BOOK REVIEW | The Shack
By Laura on Sep 20, 2008 in Contemporary Fiction
THE SHACK
by William P. Young
Mackenzie Allen Philip’s six-year-old daughter was abducted during a family vacation and evidence shows that Missy had been brutally murdered. Her blood stained dress is recovered miles from their camping site in an old abandoned shack.
Four years later, Mack’s oldest daughter is going through psychological troubles, and Mack receives a suspicious note from God inviting him back to the shack where Missy was murdered.
Mack isn’t sure whether to go or not, but when his wife decides to take their two remaining children and go visit her sister, he decides it’s the perfect time to head out. What Mack discovers in that old shack will change his life forever.
THE SHACK isn’t really a well-written story. It is told, not shown, which kept me distant from the story. Plus there is an extreme over-use of flowery descriptions that caused me to skim over passages.
The story itself is rather sad. A child abducted, a family in mourning, a situation that is about the worse case possible. I had to keep reading (skimming) to find out what happens. Theologically, the book is trash, promoting several (many) untruths. But it does leave a feel good message that does touch the reader’s heart, about a God that will meet you in your darkest place to bring healing. $24.99 hardcover. 264 pages.
Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton
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I love honest reviews. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Michelle | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
I did not read the book, “The Shack” nor will I. I was read to several passages of it and that is why I will refuse to read it. You see My God to me is precious, very precious. I know what I was and now what I have become because of Jesus Christ and his finished work on the cross. So for me to see someone with such a good writing ability to shame himself with such a book as this I find very appalling. It would be like myself writing a book of fiction about your family but preverting just about everything you know to be true and loving. If I were a good enought writer the world may love my book about your family, after all it was just fiction. But what would it do to you. Hopefully you would be outraged by it. Well I am outraged by this book of faction so call about My God and Father. I give it a minus 1000 stars…
Harold | Oct 6, 2008 | Reply
I read the whole book and went into the book with an attitude that this book, 1st of all does not replace scripture. I didn’t have as many problems theologically with the material and pride myself in understanding sripture down to the Greek and Hebrew. I am no spiritual giant mind you and maybe thats why I came away with an appreciation for the relationships painted in the book. I believe the book does glorify God and not man and that is important in any work that I handle. I forever will be greatful for the challenges the book poses against my own broken nature, my misgivings of puting human qualities on the person of God. I rejoice in the encouragement that the tale offers that we can never disappoint God in Christ, since He is omniscient and has no expectations for us. I think it is a tale that emphasizes mankind’s stuggle in a broken world and the reminder that the only one who can fix it is God!
Paul | Oct 16, 2008 | Reply
I love The Shack and hate all the know-it-all-ness about the book. It’s a novel. If it brings out anything in the world it’s how ready Christians are ready to pounce on anyone and everyone.
Gloria | Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
Unlike Harold, I have read the book. I am a very devoted Christian woman. I read the book with many questions about it but it did nothing but strengthen my relationship with God. Mr. Young has a way to express his encounter with God in words that overwhelmed me and moved me to tears one moment and joy the next. I would have to say nothing less than Bravo and it is a must read to everyone and see for yourself what you think. Yes it does make you think about some things but it explains very well why he chose the characters and their way they are portrayed very well. It touched my heart because I know that my God would actually be anything and do anything for me. He sent His Son didn’t He? I do however want to warn you from making judgement on this book without reading it. It actually has a chapter about judgement so maybe that chapter is written for you. Read it and see. I know that through Jesus Christ I live but this book has definately made me tthink about what kind of person I am and want to be. I don’t see anything wrong with that. God Bless.
Brandy | Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
I have read countless reviews from many highbrow, highly educated, very knowledgeable christian scholars all over the internet regarding The Shack. They have debated the “rules” of religiosity with great gusto. Infact- it has been more about rules with them than it has been about peoples souls and what the books meant to them, how it touched them or how it brought them closer to God. Oh- they argued how God shouldn’t be portrayed as a woman and they yammered about how Mack shouldn’t have used the word damn in God’s holy presence. WHO CARES! This book touched people in a real and significant way. It made God and Jesus real to them maybe for the first time in their lives. I have been a practicing christian my whole life and this book breathed new life and meaning into my faith. What do all the rules of christianity mean to a person who has never experienced God’s love in a meaningful way before. What if- in reading one of these negative reviews- an unbeliever decided NOT to read the book? What a waste. I think a big a reason that so many people today don’t seek out Christ and His church is because of the very attititudes of some of the people writing these reviews. You guys think you have it all figured it. People will find hope and comfort and love in God not in church doctrine and law and religion. You spend your time arguing about the trinity instead of reaching out to hurting people who need to hear about God’s love. This book gives us glimpses of that love. Now more than ever we need that.
