Rodger McFarland
Syndicate
New Life Church Conversations
The Shack comes under fire!
This entry is in response to a comment on my last post entitled “The Shack - a must read”.
The comment is from reader “SReed”:
I'm not sure I understand your "WARNING: this book wrecks everyone who reads it" statement. If it truly is a wonderful book there should be no need for a warning. After reading the book, I think that the WARNING ought to be there to remind people that this is a work of fiction from the mind of the author, Mr. Young, and the theology he espouses has little or no basis in scripture, the Bible. Mr. Young says God ("Papa") is really not concerned about our sin -- so why the need for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross? The author also has a clear profession of universalist theology (everyone will be saved to heaven whether in this life or the next). But this story makes so many people feel good -- well, if that's really what God thinks is important, so be it. (I hope you heard my sarcasm in that last statement.) If you read this book, do so with the intent of reading it critically, then do not make it recommended reading for non-believers or new believers in Jesus Christ because they can be easily deceived by the theology of Mr. Young.
“SReed” is not alone in his/her opinion of “The Shack”. If you read the book reviews you’ll discover the chasm this book has created. On one side of this gulf are tear stained testimonies of those who claim the book changed their lives and on the other side are those shouting “heresy”’. I do not agree with”SReed’s” conclusions and will do my best to answer the concerns. I do appreciate that ”SReed” is passionate about his/her belief and has an obvious love for the proper dividing of the Word. Also, I applaud “SReed” for “speaking up” in contrast to the “side-line” Christianity of our day. So now friends... let us not be lazy in our love nor our theology rather -“let us reason together”!
“SReed” writes...
I'm not sure I understand your "WARNING: this book wrecks everyone who reads it" statement. If it truly is a wonderful book there should be no need for a warning.
Any book that helps people cry tears they’ve needed to cry but couldn’t is a wonderful book. Any book that helps people realize God is not angry with them and is pursuing a life-giving and loving relationship as Father is a wonderful book. Any book that wrecks the walls of unforgiveness, sorrow, and isolation of the heart freeing one to love again is definitely a wonderful book. My “WARNING” is an obvious “playful” figure of speech.
“SReed” writes...
I think that the WARNING ought to be there to remind people that this is a work of fiction from the mind of the author, Mr. Young....
An interesting thought “SReed”. The combination of doctrine and story in the Christian Fiction genre can be a rocky road to navigate. Caution and responsibility are necessary. Maybe it should read:
“THE BEREAN WARNING: This is a work of fiction. Be responsible and examine the scriptures daily to see if these things are true.”
One of the points being made by many of the opponents of this book is a caution regarding the theological laziness that exists in the church today which has left the Body of Christ vulnerable to false doctrines. On this point I must agree, we should know our bibles but we don’t. Bring on the warning labels
“SReed” writes...
, and the theology he espouses has little or no basis in scripture, the Bible.
KABOOM! Pretty global statement “S” (I hope you don’t mind me calling you “S”. Just easier to write...failed typing) Is it possible the baby just flew out with the bathwater? As I remember the story... the character suffers an unthinkable tragedy. Then, because of this tragedy he and his family’s life begins to unravel. In the midst of his brokenness, despair, and alienation from God a mysterious invitation comes out of nowhere and finds him in his hiding. The man decides to respond to the invitation by which he meets three characters (Trinity) who love him so much. Not only do they love him, they have made provision for him and sought him out. Amazingly they can empathize with his pain because they too have suffered (Man of Sorrows kind of stuff ya know). Unlike him, they can understand the aspects of his suffering that he cannot and they help him navigate the pain until he gets to a place of freedom. To make sure he can receive their love they choose to appear to him in a way he can understand, a way he can touch (Incarnational kind of stuff). Slowly he begins to come out of hiding, trust their love and learn about the necessity of forgiveness. As he learns about the forgiveness made available to him he is empowered to forgive. In the end he experiences forgiveness, forgives others, and finds a freedom which enables him to love God and others. (Sorry ya’ll if I gave the story away...hey wait a minute... this story sounds familiar... are you sure we haven’t rented this movie before). Now “S”, forgive me for the slight teasing. I’m not trying to belittle anyone here rather just be light hearted. I have a sneaking suspicion you yourself are a lover of God and people (Drum roll please... in preparation for the proverbial “BUT”).... but how in the world can you “espouse” that there is “little or no” theological basis for this story. “S” last I checked this is “The Story”. Let’s at least acknowledge that Mr Young (William Young) is probably trying to share the Gospel and maybe, just maybe, even if he is guilty of these theological discrepancies proposed, it is possible that Billy Boy here has spent countless hours writing and rewriting his manuscript (though full of tricky metaphors) in hopes of introducing others to the One we know as our Lord Jesus Christ. If there’s any possibility that he’s trying to do a good thing, if there’s any possibility that he might actually be a part of the Body of Christ, might we need to slow down and at least bring a little more thoroughness,honor and gentleness to our accusations?
