The Shack

[Shell72]

Have any of you read this book? I just started it last night and I love it. I'm about half way through and it is really opening my eyes to a whole new view of God and Love. If any of you are looking for a great read, I highly recommend it.

[Hemidakota]

Amazon.com: The Shack: William P. Young: Books

this may help...

[lcare]

Originally Posted by Shell72

Have any of you read this book? I just started it last night and I love it. I'm about half way through and it is really opening my eyes to a whole new view of God and Love. If any of you are looking for a great read, I highly recommend it.

Hi, I read "The Shack" recently and agree, it gives you a whole new view of God. For my Christian friends it opens up the idea of God the Father being like a papa, which is not all that bad. Christians have extreme difficulty getting past the belief that God the Father and Jesus Christ are one being, and anything that can open their thinking and get them past that I shout "horray!!!"

I didn't gain greater understanding of God the Father through reading it, because as Mormons, we are blessed with that greater understanding already. I know God the Father is my Father in Heaven. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior, and I know the Holy Ghost can be my constant companion. They are completely united in their stewardship, and would never contradict one another in anything. If there is any one thing I am most grateful for, it is that greater understanding of the nature of the Godhead. It makes all the difference in the world.

I read The Shack because a Christian friend recommended it, and even sent me a copy, but I wasn't as impressed by it as she was, and I think I know the reason why.

[Shell72]

Originally Posted by lcare

Hi, I read "The Shack" recently and agree, it gives you a whole new view of God. For my Christian friends it opens up the idea of God the Father being like a papa, which is not all that bad. Christians have extreme difficulty getting past the belief that God the Father and Jesus Christ are one being, and anything that can open their thinking and get them past that I shout "horray!!!"

I didn't gain greater understanding of God the Father through reading it, because as Mormons, we are blessed with that greater understanding already. I know God the Father is my Father in Heaven. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior, and I know the Holy Ghost can be my constant companion. They are completely united in their stewardship, and would never contradict one another in anything. If there is any one thing I am most grateful for, it is that greater understanding of the nature of the Godhead. It makes all the difference in the world.

I read The Shack because a Christian friend recommended it, and even sent me a copy, but I wasn't as impressed by it as she was, and I think I know the reason why.

I think you misunderstood what I meant by greater understanding of God - I meant that now I see that He IS LOVE and what kind of love that really is. That "religion" is just a word and the most important thing is our very personal relationship with God. That the "don't do this" and "don't do that"s of organized religion are taking away from something very special - a beautiful friendship with our Lord & Savior.

I'm saddened that you didn't get that from the book. I think that EVERY religion could benefit from a greater understanding of God's intense love of us and leave all the nit picky stuff to the side.

[bird]

my husband started reading this book, he is against organized religion and prefers to do his own thing
i am a latterdaysaint and enjoyed the book but my interest wained as i came across truths that weren't there
it's an interesting concept with a lot to teach us and i am enjoying the book but i already think of God as my papa
my dad sucked, like the main character's so i am so grateful to have such a loving father in heaven and a great 'papa' for my own children

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by lcare

For my Christian friends it opens up the idea of God the Father being like a papa, which is not all that bad. Christians have extreme difficulty getting past the belief that God the Father and Jesus Christ are one being, and anything that can open their thinking and get them past that I shout "horray!!!"

Abba Father, deep, within my soul, I cry...

These are lyrics to a beautiful Christian worship chorus. Usually the worship leader will explain that Abba is rightfully translated as "Daddy."

As FYI, Christians, other than Oneness Pentecostals ('Jesus Only') do not struggle at all with seeing the Father and Son as two person. In fact, we believe in three persons, seeing the Holy Spirit as exhibiting sovereign personality (being grieved, being blasphemed, directing, convicting, etc.). The idea of Father God as papa might be explained afresh, but it is not new to us. There's even a popular Christian song in which the artist describes God as the Father who will not abuse/molest/hurt us, but rather will love us in a pure and reliable way.

That we view God as one essence does not, in the least, keep us from seeing the Father and Son as distinct.

[lcare]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

Abba Father, deep, within my soul, I cry...

That we view God as one essence does not, in the least, keep us from seeing the Father and Son as distinct.

What do you mean by essence and distinct? When Joseph Smith saw them they were a little more than essence and distinct. They where glorified immortal resurrected people with bodies of flesh and bone. Joseph Smith learned more about the true nature of God in five minutes than the world had learned and struggled with in over a century. The Holy Ghost has borne witness to my soul over and over again that Joseph Smith's vision is true. Christians think that we are humanizing God by our belief, but if they could only hear the rest of the story they would realize the difference between humans as we are, and those who have accumulated light as bright as the sun.

The Shack was one man's discovery of the Love nature of God. It was a great symbolism of that and I applaud the author for his use of symbolism. God operates through love, even in His "Thou shalt not's". Search "thus saith the Lord" and "thou shalt not", to hear what God has to say about rules. Yet in your soul you know they are rooted in love, and our obedience will bless us and God. God's house is one of order.

[Shell72]

I had the priveledge of meeting William Young yesterday and heard him speak the day before. This man is one of the most humble and authentic men I have ever encountered and his story is one that moved me to tears several times. Just hearing him has inspired me to re-read the book.. I am so thankful that God blessed Mr. Young with the gift of penmanship

[lcare]

I'm happy for you. I didn't mean to discourage, perhaps I should try reading it again too.