SHACK Discussion Board

This book is very unique in it’s blending of fiction with explanation of the Trinity. It’s in some aspects like C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity in story form, for modern America. Masterfully written, it can be a shocking and revealing read.

It’s been a few months since I’ve read The Shack but a couple of things struck me. First, the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The deep love, respect, caring, understanding of each other hit me. It’s the kind of relationship that we all dream about or wish we had with friends or family. Unfortunately impossible because we are only human. But the story really helped me grasp their ‘relationship’ more.

Secondly, the unconditional love towards us from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is truly amazing…we are loved that much even after all the sinful crap we do.

And lastly, there were two scenes that hit me…the cleaning of the garden and what it represented….don’t want to say too much to ruin it for those who aren’t there yet…love the picture it paints of my soul. The second scene being the one of heaven…I read this book on the plane on the way home from my dad’s funeral. To know the joy that is there in heaven made me…of course, emotional (no that wasn’t a child crying on the plane…that was me)…I can’t really put it into words…but it was just a peace.

One of the biggest challenges I have is that I can’t sit and have coffee with God and talk about my problems. I have talked about this with several people within the Journey and all of them told me to read The Shack.

After doing so I have what I call a persona for each of the Trinity, it is as if they are people that I know now. They way the interact with each other, is the way that we should treat each other and I strive to make all of my relationships like they were with each other.

This book has helped me find a way to connect with the Trinity even though the figures the writer has made up are not what would be the first that would come to mind.

Please read this book and enjoy!!

I resonate with Arlet’s comments about Relationship (God within the Trinity and with us as His creation) being a very impactful take-away from reading The Shack. What an amazing concept that God truly longs to have a relationship with US! I love the imagery in The Shack of God (the Trinity) desiring to sit around the dinner table with you and I - purely to talk and share in relationship. God willingly sets aside His omniscience so that He can hear the telling (or praying as it would be) of our stories, thoughts, fears, joys. Sometimes difficult to comprehend, but so very appealing; quite the plan God put into place.

So many things to love about this book! I love the note in the mailbox, inviting Mack to meet with God. It makes me wonder how many notes have been in my mailbox that I have ignored and what would have happened if I had paused long enough to meet God in my own way. I am working on being more intentional about listening to the invitations God presents.

I love how God presents Himself in all the different personas, depending on what Mack needs/can handle.

I sometimes wonder, why tell God about something that is going on in my life. I mean, He already knows, right? The idea that God ceased omniscience in order to engage in the relationship with Mack really intrigued me.

And, the wounds on God’s hands…wow…

Dr. Kent Leinberger —
“The Shack” is one of the most incredible pieces of post-modern English Literature. Actually, this work by William Paul Young has been compared to John Bunyan’s “Pilgrims Progress.” Personally, I found the wonderfully intimate relationship of “Papa, Jesus & Sarayu” as described, to be a wonderful image which, I believe, many individuals in today’s world might be able to relate to much more easily than theological efforts to explain the Trinity.

In the novel A Tale of Two Cities

(Dickens intended originally to entitle the book Recalled to Life, but that became the book’s 1st chapter title), English novelist Charles Dickens opening sentence - to one of only two historical novels that he wrote - is:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Certainly we might all agree that today’s world often does reflect the worst of times; however, the wonderful relationship, respect, kindness and, love (to name a few) which is the basis of the Trinity, has always been and always will be. This means that, in the midst of outward circumstances throughout all the ages of Man- & Woman-kind, the presence and availability of the Lord God, provides us with the opportunity to enjoy “… the best of times….”

Additional Recommended Reading: Hannah Hurnard’s allegorical short novel “Hinds’ Feet On High Places. Hannah was a British missionary woman who served the Lord in the Middle East. Her allegory describes The Journey of a young woman named Much-Afraid and her two companions named Sorrow and Suffering from the village of Much-Trembling in Valley of Humiliation by following the Chief Shepherd up to the High Places where the King of Love reigned. Through many trials the three women reached the High Places where the King of Love changed their names from Much-Afraid to Grace-and-Glory and from Sorrow to Joy and Suffering to Peace.

Below is my own little story which also relates to The Journey Church’s Series entitled “The Dash — What If You Only Had 30 Days To Live”.

