Thursday, August 14, 2008

My thoughts on The Shack

First, I do hope that what I will say will not ruin the book for any of you.
I loved the book!
For a long time now my passion has been for the body of Christ to realize how much God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit want to have relationship with us.
They are passionate about us. And in a totally GODLY way.....they are consumed with us.
I think...and something that the book brings out...that often we try to see and understand them through our human understanding. THEY ARE NOT HUMAN!
They are neither male nor female.
And I hope you don't allow my use of "they" to scar you off.
I use that because most of us don't really address all three. They are three in one. I think the book does a great job describing the Trinity. I realize that we could get into some real theological discussion here....that is not what I am aiming for.
Back to what I was saying.
We were made in their image.......so our female attributes
and male attributes they came from God.
My emotions, my desire to "mother"--they came from God.
Does that mean that God has a female side? No.
But, the way I am as a female...... that came from God.
Why am I going here?
As most of you know in the book, the Trinity--God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit---they are portrayed differently than most of our minds picture them.
I will tell you now.......the writer is not saying that he thinks God is female or male.
You have got to read the book to fully understand what he is saying.
I think that some have heard parts of the book and have taken a huge leap. Or maybe they got to a certain part and stopped reading.....please don't do that.
This is what I would ask you to remember.
In the New Testament times why did most of the Jews miss Jesus?
They missed Him because He was not who they thought He would be. He did not come as a King. And so their minds---besides the fact that they were blinded---could not see who He came to be.
He came to bring relationship---someone who they could touch, walk and talk with---relationship instead of the rules and regulations they had clung to for so long.
Relationship is so much harder than following a set of rules. But, they clung to what they were comfortable with instead of someone who came to set them free.

I would love to go into some massive details about this book.....but, I don't want to ruin it for those of you who will go ahead and read the book.
This book is about taking God out of the box we have put Him in.
This book is about how much God wants to have relationship with us. He wants to get past our human understanding and let us know that if we will just get out of the way---we will understand the Trinity so much better. Some of what was lost in the garden will return. Remember how He walked and talked with them in the garden? Do you think He ever wanted that to stop? No. He still longs for that....and we do to.
Also, He wants to live through us.
The book does a great job of helping someone understand this.
If you have ever been through situations you don't understand--ever wandered why God allows the things He has..........this book will help you.
I SO wish that you all had read this and we could sit and talk about it.
If you have had God in a box....be prepared for Him to blow that box to shreds
as He steps out of it.
I will probably post some more about this book....there are some statements that are said, that I though were really profound.
I will try and not ruin the book for you as I bring them up.
I will say, keep a pen by your side as you read this.....you will want to make notes or mark some things as they come up. I don't often read books again....I will read this one again.
As our world continues its downward spiral.....this will be a good book for those who look at the headlines and wonder-----Where is God?

10 comments:

Denise said...

I so agree with you on this...I have finished the book and I am thinking about reading it again... There are some profound statements in the book that stopped me in my tracks and cause my heart to swell within me.......The writer so many times spoke from a source other than himself regarding the relationship between the Father and the man that HE created....... I can tell you that the book had a huge impact on my life with regards of taking God out of our man made box and preconceived ideas of who HE is and how HE thinks...... I found the Trinity in the book to be such a fun representation of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit...... The personas used for each gave me a giggle but it also allowed my spirit man to move outside the preconceived idea of the image of our Father………. It is a great book and well worth the time to read. My mind often goes back to the Shack and muse at just how wonderful Heaven will be…………

Anonymous said...

I found an interview with the author and I believe (underline I believe) that it has been used of the Lord to reach some hearts who might not be reached any other way. Anyhow, the author never intended to write this book for publishing. It was just going to be a book for his children. He, the author, has received correspondence from folks whose lives have been changed by way of healing, relationships have been restored and I am thrilled by that. If you'd like to see the interview, here's the link
http://www.shermanlive.com/2007/12/04/the-shack-williampyoung-interview/

luvmy4sons said...

Wow. My curiosity is so piqued now...will have to read it just so I can talk about it with you! Thanks so much for your comment on my blog. You don't ramble. I love it!

Denise said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts sis, love you.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sharon,
Wow you got me curious about this book as well, I think I'll take a peek when I go to borders this week. Thanks for the review!! Hugz Lorie

Anonymous said...

I have not read this book but I have heard good and bad, so I guess it is what we take out of this book to learn. I will read it one day, when I actually have time. . . Thanks for your thoughts on this, I do respect your opinion:) Have a great weekend my friend:)

Halfmoon Girl said...

I already wanted to read this, and this post has me even more eager to do it.

concerned parent said...

I need to read this book I have heard so much about this lately and have not made a point to pick up a copy. thanks I will have to make the time when the kiddos are back in school.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Finished the book. Loved the author's interview on "Life Today" more than I did the book. That being said, I have no major theological problems with the book. I simply didn't need to read it to get the Trinity and to understand God's depth of love for me. I already knew it, but I realize that there are some who don't. Honestly, Mr. Young's interview spoke more to me than the book.

peace~elaine

She Rose Up said...

When I saw this post on your sidebar I HAD to read it. (Oh that I had high speed internet so I could read them all, but, alas dial-up prohibits this!) Based on some static I heard on-line - I was not interested in reading this book. But, I so respect your input, that NOW I am going to purchase it and take notes. I am hopeful that this will be a tool to reach some of my family with.

Looking forward to future thoughts!

Thanks! (And thanks for being a trustworthy witness)

Maria