Jody | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
At the end of reading all the reviews and the book itself, I ask myself, “Did this book strengthen my relationship and desire to commune with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Does it leave me with a desire to love people and see them through the eyes of a loving God rather than my own critical human eyes? Did it clarify the tough questions of where God is when we are in the depths of despair?” My answer to all these questions is yes! An argument can be made of just about any literary work as to how it compares line to line of the bible. However, the reality is that many many people will be willing to pick up this novel and read it opening themselves up to the truth that is the love of God. Our God is big enough to bridge the gap and guide people to the details not clarified in this novel. If we write a novel and fill it with scripture many potential readers will not read or will put it down with out finishing it. However, if we write novels and give the reader a taste of God’s goodness they will hunger for more which will lead them on a search for the complete truths found in the bible. I know someone who was a light for Christ in my life who first attended a twelve step program that eventually lead her to search for who God is to her. This lead her on a road that lead her to Christ and thus to spread the gospel through her own life to so many people it’s amazing. However, as is with this book, there are many staunch Christians who argue about these programs saying they leave “Christ” out. Yet the very essence of Christ is in those rooms. Why do we continue to limit our amazing God to only the “perfect” environments to save our lost and dying brothers and sisters? Having said all this, I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!
Marie | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
After reading lots of reviews, I really have no desire to read the book because of its inaccuracies about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I am amazed at how a book which does not depict God as the Bible does, can stir up such admiration among certain of its readers.
Ruth | Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
I read this book with such a ravenous hunger for more! I truly did feel that I needed to hear these certain points in life. It’s a novel people, NOT the bible. It never claimed to be. It’s a very well written deeply emotional story that does teach us to give it up to God and leave it there. The answers to our prayers will come in His time. I loved this book and can’t wait to discuss it with my siblings! Peace and God bless all.
LisaJane | Nov 1, 2008 | Reply
I read this recently, & though, yes, it tampers with & stirs up emotions (how could it NOT, given the subject matter, especially for any parent!) it deeply grieved the Holy Spirit in me as I read, knowing that things so blatently unscriptural were being gulped down by so many, like polluted, poisoned water to a thirsty yet undiscerning soul lost in the desert!
It’s especially heartbreaking to know this book has been given to multitudes of lost souls as a witness!!!
Even more of a concern than it’s feminine, idolotrous portrayal of God was it’s gospel of universalism preached subtly, simply, yet clearly, denying the cross, & our Lord’s claim to be “THE way, THE truth, & the LIGHT!” & that NO-ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH him!!!
The author clearly believes & preaches that ALL paths lead to God!
As we learn to be led by His precious Holy Spirit, rather than emotion, our discernment grows!
Yes, people hunger for a true encounter with God, but it can be found in His presence, seeking Him, His will, His TRUTH & plan for our lives!
Intimacy with Him comes through TIME with Him, NOT emotional encounters manipulated by well-turned words that stir up the natural man while pretending to feed the spiritual man!
Oh, that the church would learn to discern!!!
How it must break His heart to see His people, & the lost, settle for so little, & for such seductive yet blatant lies!!!
TRUTH MATTERS!!!!
WE cannot overlook it, winking at a little (more!) leaven corrupting the purity of the gospel in order to be ENTERTAINED by VAIN IMAGINATIONS that HE warned us about for this very reason!!!
I write this in love, for you who have been decieved, & for God who knows our hearts!!!
“WIDE is the way that leds to distruction, narrow is the road that leads to LIFE, & FEW there be that find it!”
Either His Word IS the standared,
OR THERE IS NO STANDARD!!!
This is basic Bible truth, people!
Please, set aside what your emotions respond to,
& be like the Bereans,
weigh EVERYTHING against the plumbline of the Word,
reject the false, clinging to the true!!!
Otherwise, you remain ripe for the plucking~
Remember, we have an enemy
who comes seeking whom he may devour!
I will pray the Lord will open the eyes of your understanding, that you would defend the true & pure gospel, & not fiction written to preach another gospel!
“If ANYONE preaches ANY OTHER GOSPEL, let them be anathema maranatha!” (Acursed at His coming!!!)
He’s coming back SOON!!!
Examine yourself to see whether you’re in THE faith!!!