(I would like to share two (2) Scripture verses that have had a very strong impact on my own life but, first a little short story):)

I have already made all of my final arrangements in part, because I do not want my wonderful wife Jane to have to deal with some of the stress and concern associated a spouse’s passing. My simple red granite marker has the following two Scripture references engraved below the Birth Date, the Dash and, what will eventually be engraved as my departure date from this fragile world and into God’s Presence (The Trinity) in the heavenly realms. In Heaven we will all be engaged in work, discussion, offering our Praise along with God’s Angelic Host and, enjoy all of the wonderful animals, worlds and, fellowshipping with Biblical people, as well as, our own old and New Friends. Hallelujah!
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” KJV
AND,
Psalm 86:9 “All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name.” NLT

May God’s Blessings be with both you and your families Always and in All Ways as the Journey Church members, visitors, and contacts obey one of Jesus’ final statements as Matthew records in his gospel: Matthew 28:18-20

This is one topic very close to my heart. The Trinity (as depicted in the Shack) is calling us to relationship with (it/them) and with one another. The model of relationship among the members of the trinity depicted in The Shack is meant to provide us an example of how to conduct our relationships: unity and love without the overlay of power. This call to relationship, to lived life loved, is the call to salvation. More than the call to forgiveness, we are called to love. In my opinion, our generation is less drawn to an opportunity to be forgiven, than to an opportunity to experience real, true, lasting love—unconditional acceptance. It is after we experience this safe, secure love and acceptance that we can come to recognize our need for forgiveness, our need to make amends with God, with ourselves, and with others. I think that if we can emphasize God’s offer of love and acceptance, we can bring many more to salvation (which is reunion with God, really, right?) than if we emphasize God’s offer of forgiveness. Jesus offered healing at least as often as he offered forgiveness. Paul said that salvation was available to whoever believed in Jesus, not whoever accepted forgiveness for his sins from Jesus. Is forgiveness necessary? Yes, I think so. But I think it is we who need to know we are forgiven so that we can eventually be fully reconciled to the loving Trinity. It is not our Trinity who needs to go through that exercise with us. S/he already forgives, knows, needs nothing from us to be reconciled to us. Seeking and accepting the forgiveness that is already available, eternally available, is our problem, not God’s. That’s what I’m thinking. What do you guys think?

I’ve read The Shack and want to read it over and over again just to have the kind of relationship with God that Mack has. As we got into discussion today in service, my mind was just a whirl of activity—never quite able to settle on one “answer” to what it all means. A couple of thing stick out that I would like to comment on:
1. The image of the triangle that was discussed and the relevant passage from the book that had to do with “re-turning to God”. As an English teacher I have always been intrigued and amazed by language and how many different levels of meaning come out of the ways in which it is used. It occurs to me that if we place ourselves in the middle of the triangle (Trinity), we cannot face all three elements at the same time. So in order to be in relationship with all three we have to turn and “face” another element—this is an ongoing process of re-turning (active involvement to be in relationship to all three) and then there is just returning (coming back to) following an absence from relationship—Father, Son, Holy Spirit all ready, willing, able to accept us at any time and any place (especially, “the shack” that is part of all our lives).
2.It all comes down to love—again, for me there was new insight into the John3:16 (?) verse about how God so loved the world that he gave his only son. Our purpose is to be in relationship with him; true relationship is based on love; His love is so immense that he would limit Himself in a human form as Jesus just so that we might have a chance to comprehend what His love is all about.
3. Accepting the invitation to relationship with Him—people (I guess, speaking for myself, me) make it so hard—so many expectations based on limited human understanding. If I simply say “yes” to the invitation, yes to Jesus’ love, then I’ve done what I need to do. Whatever mistakes I make in misunderstanding His word, or what His will is for me—they are forgiven, and All Three are waiting for me, and All Three will stop along the way and wait some more (no matter how long it takes) when I have tripped over something obvious.
4. I’ve been praying for my life to be transformed—and it seems that my heart has been closed to transformation. I just want to say that I have had more overwhelming experiences of emotion (similar to Mack’s in the book where tears are suddenly just streaming down his face) in the past three weeks than I have had in the previous 4 years that I have been embarking on this Journey—God Almighty! My life if transforming!—thanks to this series, thanks to the Bible study, thanks to the amazing community that The Journey is.

This didn’t turn out to be so simple after all…
I am so excited to be at this place right now!
Maureen

Because I have the book I have walked pasted the table they were on all the time but yesterday I saw something that caught my eye. There was a discussion sheet on the table and I stopped and picket one up. It has some great stuff on it. Not sure if they will be there next week but I would be glad to scan it and get it to you if you would like.

“For those of you who don’t know The Hour is not a Christian program. It is a late night talk show covering politics, the arts, entertainment, the environment, human rights, sports and more.”
http://www.irreligiouscanuck.com/?p=1151

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Jon Reid
Let us consider how we may blog and tweet one another on toward love and good deeds.

It is amazing to see how wide spread this book is!
Even Canadians have read it (smile).

I know others will disagree - but theologically - I believe the book does a great job of honoring the Biblical message of Jesus and the Biblical description of a God of Love and truth.

Jeff Wenke