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 - NoveltyTypically, as you see from my Amazon reviews, I read technical documents, preferring to adhere to General Robert E. Lee's dictum of avoiding novel reading for manuals, references, and books that educate. When a friend recently asked me to review "The Shack" (Paul Young's 254-page 2007 paperback) I set aside the professional reading for this novel little story. Reminding of the recent aura for the "Left Behind" series and the older "Purpose Driven Life" phenomenon, it seems "The Shack" is destined for similar longtime notoriety. Young's story of a father's struggle to overcome the brutal kidnapping and murder of his six year old daughter pulls at the heartstrings. He is summoned to meet the Holy Trinity in the actual shack were the child was killed- challenging reader consideration for life's pain and fear. Through a series of around-the-shack discussions (almost debates sometimes) between the Trinity and the father spiritual and emotional healing begin in the man. The theological underpinning in "The Shack" is poignant and personal. The persons of the Trinity are thoughtful and provocative (the Creator is a barefoot African American lady who likes to cook, Jesus is a blue jean clad mid easterner who still sports the wrist nail scars, and the Holy Spirit is a flittering ghost-like little Asian gardener lady). Their persons are intertwined in "ousia" (Greek for "being") rooted in biblical conceptions of love. Avoiding most of the Old Testament review for deity, "The Shack" posits Trinity power and activity in love. It's "all about love" each of the persons tell the father at various occasions. Scripture is offered without quoting as the man asks life's difficult questions. Divine love is, in deed, illustrated with each answer. Young's narrative reflects the biblical story with every new chapter. Of course, some will disagree with portions of the shack's story. It is to be expected, theology is not perfect- nor should it be. For example, I find the discussion on evil, chapter 9, mostly untenable. Evil is much more than "the absence of Good", page 136. Also, Young's Calvinistic predestinarian problems with free will and independence in faith permeate the book. Differences with the book, however, should not distract from its presentation. Its novelty makes it well worth your reading "The Shack". Rating:  - Amazing!I love it! it sure breaks up a lot of overly religious church views we have of God. Rating:  - DisappointingI read this book to see what all of the "hype" was about. Frankly, the book is not very well written and the story line isn't that great--much better books out there if you want to read good fiction. If you're interested in theology presented in a format the average person can understand, this book misses the mark too. And no, I'm not bothered by the characterizations of God as an African-American woman, Jesus as a Middle Eastern laborer, and the Holy Spirit as an Asian woman. Mr. Young's presentation of God's nature is not Biblical in many instances. In addition, sometimes what the author is trying to say is not clear. Read Tim Challie's review--he can say it better than I can. (Although I disagree with him on the forgiveness issue). Rating: - Want to be challenged, renewed and transformed? Read this bookThe Shack has been called a modern version of Pilgrim's Progress. I believe this book to be exactly that. If you're looking for a fresh spiritual "shot" in the arm, this book is for you. The author and publisher are men who have sought to tell their story in a manner that encourages, and brings a fresh perspective to what it means to have a personal encounter with the Living God and the other two members of the trinity. This is not a book of theology or doctrine, but an honest story of one man's life, which speaks of us all. Thought provoking, funny, this book will make you cry, laugh, perhaps angry, but it will sober you and make you aware that God is bigger and better than anything we've been told at church. I challenge anyone who wants to grow in their spiritual journey to grab this book and read it with an open heart and a clear mind. Rating: - Eye openingThis book really changes your perspective on God's character. It's as though you are bonding with God. It has an excellent story line behind it. I just couldn't put it down once I had started it.
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