THE SHACK

Last week I read a fiction paperback, The Shack, which is at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. It is the story of a man named Mack who has experienced a horrible family tragedy. He receives a mysterious note in his mailbox and sets off on an adventure in the backwoods of Oregon.

Mack ends up at “the shack” where he has a dramatic encounter and conversation with God. Mack asks and receives answers on just about any topic you probably ever thought to pose to God. The responses are not just to stimulate mental exercise but to penetrate the reader’s heart. At times the answers are surprising and shocking, and even humorous.

The bottom line of the questions revolves around the character of God. Is He good? Is He involved in my daily life? Does He have purpose, even in my pain? The conversations swirl around relationships --- grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. There are interesting thoughts about authority and power and hierarchy. The book is filled with vivid images that will stimulate your imagination. The shack itself is a metaphor for a place of hurt and being stuck. I expect everyone will read the book in light of their “stuff.”

Most likely you will gain a fresh look and understanding of God and your own life. However, many of your notions of church and religion and God will be sharply challenged, if not expanded or changed. Try it. You might like it. I did!