Message from Dean - May 8th 2007
I am currently testing out a new version of the APF Bridge Component - If you notice any errors within this demo store please drop me a line.
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It made me cry, pissed me off & more.... I lost a baby& when god said his daughter was brave when she died,,,,,hurt me & made me mad... It would have been a interesting book otherwise.
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This is a great insightful Book. I highly recommend it. Open your mind and truly enjoy this book. It takes you on a spiritual journey that is unlike any other. Showing you the relationships between the father, Son and Holy Spirit with a story line that makes this so enjoyable to read. You won't want to put it down till you are finished.
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The Shack
An adult Sunday school class read this book and a member recommended it to me. I didn't purchase it immediately, but a friend brought her copy by on the way out of town, so I began the book out of courtesy. God does work in mysterious ways. This is a whole new ballgame of perception. Time to stop running from what's hurting you and open your mind and heart by reading this book. It's not subtle. The author's writing is impactful and confrontational in a quiet manner. I've ordered several and given them to my family and friends. Change your thinking and understand and accept grace.
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I grew up Christian, but do not consider myself part of any religion. But I thought I would pick up this book anyway to see what all the hype was about. Technically, I think this book is competent (not great). The author is able to tell a story in a somewhat engaging manner, but cannot weave a narrative or narratives throughout the story. That's fine, though - the author is certainly not bad and can tell a decent story.
This leads to the first major problem with the book. Supposedly, the narrative is the resolution of how God can tolerate cruelty, but yet love people so much. That is where the story falls apart and loses substance. According to the book, cruelty is the price people pay for independence. (Note the author is careful not to use the term free choice). If this is the case, then, why does God implore man to pray? If we are truly independent, then why pray for intervention? The solution to the problem, according to the author, is dependence and to trust everything will work it. But, as the book demonstrates, it doesn't. This is a huge contradiction. I was hoping for a resolution to my reluctance to embrace a God who tolerates cruelty on the basis of independence, but this author did not convince me.
And this leads to the second major problem with this book. My perception is that many Christians are more concerned with gay marriage, being anti-science (creationism) and making money for themselves and not sharing with the poor, whereas I hear little about helping people, particularly the poor. None of the current hot-topic issues for Christians are considered in the Bible, but are top-of-the-list agenda items for contemporary Christians. The author totally avoids these subjects, nor does he cover all the misery placed upon the world by cruel Christians against men, women, and children (Spanish Inquisition, Salem witch trials, priest molestation scandals, the Christian rape, torture, and murder of innocents during the crusades....the list is endless). Without taking a critical look at the misery inflicted upon the world by Christians, the author holds *non-Christians* responsible and accountable, but not Christians themselves. Shouldn't Christians accept some responsibility and be accountable to other people, just not God? At this point, the book lost all credibility for me.
I think that if you are currently a Christian and religious, this book might reinforce current beliefs or make you feel stronger in your faith. But if you are a person who thinks that religion creates more misery and problems than good, than this book probably won't change your mind. In the meantime, I will keep searching...
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The first part of the book was very difficult to read as a parent. Once I got past the child abduction, I did enjoy how Willian P Young described how the main character met God in all of his/her human forms. As he tried to come to terms with the evil in the world, I found that it made me look at my life and my beliefs and reconsider many of my perceptions of what is right and wrong. I am not someone who is overtly Christian but I felt this book made me feel that God is much more accessible than I feel society wants us to believe. Those who do flaunt their religious beliefs as being more correct or better than others would not like this book, but for that exact reason, these individuals should read this in hopes that they see the worst part of themselves (i.e. the need to judge others) and decide to live their lives with open minds and hearts.
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