I read just read The Shack

Posted on 30. Oct, 2008 by in Inspiration, Reviews

My mom brought me her copy of The Shack. I hadn’t heard of it until about two months ago. Apparently I’ve been living in a hole. The only thing I’d really heard about it was that it was stirring up quite a bit of controversy, but the masses were loving it.

I read it in about a week. It was the first book I’ve ever read that caused me to cry. Okay, maybe that is a little bit of a stretch. My eyes misted over and I got the little lump in my throat. That’s what happened. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a hard-hearted dude. Every time I watch Homeward Bound or even the Fox and the Hound, I cry like a baby. But a book? I’ve never read a book that induced that kind of emotion… but maybe it’s my choice of book, huh?

So, I totally had no idea of what to expect. I was a little shocked when I met Papa. I didn’t expect that at all. However, I can’t say I didn’t fall in love with the three main characters (outside the main person). I must say that there were many parts where I totally connected with the characters and I thought, “Wow, God really does want to connect to me just like that.” I think that God is too far removed from our experience, and The Shack as a good reminder of how near God is and how he wants to relate to us.

The negatives? There were a few parts where the dialogue got a little long. I felt like I was in a systematic theology class where the professor was trying to explain something really complicated in a way I could understand, but the explanation went way longer they time allowed. I know that there were some theological leaps taken in this story. A lot of people say that this is the perfect book for a non-believer. I’m not sure I’d give it to a non-believer. Yeah, it sets a good start on how a person can relate to God, but maybe not quite the same way this book does. The front cover compared this book to “Pilgrim’s Progress.” I think that’s a little bit too wishful thinking. Was it good for my faith though? Absolutely! What an amazing story of forgiveness.

So, if you get a chance to read it, I totally recommend it. It’s refreshing, fun and though provoking. Just don’t read it with your systematic theology text.

You can pick up the Shack at Amazon right here: The Shack

Meet Kenny

Kenny Conley has written 1607 posts on CMO.

Kenny Conley is the primary author of Childrens Ministry Online and the NextGen Pastor at Gateway Church in Austin, TX. In addition to creating the Illuminate Conference, a high quality kidmin conference designed specifically for volunteers, Kenny is a published author and speaker. For more biographical info, click here.

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  • http://princessjes.wordpress.com princessjes

    I LOVE The Shack!
    I actually went to a conferance a couple of months ago and to my surprise the speaker was none other than Paul, himself. (William P. Young that is)
    You see I didn’t end up at this conference by mistake, quite the opposite…God had an incredible plan, the conference just wasn’t in my plans. ;)
    God really has taught Paul a thing or two about love & caring & many other things… You see as I was talking with him (a total stranger) and I was the only thing in the world he seemed to care or be thinking about, not only that but I didn’t feel like a stranger… I felt like I’d known him forever… and his story…
    Don’t get me started! If you ever get a chance to hear his story, you’ll bawl like a baby! (no joke)

  • http://www.jabberfrog.com jabberfrog

    i loved the book for one, primary reason. it made me think. there were characters i loved. characters i didn’t care for. and theology was represented in ways i’m not sure i agree with. but the author made me think and forced me to return to scripture. that’s worth the read.