The Shack – 15 Oct 2008

You have probably already heard mention of this years’ surprise success of a “Christian novel” - not the category you normally see in the top 50 bestsellers (it is currently ranked #28 in Amazon’s books).  Perhaps you have already read it?

“The Shack” is by William P. Young and was rejected by several publishers before being published independently.  I strongly recommend it as a thought provoking and inspiring read.  Remember it is a novel, and bear with the sometimes unconventional views of God.  I am sure many will find it “theologically flawed” and I know it has had several critics who find it unpalatable.

Not wishing to reveal details of the plot or the ending, I will not go into details about the story – but some of the issues it has raised are key questions we should perhaps devote more time to:

·    Why do bad things happen to good people?

·    Why does a good God allow suffering?

·    Does God know what he is doing, when he judges mankind?

·    How does the Trinity work?

Don’t expect a novel to answer all these questions – but if you read it with an open mind, you can expect it to alter the way you think about life and God.

I believe we need less “religion” and more “relationships” if we are to see God’s kingdom come to our town, our nation and our world.  At a time when financial institutions are seen to be “build on sand”, and those whose life is built on material possessions are in panic and dismay, there is a hunger to hear about the “treasures which do not perish” and a desire to become more spiritually aware.

Spend some time in God’s presence today and see if you can’t gain a different perspective on the mystery of life.

Thank you Lord for your goodness, and your love for all your children.  Let us not seek to be understood so much as to understand.

Amen.