I have heard some rumblings about a little paperback fiction entitled The Shack.(www.theshackbook.com) Some of you here at Hope have mentioned this to me, so I thought I would check it out. I am currently in Chapter 3, so I am not very far into the book, but it is an enjoyable read. (You must understand I NEVER read fiction, as I usually read only books that are informational, historical, or help me in some way; like the other book on this blog, UnChristian.)
With that being said, I will try to be regular in my rantings here with my reflections. I will try not to reveal too much of the plot, for those who may be reading this blog and have not read the book. To date, I must admit the author is very good at being descriptive and is keeping my attention. I am very near a section where the plot will dramatically change. More later...
3 comments:
I have completed five chapters now. Mack, the main character, has received an invitation to join God at an important place. (I won't reveal the details here so as not to spoil the book for those who have not read it.)
In this section, Mack converses with Willie, his friend, about how God speaks to people in our modern age. They both seem to agree that God no longer speaks to us the way that He did in say the Old Testament. No more burning bushes or voices from heaven. Mack's understanding is that God only speaks today through scripture, and only when it is interpreted 'properly'. I wonder if he is right?
Like Mack, I hold a similar view, some of which was taught to me by the church and some by seminary. But I wonder if God still uses ordinary means to communicate His extraordinary message.
Mack receives an invitation to meet with God through an ordinary letter; a note actually. It peaks his curiosity, enough to follow its instructions to an important place, for a chance to meet with God and have his questions answered.
I think we all seek for that. A place where we can commune with God and express our hearts to Him; seeing His nod of assurance or hearing His voice that will calm the storms that rage in our hearts. For some (many) that place is prayer. For me, prayer is the starting place and is also helps me to find a place in nature; the woods or the beach, for example, where I can connect with the immensity of who God is.
Like Mack, there are times I really wish God would leave me a note, something tangible and obvious, so I could know His direction in my life with unquestionable, absolute clarity.
Like Mack, however, I find that God often speaks in ways that are harder to discern than a burning bush or a note in the mail.
Whate are those instances in life where God invites us to commune with Him? How does He make that invitation known to us? Like Mack, what would it take to peak our curiosity, to even travel to a special place, if necessary, in order to have an encounter with the living God?
As of October 6th, I have finished The Shack. In reflection, I can only say what a refreshing way of seeing God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The book conatains many powerful images and expressions of the love and presence of God; how He interacts with us and in Himself, reminding us that we were created for fellowship with Him and with one another.
Some may be bothered by a few of the images, but I did not find anything particularly wrong here, and, in fact, I caught myself referring back to scripture many times while I read.
I would encourage you to take the time to read The Shack and, though it is fiction, be reminded of the relaity of God's love and compassion for each of us. Enjoy!
I have to admit, I am disturbed by allegations that the author of The Shack denies the substitutionary death of Christ as part of his theology. This is a basic tenent of the Christian faith and one that needs to be accepted for faith in Christ to have any meaning or significance.
Post a Comment