New book - The shack

[jiggyfly]

This is exactly why I don't go to "Got questions" for spiritual answers.

They have a very carnal concept of God, Jesus and HolySpirit. I have found some of their "answers" that people have posted here at TJ very carnal and faulty. Now I haven't read the book (The Shack) but I do know a little about Father's grace and what the scriptures say about it.

Just look at "Got Questions" statement of faith concerning redemption and you can see that it in itself is contradictory. You are free to share their opinion of "The Shack" but know that here at TJ, some of us know that it is still just an opinion and not necessarily truth. I personally think there are many other christian religious paradigms, groups, doctrines, and books that misrepresent Father, His will, purpose and plan and "Got Questions" is included.

 

[Coconut]

My Wife read it and realized the issues in it, so we talked about it them I did research on the book.Listen to what Got Questions said about it and they never review books:

Is Got Questions as far as your "research" went? You are preaching another persons review of a book you never took time to read, that in itself leaves your review with no credibility (ie not worth a hill o` beans) :wink:

 

[JA0522]

A Woman!

I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

 

[jiggyfly]

I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

I suppose the same was said and could be said of all allegory concerning the gospel. I think the problem is when people take them literal. Like I said before I haven't read the book but I am in favor of anything that helps people change the religious paradigm and stop focusing on something that was taken care of by the cross and start filling their minds with thoughts of grace centered on Christ. It is sad to see so many struggle with freedom, but thats the results of being institutionalized.

 

[Coconut]

I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

Being a "Shack fan" ... let me ask you this...what image was the female made in? Check (Gen 1:27) The book amply clarifies that God is neither male nor female, (by the mere fact that He is portrayed as both) Do you assert God cannot portray Himself however He chooses? Then show me some scripture to back your assertion.

It is too easy for you to toss the word "new age" at something that you "think" does`nt suit your personal theology, without any knowledge of either the book, or real comparison to the Scripture.

I dont appreciate the "some of you" slur Jared, it is presumptuous and arrogant on your part to assume those who liked this book, get their guidance from fictional books, because none of us said this book was 100% theologically sound. (i`m not sure such a book exists outside of Scripture, no man has perfect God-logic) It appears you are talking just to hear yourself, because it certainly cant be said know what you are talking about.

As a matter of fact - sin and consequence are not "non-existent" in Macks dream, if you had read the book you would know that. What his book actually amplifies, is where sin abounds, grace does much more abound...and I still maintain my initial conclusion, all GLORY TO GOD!

 

[jiggyfly]

What his book actually amplifies, is where sin abounds, grace does much more abound

Oh Hallelujah!!! Where sin abounds, Grace over abounds.:groupwave:

 

[JA0522]

Ok, I still hold fast to my opinion of this book. It is infectious to Christians and to un believers because of it's skewed version of core Christian Doctrine such as God the Father being a Woman and God the Father suffering on the Cross (Patripassionism) Which has been know to be a Christian heresy since the early Church. To name a few.

I do not want to propitiate the bickering. I think we all have, in our pursuit to convince to other party, used some inappropriate sarcasism and judgmental language. For my part in this I do apologize. This also not a last ditch at getting the last word either. I will not participate in this thread any longer, as my position has been clearly noted in previous posts.
In Christ,
Jared

 

[JA0522]

I have been warned

This is not the kind of Christian forum I thought it was. I do not doubt that you have posted a lot of scripture. I do feel that insulting me while warning me for insulting you was not the best approach(even if it was in a private message) People that differ in your theological view are not insulting you.

For all to see... this is how far people will go to defend a fictional work that is Insulting to the very nature of GOD. See below.




"Dear JA0522,

You have received a warning at Talk Jesus | Christian Forums & Chat.

Reason:
-------
Insulted Other Member(s)

Jared you need to get down off your high horse. It would take you longer to read all the scripture I alone have posted in this forum, than it would for you to read 'The Shack'. In the future, before you toss words like "apparently" at the members here, perhaps you will do your homework.
-------

Original Post:
Talk Jesus | Christian Forums & Chat - Powered by vBulletin

Quote:
I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

Warnings serve as a reminder to you of the forum's rules, which you are expected to understand and follow."

 

[jiggyfly]

This is not the kind of Christian forum I thought it was. I do not doubt that you have posted a lot of scripture. I do feel that insulting me while warning me for insulting you was not the best approach(even if it was in a private message) People that differ in your theological view are not insulting you.

