Hello!
This is the first book we will be covering in Un-Dark, where book club meets blog. This book really brings about some tough issues and should elicit interesting questions. In Renew we have been slowly working though the book of Galatians and I was stunned at how much these books relate to one another. If you are not a member of Renew, I definitely recommend opening the book written by Paul (found in the New Testament) while you’re reading The Shack. Both reads have thrust me towards a re-evaluation of who God is as opposed to who I think God is, as well as what makes me free. We have all heard the idea of “freedom in God” but what does this really mean? Who does God want me to be? Does he care and does it even matter? I can’t wait to begin and hear what you have to say. As you’re working your way through this book please post your thoughts, insights and questions. And don’t forget the controversy, doubts and passion. Thanks for reading!
*When you comment, please start by listing the chapters or page numbers you’re discussing to help other readers.
The first thing that struck me when starting the Forward was that the author is presenting this account as fact. I was very curious about this. If you’re not familiar yet with what the book is completely about, it deals with some very “unbelievable” situations. In my opinion this book is clearly fiction. So why would the author carry this illusion beyond just the chapters of the book? Is he just trying to make this feel even more real to us? Does he want us to really think that it is a factual account? I have no problem moving into the book without thinking it’s true. I still take it very seriously and I think the author does a great job in the beginning of making it real enough.
Dan I think this is a great idea. I don’t have the book but I do have it on my itunes. Since I work in the studio a lot it works for me. I am about 3/4 through. Let me see if the forward is on the recording and get back to you.
Thanks for heading this up.
Hey Dan, Doug, JR and whoever else decides to join the conversation,
I am on my second read through the book and excited for a more in-depth reading. The first time through I read it to my wife and since then, I have listened to various interviews with the author that have given me a greater understanding and appreciation of the book and the man who wrote it.
In answer to Dan’s question, the simple answer is … it’s not quite black and white. Paul Young explains it well himself here: http://windrumors.com/2007/08/is-the-story-of-the-shack-trueis-mack-a-real-person/
I would also highly recommend that you take a listen to his testimony (or the story behind this story) here: http://www.marinerschurch.org/theshack/av/index.html (the “Paul sharing his life story…” is the best one to get a holistic understanding and the rest of his times talking simply flesh it out more).
All of that to say, reading the forward holds a completely different weight to it when you know where Paul Young is coming from, what he has experienced and what the book “The Shack” is really all about. I don’t want to give too much away, but I pray that as we embark on the journey through this book together, the resources I’ve found will really help enrich the reading and wrestling for all of us.
I just got my book in the mail today and have already started reading it. I’ve heard so many people talking about this over the past few months – I guess I’m finally part of the “in-crowd”! ha
I’m glad you suggested blogging about this online… looking forward to it.