Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Shack by William P Young

I have just finished the book titled "The Shack" by William P Young.(www.theshackbook.com)
Now I can't tell you much about the author. He was unknown to me before reading this book, but apparently was not unknown to God as it is evident that some message is being spoken here, through this fiction, that isn't fiction. I won't tell you about the books content because that will ruin it for you. I can tell you its worth hours of your time.

Originally my best friend Ricky D called me and said "you have got to read this book" and delved off into its content and coolness and read me an excerpt over the phone. Now Ricky D is one of the most interesting thinkers of modern jesus stuff I know, and is always reading this or that and getting entangled in something or the other. I, however, can't keep up with him for the most part and have to selectively figure out which book to read or movie to watch. But in less than a week, our associate pastor came up to me and asked, "Hey, have you read The Shack?"...

so okay, I get the message. No, not The Message bible, the message from the Holy Spirit or God or whatever it is that reinforces that you should do something. So I buy it. First my spouse gets it and is completely enthralled in the content. This is fascinating because she typically doesn't read much and especially theological/spiritual/christian dominated stuff. But she read it all quickly and liked it.

Back to my opening paragraph. I just got through with it. And though it wasn't a total eye-opener in my terms of how and what I see Christianity as being, it was presented in a way that evoked emotional responses from me. This guy Young has some really good insights on the nature and interactions of man and god. Parts of the story forced me to deal with some of my own stuff, reminded me of segments of my own spiritual journey dealing with tragedy and understanding and anger at God and questioning... and the list goes on.

So, if you have the time, I would recommend "The Shack". Go to WalMart or Sams or wherever and get a copy. Its under $10 bucks. Do it today after work. Go soak in a hot bath and start reading. The first part is hard to get through - but totally worth it. Kind of like life. ~npp

6 comments:

KJ said...

dude. I bouhgt this book at Xmas and it ended in a pile of half read books. Finally, picked it up last week; read it in about 3 days. Maybe the timing of reading it last week made me especially sensitive, but I was overwhelmed. We'll have to talk more about it. Have you been a Walk to Emmaus?

Anonymous said...

I wrote a lengthy review addressing some of the controversies. I’ve enjoyed the reviews, just amazing how different the responses are.

I like you was made to deal with some stuff.

nonprofitprophet said...

KJ - I started it friday (took a day off for mental health) and finished it sunday night then blogged it. I have found that everything seems to be God timing, though I sometimes disagree with His scheduling abilities.... lol
YES - EMMAUS!! Have been and highly recommend. I hear that Hays Comm his huge and great and Ricky D is involved a lot with that. Nothing else like it.
We have got to get together and talk! ~npp

nonprofitprophet said...

robin - I usually do not read "fiction" so too speak. But I loved the insights he had and the way he presented the material to the casual reader. Better than Apologetics! Thanks for the comment! ~npp

Anonymous said...

i think it's all about timing ... "the shack" especially - i think people read it when it's the right time.
now that i think about it, i think everything happens when it's time.

nonprofitprophet said...

journeying rick - that, my friend, was a perfectly timed comment.and of course, you are correct! I sometimes don't care for God's timing abilities (I want IT on my time and MY conditions), but its hard to argue with God. Doesn't keep me from it, but its hard. ~npp