For all to see... this is how far people will go to defend a fictional work that is Insulting to the very nature of GOD. See below.




"Dear JA0522,

You have received a warning at Talk Jesus | Christian Forums & Chat.

Reason:
-------
Insulted Other Member(s)

Jared you need to get down off your high horse. It would take you longer to read all the scripture I alone have posted in this forum, than it would for you to read 'The Shack'. In the future, before you toss words like "apparently" at the members here, perhaps you will do your homework.
-------

Original Post:
Talk Jesus | Christian Forums & Chat - Powered by vBulletin

Quote:
I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

Warnings serve as a reminder to you of the forum's rules, which you are expected to understand and follow."

I thought you said that your previous post was your last post in this thread. Why did you change your mind? You say that it's not that you need the last word but I simply don't believe you. Normally i would confront such behavior and attitude privately but you seem to want to bring it to the public forum. So Jared, seeing how you have it all figured out, you won't mind taking a day off from this thread and this forum.:wink:

 

[Coconut]

This is not the kind of Christian forum I thought it was. I do not doubt that you have posted a lot of scripture. I do feel that insulting me while warning me for insulting you was not the best approach(even if it was in a private message) People that differ in your theological view are not insulting you.

For all to see... this is how far people will go to defend a fictional work that is Insulting to the very nature of GOD. See below.

And what kind of forum would that be Jared? One that allows you to accuse every member in this forum who dare to say they like this book of being "feel good Christians who don`t read their Bibles"?

I am not afraid to have what I said to you in private, come under public scrutiny as you may suppose. I will give the members of this forum credit for having the good sense to judge what is written here for themselves.

I am not trying to "convince anybody " either way, my opinion of the book is simply my opinion...whereas you presume to give not only the book, but its readers a lashing critical review, without even having read it.

For all to see...this is how far some people will go to defend their theology, they will parrot what others say without ever searching the matter out for themselves. Parroting is something we are likely all guilty of, but according to the scripture it is a shame to the one who does it. [Pro 18:13] [2Ti 2:15]

For the readers...feel free to critique the book...NOT the other readers.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I don't need to read the book to know that God should never be portrayed as a woman. This is New Age "feel good" Christianity which is apparantly what Shack fans are into. If you are not comfortanle with God being who He is...no problem, He will change Himself to fit your needs...yeah that's in the Bible. Sin and consequence are non exsistant in Mack's dream-just like in New age Christianity.

For those wonderig the extent of my "research," Got Questions was just a well written example. My main source is the Bible, some of you might want to look into it for guidance instead of a fictional book.

The smart-aleck tone of this post and the arrogant attitude that produced it has done damage to the cause of Christ, rather than helping it.

SLE

 

[Snowrose]

Wow!

Hello my dear friends,

I didn't realize that there was this many replies to my thread. I certainly did ruffle some feathers and I do apologize. In the beginning, I did say that this book did have a lot of mixed reviews. But I myself had to read the book after hearing the author's interview and I did find it to be delightful.

Coconut, you describe the book quite well - "Where sin abounds, grace does much more abounds." I love that quote! Thank you so much.

It did break my heart to read some of the harsh replies. It wasn't really needed. It was just a book that was, in my opinion, well written and that the author showed a side of our Lord that was full of love, mercy and ... grace. Isn't our Lord like that?

He amazes me with each passing day. How can my God love me? How can He send His Son here on earth to dwell among us? Jesus walked and talked with every day people and, in my opinion, was not religious with them but relational. This is the type of relationship I would want to have with my Lord. I know this was off the topic but I just want ... to see some love, mercy and grace shown between my sisters and brothers.

Thank you for all your replies and God bless you all.

Love,
Snowrose

PS -- I do apologize in advance if I came across to harsh.

 

[claire_fb]

"It was just a book that was, in my opinion, well written and that the author showed a side of our Lord that was full of love, mercy and ... grace. Isn't our Lord like that?"

Snowrose I quite agree! I wouldn't normally post but reading this thread has shocked me a little.

To anyone thinking about reading 'The Shack', I personally would recommend it, as long as you remember it is a fictional book and not intended to replace the Bible or anything. For me, it raised some interesting questions and helped me to understand that it is possible to have a relationship with God, something that I had not considered before. At the very least it is an entertaining read!

"It is infectious to Christians and to un believers because of it's skewed version of core Christian Doctrine such as God the Father being a Woman and God the Father suffering on the Cross (Patripassionism) Which has been know to be a Christian heresy since the early Church."

