A few weeks ago, pastor Nam briefly mentioned a popular book called The Shack by William P. Young, which had since its printing become a hot topic amongst both Christians and non-Christians. It has been on the NY Times Best-Selling list for the past 10 weeks (currently at #17). It has been praised by some to be a source of solace and inspiration, even being compared to such classics as John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress and C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Others, however, have found it to be less praiseworthy, even dangerous.
Tim Challies wrote an excellent review of the book. He sorts through the book’s merits and more importantly, its faults; focusing on the author’s troublesome treatment of various theological topics, particularly the Trinity. You can find his review here.
Challies’ writes: Despite the book’s popularity among Christians, believers are divided on whether this book is biblically sound. Where Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver says it “has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim Progress did for his,” Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary says, “This book includes undiluted heresy.” While singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith says “The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God,” Mark Driscoll, Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle says, “Regarding the Trinity, it’s actually heretical.”
Whether you have read the book, plan to read it, or just want to know more about the book, consider reading the review by Tim Challies to get a sense of a book that you will undoubtedly will hear and read about.