Praying for your maturity,
~Anastazia~
Anastazia | Nov 9, 2008 | Reply
I read the book and throughout the entire time I had a very uncomfortable feeling. I felt newage to me and I was left not satisfied. There was something still missing and seemed to be avoided throughout the whole book. I have to be honest, I would not recommend this book to anyone really. I left it with a co-worker of mine after I was done reading it because she wanted to read it but I will never go out of my way to recommend it. The book seemed very much like something that Oprah would recommend.
hny4jc | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I am an avid reader of Biblical Christian fiction. There are a wealth of incredible books written by Christian authors that will never get publicity, because they don’t get $$$ behind the promotion.
When I first heard of The Shack, it peaked my interest. But when I heard the criticism from Christian reviewers, I swore it off. A friend, though urged me to read it. I’m very grateful that he did.
First, I would never put this in the hands of an unbeliever and say “Here is everything you need to know about my faith.”, because there are glaring contradictions to our theology. “Papa”, or God, states that Jesus had no power to perform miracles on His own (suggesting that anyone could do what He did if they put their faith in God). This is just one example and a glaring one. And there was the sizable omission of Satan, evil and the way he works to destroy God’s children.
That said, while I read the book from a very cautious point of view, I came to have a deep appreciation for it. I believe a point stated above was a bit condescending, in praying for our maturity. I knowledgeable Christian can read this book, be aware of the red flags, but take the work in its entirety and see great value in it.
The fact that God is depicted as a black woman might appear blasphemous, however he notes over and over that He revealed Himself this way to blow out any preconceived notions that Mack had about God. I do believe the author took this too far when he “Papa” suggested that He is neither man nor woman. Jesus never made any reference to suggest that He is not a “he”.
The Trinity was liberally painted, but I believe the Trinity revealed Himself to Mack as three separate people to meet him on his terms. There was the point that all shared in one being. When Mack spoke to Papa alone, the other two were knowledgeable of the conversation because, “They were there in and with Papa”.
I believe Christians are often too argumentative over non-salvation issues, and press too hard. This can push people away. I will listen to the argument that Jesus’ power to perform miracles Himself is a salvation issue, but we have to ask the question, “Does this book point to the need for our faith to be completely in God, and not ourselves?” I believe this book does this.
The reviewer states: “THE SHACK isn’t really a well-written story. It is told, not shown, which kept me distant from the story.” I believe her bias toward the book tainted her appreciation for the work. I felt it was wonderfully written and did more than draw me close to the players. As a father of three, I was deeply drawn to the story and the characters. I pray that my faith would be strong enough to sustain me under such a tragedy.
I love Jesus and put my faith in Him, and yes, I loved this book.
Mark | Nov 14, 2008 | Reply
While reading The Shack, I kept thinking it would be great if there was a study/discussion guide to go with it. I finally decided that God was urging me to write one. I would be glad to send you a copy that you are welcome to copy and share with others. Email me at prayerdigm.bookstudy@yahoo.com
Trish Pickard
Trish Pickard | Nov 22, 2008 | Reply
“Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16). Correct doctrine matters. Wake up Christians and be discerning in what you see, hear and read. Hold everything up to the Word of God which is our only source of authority! Any book like this that is so widely endorsed by people of all “faiths” ought to fire off warning alarms in our minds!
Pastor Polo | Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
I was set not to like the book, The Shack but after reading it, I thought it was really good and thought provoking. All the time I reaad it, I kept thinking it needs a study to go along with it. I finally decided God was urging me to write a study which I did. If anyone would like it, email me at prayerdigm.bookstudy@yahoo.com. I would be glad to send you the study. You are welcome to use it and copy it for others.
Trish Pickard
Trish Pickard | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
ok. first off im a huge christian. our god is an awesome god. I was at a neighors house when i saw the book sitting on the side table. i decided to pick it up and read it. its a really good book. even though its not biblically correct, it still shows a postive side of god. its a perspective of one man, its not claiming to be the bible. i incourage others to read it, its up to the individual what they think about it. Don’t not read it because of the negativity others say. Read it, and make a decision for yourself.
Scarlett | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
I put the book down half way through. I did not like the depiction of Jesus as some sort of goof ball. What did it for me was when he said, “C’mon, it’s fun!” when urging Mack to walk on water. Give me a break.
Matt | Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
I am sorry that you have so harsly judged a book that you have not read. To review a book by reading excerpts is like reviewing a motion picture by viewing the trailer.
Paul | Jan 5, 2009 | Reply
Praise his Holy Name !! I totally agree with all that is within me. Bless you for your comments.
Jenny | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
My comment was in agreement with Anastazia
Jenny | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
Although this novel is not “church as usual” it did strengthened my desire for a deeper relationship with God. I enjoyed reading this book.
ps | Jan 23, 2009 | Reply