WOW!!! That's it! Just kidding. (grin) I read and heard the reviews, but never imagined I would be as moved as I was reading this work of art. When I read that folks were laughing and crying while reading the book together I actually rolled my eyes in doubt with thoughts of overkill. This is simply a gorgeous read. My good friend Andi suggested that I read this book as her mum picked the book up and had heard smashing reviews.
How did reading this book affect your faith?
I felt differently about this book as opposed to The Christmas Sweater because I felt as though I could identify with certain aspects of this story. Many moons ago I stopped identifying with organized religions, and religious affiliations, for one reason or other. Mack reminded me of some of the people I have encountered who have trouble understanding the concept of sharing a casual, intimate, relationship with God. As a little girl I remember talking to Jesus as if he were my very best friend, and God not far removed. No one ever fussed or challenged me for relating so casually to 2/3 of Trinity, but instead of true acceptance I felt a definite steering to the formal, or more reverent state of worship.
While I was touched deeply by this story, I cannot confess it left me pulling on my boots and heading down to town's chapel seeking forgiveness for my wicked ways, It has given me pause to think of the wall between me and God, and Jesus. For years I have turned my back on group religion. I become particularly edgy when a conversation turns religious as my relationship with God is most often very differently enjoyed than those whom I'm speaking so there is relatively no common connection. I believe I have inadvertently given others the impressions that I don't believe in God. The walls surround me to keep my relationship with God ours. I like the way I relate, and want to protect that sacredness. Does it change, challenge, strengthen your image of God? It does neither, particularly. I've always been secure with my perception of God. Why is God portrayed as a woman, what reasons does God give Mack? Perhaps, to aid the reader of breaking free of any preconceived notion/idea/perceptions of who or what God is. Maybe the author chose how to depict God based on his theory of the opposite image his audience most likely perceives. Sometimes having my perceptions completely obliterated is the only way to the center of my reasoning. The introduction of Papa rips me up with laughter through, and through. I love how God is portrayed in this book. I can totally picture the image of God/Papa as the author describes Her.
These are some of the other questions I'd like to answer tomorrow. I'm just plan tuckered at the moment.
Does the idea of God a character in the book, or God's first-person voice, bother you...or does it work within the context of The Shack's story?
It works for me, and I think it does so because the author is not trying to write a non-fiction work. He caught my attention with his creative forethought. I will be interested to hear other responses.
Why did God let Missy die? Do you think The Shack answers convincingly the central question of theodicy, the existence of evil—or why, if there is a God, bad things happen to good people?
Young has been criticized for advocating lawlessness (p. 122) ...or universalism (p. 225)? Do you think that is a fair or unfair criticism?
Many readers find the first 4 chapters of The Shack almost too painful to read. Could they have been written in a way that would be less painful—without changing the book's message?
Does the book's ultimate message satisfy you? Is it possible to let go of control and certainty in life? Is it possible to live only in the present?
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