Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Shack
A dear friend, that I love very much, recommended a book called "The Shack."
"The Shack" is a New York Times Number One Best Seller. The book has created much controversy, both negative and positive, from many respected people. Because of all the controversy, I thought I would share with you my thoughts about the book.
First, let me say that I enjoyed the book and I do recommend it to MATURE Christians. Some would probably brand me a liberal for recommending such a book. Those of you who know me know I am very conservative when it comes to Bible doctrine. However, I hope I am liberal when it comes to love, grace and forgiveness. I think that's what this book is about, love, grace and forgiveness.
Many people that I respect think differently about "The Shack".
Mark Driscol, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle Washington said in the USA Today, "If you haven't read it, don't!"
Several religious experts and theologians have said the book has many doctrinal errors.
Even my hero, Hank Hanagraff, President of the Christian Research Institute said," Virtually every theological heresy begins with a misconception of the nature of God and The Shack is no exception."
Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said, "I find it deeply troubling and it undermines orthodox Christianity."
I do agree with them that there are many doctrinal errors in this novel. In fact, I wrote the down the pages of obvious doctrinal errors that I saw. These errors can be found on pages 99, 100, 123, 147, 148, 149, and 182. There could be more. These are the ones that I noticed right away. If you read the book and want to discuss what is unbiblical on those pages, just reply to me via e-mail. I would love to talk about it.
I also found some great truths in this book such as the fall of man and the free will of man on page 94. The clear gospel is presented on page 95 and 96. "Don't trust your feelings" is found on page 114. There are some great truths here. As Christians we need to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts. The Bereans searched the scriptures to see if these things are true. We should also be so familiar with the truth that we recognize a false hood right away! This is important, not just in your reading but in all intake of information such as TV, radio, internet or even a Sunday sermon at High Rock! What makes something true is not how we feel about it. But rather what God has said about it in His word! What culture says has little to do with truth. We live in a post modern culture that says there is no absolute truth. The culture is wrong on this. Jesus is truth! Absolutely!
The one thing to remember when you read this book is that it is a novel! It is fiction! We all know God is not an overweight African American woman! That's not the point! The main thing I liked about the book is the story of finding purpose in your pain. The main character, Mack deals with a "deep sadness." This sadness comes from the death of his 6 year old daughter who was kidnapped and murdered. By the grace of God I have not experienced anything that tragic. However, I do struggle with a deep sadness. My sadness comes from my separation from my wife, children and those I love. God helps Mac through his struggle in an amazing way. God is also helping me in an amazing way so I guess I can relate too fighting "the great sadness."
Just remember, if you read the book, read it as a fictional novel. I think you will find it worth your while. Just be discerning as you read it. If any of you decide to read the book, I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Just email me.
Happy reading!
"The Shack" is a New York Times Number One Best Seller. The book has created much controversy, both negative and positive, from many respected people. Because of all the controversy, I thought I would share with you my thoughts about the book.
First, let me say that I enjoyed the book and I do recommend it to MATURE Christians. Some would probably brand me a liberal for recommending such a book. Those of you who know me know I am very conservative when it comes to Bible doctrine. However, I hope I am liberal when it comes to love, grace and forgiveness. I think that's what this book is about, love, grace and forgiveness.
Many people that I respect think differently about "The Shack".
Mark Driscol, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle Washington said in the USA Today, "If you haven't read it, don't!"
Several religious experts and theologians have said the book has many doctrinal errors.
Even my hero, Hank Hanagraff, President of the Christian Research Institute said," Virtually every theological heresy begins with a misconception of the nature of God and The Shack is no exception."
Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said, "I find it deeply troubling and it undermines orthodox Christianity."
I do agree with them that there are many doctrinal errors in this novel. In fact, I wrote the down the pages of obvious doctrinal errors that I saw. These errors can be found on pages 99, 100, 123, 147, 148, 149, and 182. There could be more. These are the ones that I noticed right away. If you read the book and want to discuss what is unbiblical on those pages, just reply to me via e-mail. I would love to talk about it.
I also found some great truths in this book such as the fall of man and the free will of man on page 94. The clear gospel is presented on page 95 and 96. "Don't trust your feelings" is found on page 114. There are some great truths here. As Christians we need to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts. The Bereans searched the scriptures to see if these things are true. We should also be so familiar with the truth that we recognize a false hood right away! This is important, not just in your reading but in all intake of information such as TV, radio, internet or even a Sunday sermon at High Rock! What makes something true is not how we feel about it. But rather what God has said about it in His word! What culture says has little to do with truth. We live in a post modern culture that says there is no absolute truth. The culture is wrong on this. Jesus is truth! Absolutely!
The one thing to remember when you read this book is that it is a novel! It is fiction! We all know God is not an overweight African American woman! That's not the point! The main thing I liked about the book is the story of finding purpose in your pain. The main character, Mack deals with a "deep sadness." This sadness comes from the death of his 6 year old daughter who was kidnapped and murdered. By the grace of God I have not experienced anything that tragic. However, I do struggle with a deep sadness. My sadness comes from my separation from my wife, children and those I love. God helps Mac through his struggle in an amazing way. God is also helping me in an amazing way so I guess I can relate too fighting "the great sadness."
Just remember, if you read the book, read it as a fictional novel. I think you will find it worth your while. Just be discerning as you read it. If any of you decide to read the book, I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Just email me.
Happy reading!
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