Book: The Shack is Done

So I finished reading The Shack. Overall it was a good book. I can't say I'd read it again though. The first 4 chapters (and the introduction) are like any other book. Character building...leading up to the heart of the story.

Then, it spirals into the trinity as three separate beings in a transformed location. All for the purpose of reaching the main character, Mack, in a way that would be easiest for him to identify with. He's taught a series of lessons during his stay with the trinity. The main focus though, is forgiveness and healing. Which are two things that most of us do need a lesson in. It took me a while to get used to God being portrayed as a large black woman. Not because of her size or skin color...just because we all have our vision of God, and this was not what I had in my mind. But it does make you think about the world we live in and our individual interpretations of God. You really have to be open minded while reading this book, and remind yourself that it's just a story. But there are some great lessons to be learned throughout. Some "ah ha" moments where you can really relate with the main character.

I am not fond of the depth of biblical discussion this book has to offer. Maybe it's the fact that I am closed minded to church these days. I found I got lost in chapters 6 through 14. Having to re-read some paragraphs a couple times to understand what was being said, and take a break in between deep discussions.

The interpretation of what happens to people that are taken from the world by evil is interesting. Even though this child was murdered, she remained in a place where there was no impatience. I find myself realizing how much better life would be if this were the way here on earth. But we are all too busy, trying to get a million things done, multitasking while life passes us by. Just think...a place where there is no impatience. What a thought.

At one point I read a line about how feeling lost and being lost are two different things. This is something we all know, but find sometimes it hard to accept. Our feelings are so strong they get in the way of our lives in ways we don't even realize until it's too late. Like in the place of faith, we have a thirst to understand everything. We always look for something tangible. This is our problem. But in this visual world...it's hard to get around this.

The topic of church is also discussed. How it may not for everybody. While I do believe that some form of spiritual growth is a must, I dislike church in many ways. This book talks about how we have turned church into a religious pattern and forgotten about what it should mean; what it's purpose is. And if you are there for the wrong reasons, no points are earned. You need to want to be there. Personally, I don't believe a Christian has to go to church to be considered a Christian. But they do need some form of spiritual growth to be in the equation. I have met plenty of people that go to church every Sunday, say they're Christians and then turn around and cheat on their spouse, use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol. No, we are not perfect, but I wonder how people can shun others that don't go to church when they themselves are living a lie. Church is not a miracle pill.

It closes the story well enough. But still leaves you feeling like there was something more that should have been in the final pages.