The Shack: A Review

Filed in Thoughts on December 23, 2008



I was in the bookstore recently and had to pick up The Shack because I have heard so much about it.  Some say it is heretical, but I thought I would see for myself.  This is not a full review, but here are some general thoughts.

Overall, in terms of readability, it is tedious.  I can imagine a lot of people giving up half way through, and if had been much longer, I probably would have joined them.  Most of the book is just dialogue.  There is a distinct ideology to that dialogue.  Many have likened that ideology to some radical new way of viewing life while others see it as very dangerous.

I tend to be in the middle.  The book is clearly a person's perspective and nothing more.  No attempt is made to authenticate much of that perspective Biblically, largely because it is impossible.  For that reason, I find it hard to take the idealogy or the book very seriously. 

Likening the influence of a book like this to that of Pilgrim's Progress as some have seems to be a huge stretch.  If this book does have a similar influence, that would, in my opinion, be a travesty.  However, there are some good things in the book.  Here are a few of them.

1) Dealing with pain.  I believe that the book presents some good and Biblical ideology regarding how to deal with pain.

2) Dismantling stereotypes.  Clearly, many of us tend to see God through our flawed and incomplete perspective.  This book helps with that.  Some would say that it goes to far, and I would agree with that as well. 

The example that many talk about regards the depiction of God the Father, who is portrayed as a black woman that listens to hip hop.  I assume this was done for shock value.  There is value in trying to blast away our stereotypes which are often wrong.  However, I thought that the author crossed the line and became irreverent in some occasions.

I know that many take issue with the view of the Trinity portrayed in the book.  I will leave that discussion to others.  However, I want to touch on the most significant ideology that I see in the book--the apparent disdain for the Christian status quo and the church leaders who perpetuate it.

You see this philosophy throughout the book.  The main character repeatedly is made aware of the fact that what he learned in his Christian education and background was wrong and/or inadequate for real life.

If you want to get more insight into this perspective, I encourage you to watch this speech of the author which incidently was produced by my producer Jason Prisk.  You will hear his background and understand more about why he is where he is today.  It is very interesting to say the least, and you will learn from it. 

Regarding this perceived assault on the authority of the church, I will say that the church should continue to evaluate itself to see if it really is providing a correct view of God and Christian living.  In many cases, we have failed, and we should be willing to look critically at our past rather than just shooting the messenger.  So, I tend to give the author some benefit of the doubt in this area.

So, can I recommend this book?  Strong Christians should be able to read it with discernment and yes, actually learn from it.  On the other hand, the book could be dangerous for weak Christians that are more likely to be swayed by ideology that sounds good but is not Biblically-based.

I love the fact that there have been books in my past that have really impacted me and changed my life.  However, this is not one of them.  You can probably find better uses for your time.



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Janet Dubet
12/29/2008 6:09:45 PM

You need to read the book again. I have never been so moved by a book in my life as the Shack. I do not know how any person with a heart could not be touched by this book. It is far more relevant than Pilgrim's Progress.

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