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A really good read
- Fran, a secretary in West Yorkshire
The Shack will help you to see God differently, get a new insight into his character and to forgive yourself & others.
Really good Christian fiction
- Pam
At last a Christian novel that is beautifully written, with a story line that will stretch you. There is much to learn from this book and much to challenge our preconceptions. I understand there has been controversy in the States about the depiction of God in this book - but accept it for what it is - fiction - and you will gain much by the reading of it.
Powerful reading
- A church leader from London
Young presents a refreshing aspect of God which could heal many who deem Him as an old, insensative, judgmental, mean tyrant with a big stick-divorced from our pain and in some cases, causing it. Despite some awkward sentences and obvious theological loopholes, the work is riveting. I love the message of forgiveness which I believe is a universal problem with most people-save and unsaved alike. It is FICTION- so that covers the many Biblical misinterpretations- and is vastly creative. Young really kicks down our sacred cows in this work.
Knowing Him
- Elizabeth, a full time mum from Havant
This book has helped me to see and know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit with different eyes. We presume to 'know' about God, yet this book actually makes you realise that there is so much of Him that we don't know - my relationship with Him has become deeper because of reading this.
Worth the Read
- Jan, in church leadership in Leicestershire.
A little overwritten in the beginning, but never the less a gripping read that will bring both laughter and tears. It must be good, I've read it twice and will read it again. I can understand the furore of those who forget it is a novel. It challenges our preconceptions of God and encourages us to knock down our belief that we fully understand and 'box' God who has thoughts and ways that are high above our own.
Beware
- Neil, Liverpool
Many reviews I have read of this book often contain a line to this effect 'its fiction so it doesnt matter if it doesnt completely line up with the bible'. Yes it is a piece of fiction and not a terribly good piece at that, but where the book really falls is that in attempting to present a 'god' that is more palatable for most people, the author does nothing but present a new version of god that is not the one presented in the Bible. Yes its fiction, but when presenting any version of God, it must hold up when placed against scripture, otherwise it is by nature heretical, blasphemous and very very dangerous.
There are numerous heretical traps that the author falls into, and many of the statements made by the shacks God fly in the face of scripture (the whole discussion about god hating structures of hierarchy fly in the very face of the trinity and Jesus' own words!). I do not have time to list them all here, and many wiser and better people than I have already done this (if you search on line there are many such articles detailing the many errors).
The saddest thing about this book is not so much what is written by the author, but by the speed at which many brothers and sisters are quick to praise this vision of a god. I plead with you to not to fall into the trap of loving the warm fuzzy God that this book presents, but read the scriptures and see the awesome, mighty, just, and merciful God of the bible, and fall in love with Him.
Open your eyes
- Peter, lay preacher
This book will definitely make you think differently about God. You may not agree with his theology but you cannot fail to be moved by the roller coaster of emotions that the book evokes.
Hovering on the brink of buying this book?
- Reader from Wales
Bet you didn't know God is a verb?
Buy this book and find out why!
You know not God.
- Gary, London.
Is the wishy-washy god portrayed in this book the same as the one revealed by Holy Scripture? Compare the simpering answers offered to Mack with the ones our Lord gave to Job and you will see that it is not. The Shack, therefore, is idolatry plain and simple, and no Bible-believing Christian (is there any other kind?) should go anywhere near it. Not only does the author violate both the second and third Commandments (and thereby, by implication, the first Commandment too), but he also completely bungles the theology of the Trinity. I am amazed that so many churches are willing to use this blasphemous book as an evangelical tool. Shame on you!
New insight into the nature and character of God
- Lee: Dad, husband, pastor, biker
I really appreciated the fact that, although I didn't agree with every theological detail, this book gave me a wonderfully expanded jumping-off point for thinking about God. It actually helped me to process how I 'understand' the Trinity and God's nature. At times I had to remind myself it is a novel. Very moving. Very powerful. Very useful.
Revelation!
- Reader from the South
I was given this book for Christmas & have only read it once because I lent it to someone! The depth of the Trinity relationship was truly inspirational, especially the Holy Spirit. I cannot recommend this book enough! I intend to re-read it very soon.
Wonderfull
- Jackqueline Rose ( Love reading christian books...Love the Lord)
I THINK READING THE SHACK WAS WONDERFULL, IT GETS YOU IMAGINATION FLOWING.
IT IS A GREAT STORY AND IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO GOD.
Great Book
- Niels, Jesus Freak, in Portsmouth
Fantastic Book, well worth a read to challenge your mind and to encourage you.
The Shack - get it now!
- Clive from Shaftesbury
I bought this book after hearing many friends talk about how helpful it had been to them. I guess on that basis I was approaching it from a positive perspective to start with. However I was aware that this book is not without its critics in the Christian community - you know who you are!
I found it very helpful and it spoke to me deeply about the love of God and His plan for all of us. Sure, I don't think it amnswers all the questions one may have, but what is faith without questions?
Don't read it thinking it is pure theology - it isn't! What it does very well is to use metaphor to illustrate some key principles that many of us tend to forget. Namely that no matter what the circumstances God still loves you.
A great book that will appeal to a wide variety of people, and not just Christians. It addresses pain, doubt, fear and despair and comes back with an answer - there is hope.
The Shack
- Yvonne loves reading and music.Midlands
I really struggled with this.I wanted to love it but found it a difficult book.I read it around other books .It is well written but difficult to keep reading.
A mind opener
- Anna, following a path!
