in the context of this specific story, we can begin to see what it means that God is good, God is sovereign, God is loving and people are free. On this level, The Shack tackles tough questions without resulting to slogans, sound bites and proof texting.

Third, it is deeply relational. A friend of mine once told me they were going to write a theology of relationships. I'm not sure how that is coming, but The Shack accomplishes just that. What does one God revealed in three persons really mean? How does that work? What does it mean that Jesus is closer than a brother? What does it mean when we say the Holy Spirit indwells us? What does it mean when we say God is eternally present? Where is God in the midst of tragedy? On this level, the book gives a fresh picture of what it means to be in relationship with a God. It also gives us a fresh look at the trinity - God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.

Fourth, it is a book about trust. We use the word "faith" a lot, but I've always understood faith as an active and ongoing trust in God. Do we really trust God? Do we really believe God is good? These are important questions and themes that run throughout the book. They are answered by giving us a glimpse of how God may be present and at work even when we don't see it.

Fifth, it is a book about judgement, power and control. This theme hit me the hardest as I read. How often are our relationships about power and control? How often do we judge others without knowledge? How often do we judge God in our attempts to control our own lives?

Sixth, it is a book about mutual submission as a better way. All the things Jesus said about the greatest being the servant of all is demonstrated through the narrative. When there is love and trust and service, no body has to be in charge. Power and control are our responses to a world where God is not trusted and people are trying to go it alone.

Seventh, it is a book about the full impact of human rebellion and the love of God. The world is broken. We are broken. But God loves us.

I'm going to stop there. Go to theshackbook.com for ongoing discussion. The book is causing quite a stir. Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Seattle fame doesn't like it. You can find his critique on youtube. Having read the book, his assessment seems a bit weak (almost as if he didn't read the book), but that's another issue.

I would love to see a book on the theological underpinnings of the book. I found the theology to be both orthodox and fresh. Young is seeing these things in the context of real life, not the ivory tower, which makes the theology come alive. Writing a book with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as main characters takes courage. I'm glad he did.

If you have read The Shack, let me know what you thought. If you haven't, I highly recommend it.

Comments

[Chris Wright]

I just got done reading this book. I too thought it was fresh and very well written. I appreciate your thoughts on it. It is a difficult book to explain, although I am recommending it to everyone.