This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' did for his. It's that good! (Eugene Peterson)Though it makes an eye-catching cover blurb, Peterson's comparison of The Shack to Pilgrim's Progress, which had an enormous influence on Christians not only in Bunyan's generation but has stood the test of time for over 300 years, is quite an overstatement. The Shack is an emotionally powerful, often strange story that is creative and compelling and a good springboard for discussions about the nature of God, the trinity, and the question of why evil things happen. But as for its literary merits, I'm more mystified by all the hoopla and ecstatic praise for The Shack without reservation, despite some of the questionable theological premises it puts forth, than I am by any of its revelations about God.
Young does provide a lot of food for thought, but some of it I don't mind spitting out without further rumination. I do plan to look through the discussions with the author at The Shack and listen to some interviews with him to get some clarification about his views.
I give The Shack 3 stars out of 5.
UPDATE: Steve Brown's podcast interview with William Paul Young is definitely worth a listen. I found Young's personal story more moving, more powerful, and more spiritually profound than anything in his book, and I was glad to hear his perspective on the topics he touches on in the book.
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5 comments:
I appreciate your honest thoughts about The Shack, Shauna. It really has gotten quite a bit of hype in some circles, and though I haven't read it yet, the hype has made me curious. It's always good to hear both sides.
I rated it a bit higher, but only because some of Young's "theology" stretched me a bit, but it most definitely isn't a modern day parable or allegory that will stand the test of time. But I agree, there's quite a bit to spit out...it's kind of like eating spiritual ribs that have too much fat:-)
AH thank you! Several people at church have been reading this book and talking about how wonderful it is. It seems like it's almost getting TOO much hype. I read the first chapter and didn't feel hooked. Figured I'd have to get further into it. I was entering into it with low expectations - despite the raves. Thanks for your review. It feels more . . . balanced.
I must be running in the wrong circles. I hadn't heard of this one.
Thanks, Shauna, for alerting me to the fact that you'd given this book about the same rating as me. I'm glad to see (and read) your review. :)
I thoroughly agree, too. ;)
And, if nothing else, at least I could cross one more book off my Raved Reads Challenge list! LOL. :P
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