Jared, I do not wish to offend you but as an unbeliever when I first read this book, it encouraged me to discover more about Christianity...that seems, to me, to be a good thing. I think perhaps any popular text that encourages people to think about Christianity and can perhaps bring them to Christ is surely good. Just my twopence worth...

Claire

 

[Snowrose]

Hello Claire,

I was tickled when you told us how this book "The shack" encouraged you to look to the Father and bring you to Christ. I pray that you will recieve a deeper revelation of the God as you endeavour on this new journey and grow deeper in love with Him.

as an unbeliever when I first read this book, it encouraged me to discover more about Christianity...that seems, to me, to be a good thing. I think perhaps any popular text that encourages people to think about Christianity and can perhaps bring them to Christ is surely good.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-25

God bless you,
Snowrose

 

[Coconut]

as an unbeliever when I first read this book, it encouraged me to discover more about Christianity...that seems, to me, to be a good thing. I think perhaps any popular text that encourages people to think about Christianity and can perhaps bring them to Christ is surely good. Just my twopence worth...

Claire

I`m tickled too, and sitting here with big tears welling up in my eyes...Claire that is awesome!

There is a scripture where God says "my people draw near to me with their mouths but their hearts are far from me" This I believe speaks of those who like what they have heard about God, and are even willing to tell what good things they`ve heard, but have never truly desired to know God for themselves. I think this is why this book struck a real chord with me. Here is a guy who, tho he knew about God, but only after being driven to the dark depths of despair, did he encounter God, and what a life changing encounter it was!

I pause to wonder how many there are who`s theology would also cause them to refute a man encountering God in a burning bush...

I remember when my oldest son, having completed a few years of theology school, made this heartfelt statement...(paraphrased)
He said, 'Mom i`m tired of theology, I`m tired of reading and hearing about other mens encounters with God, I want my own encounter!'
As surely as God knows our hearts, the heart that yearns and seeks after Him, and will be satisfied with nothing less, will find Him! I`m not talking about the signs and wonders so many people chase after, the paranormal apparitions and gold dust and and waving wands and emotional ecstasies...rather a heart changing, life altering, God called my name, and I have found Him who my soul has sought, encounter with God!

Blessings

 

[Trishann]

Snowrose I admire you the way that you conducted yourself through these replies. I can see Jesus through your writings.

Hugs, Trish

 

[freedongrace]

I have not read it was skimming through you guys reviews and opinions about the book. Still unsure if this will be a summer read.

 

[trucker]

The Shack

As I read this post I have to chuckle. The book the shack has done its job. It is showing the true to good to be true news of the Gospel of
Christ. If you preach the Gospel of Christ and someone does not accuse you of being to easy on sin, then you have not preached the true gospel. When Paul preached the gospel he was accused of giving a license to sin to people and taking Grace to far.

I read the Shack and was set back at First by the fact God was portrayed as a women. But soon I saw something that astounded me. The book showed me the complete yielding of the trinity to each other. It showed a continuous ebb and flow as each part of the trinity did their job yielding to each other to accomplish the will of God in the lives of humans. I enjoyed the book, did not agree with all of it, but I walked away marveling at the Grace of God, the genuine concern God has for his man and that he will go to great lengths to reach out to people both good and bad. Did anyone catch how concerned God was for the serial killer? He knew if he continued on the path he was, it would result in eternal damnation.

Now that is the Love of God.

If you really want to raise a ruckus, read the book he helped Wayne Jacobson write called, So you don't want to go to Church anymore.

 

[Coconut]

Now that is the Love of God.

amen Brother...wonderfully said...I still say that book portrayed the grace of God better than any book I ever read...the words "For God SO loved the world He gave His only Son.." may lose their impact on us for having been read so oft....but when the man was asked to choose which one of his children would have to die....that strikes right at the heart... and yes Gods love for the serial killer was what took this story beyond the realm of human emotion into the realm of a love so great we cant even fathom it...

As I read this post I have to chuckle. The book the shack has done its job. It is showing the true to good to be true news of the Gospel of Christ.

well you know how graceful we mortals are ...

 

[Bambi]

Recomendations from known believers

I have a friend and her husband who read the book, "The Shack" Her husband was a Pastor. They both found the book, unbiblical. Now knowing them as I do I believe they have sound judgment and due to their recommendations I will not be reading "The Shack".

Since I don't know any of you personally I would not take your recommendations.