The Shack

It's popular. Way popular. So of course the critics come out. Yes, it's about the Trinity. Yes, it's 'pop' theology. There is a reason that scholarly tomes on theology do not become best sellers. And, yes, if you remove some of the explicit "Christian" terminology the theology might seem a bit more inclusive than the exclusivity, the membership club, to which Christians are so accustomed.

This is the work of a person who has suffered, who has been damaged in the deepest parts of his being, and has been healed. It's a story of the healing process, by someone has been there. Read his personal story before judging him.

For anyone who has suffered in some form or other, the book will resonate. Whether or not it will lead to healing, I can't say as it merely acted as a reminder of the healing that has been occurring in my life. There are many moments where he expressed quite well what has been going on internally and it is an inspirational reminder to return to the Source rather than try and take matters into our own hands. I believe this, not the theology, is the reason for the book's success.

The book is a work of fiction; it is not a work of theology. It's a story, and a simple one at that. It's certainly not going to win any prizes for it's literary qualities (grown men responding to profound truths with 'Whoa!' and 'Oh boy, oh boy'?) but it is deeply affecting. For people not so theologically inclined, some of the "theology" talk (which is a large portion of much of the book) might be a bit tough to muddle through. But it certainly has people, ordinary people, non-theologians, talking about the Trinity and the nature of God and love and relationships, grace and mercy. Not a bad thing at all.

The problem isn't the book. Or people flocking to it. Or Christians thinking they now understand the Trinity.

No, the problem is what the Church has become. In an effort to be all things to all people, the Church has been cast adrift, irrelevant even, just another cog in the cultural wheel. The deeper things of the faith have been laid aside and have therefore ceased to take root in the lives of believers. What has taken it's place is church as social center, an "alternative" to the culture at large (read: it is basically the mainstream culture with a Christian stamp).

Deeper yet, the problem is that the Trinity is complex and has been all but ignored in many churches. Sure it's difficult. Why is that so shocking? But it's not impossible. Just hard. Challenging work. The Trinity is a hedge, a boundary to keep us from straying. And within it lies the beauty and the power of the doctrine of the Church, 'doctrine' a word which causes repulsion in the church of today. At best, the foundation of the Church's creed is given lip service. It seems to contradict the simplicity of the gospel of which Paul speaks and the light burden Jesus mentions.

I also believe this book is the author's response to his own struggle with this very same question. It isn't a book that says "This is the way it is" but "This is what I've found."

But don't criticize this book. Don't criticize the readers.

Fix the problem.

The problem is us:



Educate.

Live the gospel.

And feed His sheep.

Obviously there is a hunger both in and out of the church and this book satisfies that need. Until the Church can satisfy that need, books like these will continue to proliferate and hungry people will seek them to curb their hunger.

I recommend it. I just hope they don't make a movie out of it.