This is one the most inspiring yet heartbreaking books I have ever read. It opens your mind to think in ways you've never done before...and makes you feel better for it. If you only read one book this year, make it this one
Not overly enamoured
- Chris, Renfrewshire
This book was highly recommended to me as being absolutely brilliant, a must read. I felt it did not live up to the hype. As Christian Studies student from an Evangelical background I was not comfortable with the way the Trinity was depicted. Thought some of the Theology was a bit dodgy.
praise for the book of the century
- Nina,christian book addict in Manchester
This book will make you laugh,cry,feel loved unconditionally and make you stand back and take a good look at your life.This is one of the best christian books I have ever read if you know someone who reads buy them a copy.
A Revelation from God
- Hels
Whether you're a Christian or not the story itself ties you to your chair and makes you laugh and cry. If you're a Christian (which will cover the vast majority of the people entering this site) then it challenges! It forces you to question your own interpretation of who God is and whether you actually believe the lyrics we sing, You are good, You are good and Your love endures.
The Fatherheart of God
- Georgina, love books, especially Christian ones. Live in New Zealand
This book totally changed my idea of God, it made me look at him in a different way - more as a loving God and less as an authoritarian father figure. It was strange thinking of him as a woman at first but it made sense in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone, just don't take all the theology as Gospel. It gave a different perspective on how God views our sadness and feelings.
THE book to read before you go be with Him for eternity
- Sue. needing all the help she can get, near Windsor
Saved this book as a gift to myself after completing my dissertation earlier this year. I am so glad I got there.
The reality of the issues and emotions from the family involved and the very real, calm, loving acceptance of the trinity characters will help many people come to terms with their own traumas or help with understanding of those whose lives have brought major tragedies.
The scene with the main protagonist's father was awesome - and offers the opportunity to start working on difficult family relationships on earth, so we can be part of God's Kingdom here and now.
Thought provoking and ultimately uplifting!
- Libby
Read this on holiday and was often deeply moved. One to ponder on. There are some very interesting insights. One of my friends read it in a book group as it has been selling well in WHSmiths - not just in wonderful Christian bookshops!
Mind-blowing!
- Rachel- LOVES christian fiction! Dorset
A great book for broadening your view of God and His characteristics (we often put him in a box!) and for anyone that has gone through circumstances that cause you to question His presence or your salvation, then this is a good one for you!
the shack
- kay,
A great book, made me laugh and cry, and I learnt something too!
Eye opening/heart opening
- Sarah from Wiltshire
An amazing book. The most open, raw, questions are asked about the problem of pain, with mind blowing answers from God. It will open your eyes to another way of thinking, and open your heart to God who truely loves though the pain. I've already bought 3 copies to give away to friends!
A fabulous life changing book
- John in Kingsdown
This book gives a perspective on God that is so different and refreshing it really will make you think differently about our Creator, Redeemer and Friend. I have passed it on to lots of my friends, and you will too. I thoroughly recommend it.
The Shack
- Grace - mature lady!
The Shack was recommended to me by several people as a must read ... however I have to say that I was disappointed. The book took a long time to get started and I did not find the description of God helpful and the book is certainly not a book that I would give away to a friend. I had to struggle to make myself finish it.
The Shack is heresy BEWARE!!
- Dale, Defending the truth, Workington Cumbria
On page 120 William P Young states that God does not punish sin The bible (Gods Word) states very clearly that God will punish the wicked in hell forever...Also William P Young denies Penal Substitutionary Atonement, this is the doctrine that God punished His own Son on the cross....Do you hear the voice of God ? or are you listening to some other voice ?
Entertainment or Theology?
- Mark from Bedfordshire
Is this a book you read for entertainment? if so, I found the first quarter compelling, I loved the way it is written.. but after that it starts to get weird and less interesting.
If however it is to be taken seriously as a view of God at work in people's lives, I am uncomfortable about the casual way in which the author treats the subject, seeming to make up his own view of God rather than basing it on what we know from the bible. And I'm not just referring to the issue of God's gender.
Reaches into your core & touches you on a deeper level!!!
- Paulis in Letchworth
This book touched me in a way that I never expected. It opened my eyes to 'see' God in a way that I needed Him to be, when I could not relate to Him as a father-figure.God in His wisdom knows exactly what we need & He adapts so that He can reach us on a deeper level. There is so much to take in, that I think you will need to read this book several times to fully appreciate it.
Dramatic Effects
- Jo, Sales & Marketing Manager, Eden.co.uk
Love it or hate this book has a dramatic effect on anyone that reads it. I've met so many people who's lives and relationship with God have started anew after reading this short easily digestable story. I've watched conversations started by this book blossom into discussions that open up lines of dialogue between people and more people talking about God and to God is a really great thing!
Awful book full of error
- John, a bookworm in Bedfordshire
Having read the book twice, I found the book full of error and the way William Young treats the trinity is unBiblical, unfortunately he mis-represents God's truth. Alot of people are reading this but unfortunately they are not getting the true God of the Bible. The Shack undermines the atonement of Jesus, Christ died for our sins because we deserve punishment for our sins - William Young leaves out that God punishes sin and therefore distorts the word of God.
It is what it is! Great Book
- Alex Pickering Eden.co.uk
The Shack is not a book, to rival the Bible nor is it to stamp a new view on Christianity but what it is a fictional story that grips you from start to end. It is a viewpoint of an individual and ultimately it is a fictional tale. I really enjoyed reading The Shack and it delves into issues that many Christians across the world will be thinking about and will have their own opinion on.
The Shack
- Teresa
I loved this book, I have read it 3 times so far and it is a book I will keep forever to re read time and again.
New Age drivel
- Rob
A miserable book which rejects the Scriptural God of the Bible... can't believe how many folks on here have given it above 1 star. Just shows the state of 'christianity' nowadays.
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