Thoughts on "The Shack"

Several of you have asked for my opinion. This isn't going to be a book review but just some random thoughts.

On Facebook I posted: So far, the only negative comments I've heard are from people who haven't read the book. The whole Trinity conversation caught me off guard, but in the context of a loving Father seeking a lost son, I was very impressed with the insight of the writer to men's issues when it comes to dealing with absent or abusive dad's. I am also identifying with Mack, as someone who has had to come to grips with that kind of "righteous" anger (really it's just anger) over the murder of my sister... I give it a 8 out of 10 so far.

First let me start by stating this is FICTION and not intended to be a course on theology. I'll place this on my bookself next to C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. I'll repeat, the way the author describes how each member of the Trinity interacts with each other is beautiful. Several of my paradigms were challenged in health ways. From a male perspective, I totally understand why Mack needed to see a different side of the Father in order to resolve his issues with his earthly father, and heavenly Father. Papa showed wonderful patience and grace in that process.

This wasn't the first time I was surprised to see part of the Trinity expressed this way. The first time was in the book of Proverbs, when Wisdom personified (the Truth personified) is pictured as a female.This conflict with my paradigm was resolved late in the book when, once Mack's issues were healed, Papa revealed himself to Mack fully male.My other panic attach came on page 184 when I was confused as to what the author was trying to communicate about paths to God. The KEY lines as quoted are: "Does that mean," asked Mack, "that all roads will lead to you?" "Not at all," smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle to the shop. "Most roads don't lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you."

Has anything more true ever been said?

I want to publicly thank the author for helping me release the "family" guilt I've carried for years for forgiving and even praying for the resortation healing power of the man who killed my sister. There is still so much more healing that needs to happen within my family, yet I am thankful for the author's ability to capture and communicate that path with such clarity, confirming I'm on the right path.

So in the end, I highly recommend this book, but remember, it's FICTION.