“SReed” writes...
Mr. Young says God ("Papa") is really not concerned about our sin -- so why the need for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross? The author also has a clear profession of universalist theology (everyone will be saved to heaven whether in this life or the next). But this story makes so many people feel good -- well, if that's really what God thinks is important, so be it. (I hope you heard my sarcasm in that last statement.)
What took Mr Young 250 pages and months to write you have brought into question with the use of one whole paragraph. You have indicated that their is a “clear profession of universalist theology” which by association means Mr Young himself must be a Universalist. You have thereby brought an accusation of heresy against Mr Young. Though you bring a strong accusation against a brother in Christ you have not been compelled to actually make a case (a clear profession) to this accusation. Though you “seem” to make a loose quote from the book you actually offer no reference to the work itself, no direct quotes, no page numbers, no context and no scripture to qualify your position. You have only presented us with an opinion. There is a scriptural basis for bringing correction in the Body of Christ (Matthew 18, 1Timothy 5:19) and a spirit of gentleness we must walk in when we undertake such important matters of justice among our brethren (Gal 6:1). You have no theological basis for the manner in which you are bringing this accusation.
I have read many of the negative reviews about this book. So far, not one argument that I’ve heard can prove universalism. Now if you use a “snippet science” along with “snippet theology” then we can prove whatever we want. For those who don’t know what “snippet science” or “snippet theology” is - that’s when you take a “snippet” of scripture or a “snippet” of a book out of the context in which it was written so you can manipulate it’s meaning and produce the conclusion of your desire. Here’s an example from “The Shack”
“They arrived at the door of the workshop. Again Jesus stopped. “Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self righteous. Some are bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian... pg 182 “The Shack”
Kind a sounds like Universalism huh? Now read the rest of the text
I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of My Papa, into My brothers and sisters, into My Beloved.”
“Does that mean,” asked Mack, “that all roads will lead to You?”
“Not at all” smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle of the shop. “Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you”
pg 182 “The Shack”
Sound a little different? How bout this passage below does it sound similar?
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Still not convinced? How bout we ask the accused? “Hey Billy are you a Universalist?”
“No, I am not a universalist!!!”
from William Young’s website http://www.windrumors.com
The comment is from reader “SReed”:
I'm not sure I understand your "WARNING: this book wrecks everyone who reads it" statement. If it truly is a wonderful book there should be no need for a warning. After reading the book, I think that the WARNING ought to be there to remind people that this is a work of fiction from the mind of the author, Mr. Young, and the theology he espouses has little or no basis in scripture, the Bible. Mr. Young says God ("Papa") is really not concerned about our sin -- so why the need for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross? The author also has a clear profession of universalist theology (everyone will be saved to heaven whether in this life or the next). But this story makes so many people feel good -- well, if that's really what God thinks is important, so be it. (I hope you heard my sarcasm in that last statement.) If you read this book, do so with the intent of reading it critically, then do not make it recommended reading for non-believers or new believers in Jesus Christ because they can be easily deceived by the theology of Mr. Young.
“SReed” is not alone in his/her opinion of “The Shack”. If you read the book reviews you’ll discover the chasm this book has created. On one side of this gulf are tear stained testimonies of those who claim the book changed their lives and on the other side are those shouting “heresy”’. I do not agree with”SReed’s” conclusions and will do my best to answer the concerns. I do appreciate that ”SReed” is passionate about his/her belief and has an obvious love for the proper dividing of the Word. Also, I applaud “SReed” for “speaking up” in contrast to the “side-line” Christianity of our day. So now friends... let us not be lazy in our love nor our theology rather -“let us reason together”!
“SReed” writes...
I'm not sure I understand your "WARNING: this book wrecks everyone who reads it" statement. If it truly is a wonderful book there should be no need for a warning.
Any book that helps people cry tears they’ve needed to cry but couldn’t is a wonderful book. Any book that helps people realize God is not angry with them and is pursuing a life-giving and loving relationship as Father is a wonderful book. Any book that wrecks the walls of unforgiveness, sorrow, and isolation of the heart freeing one to love again is definitely a wonderful book. My “WARNING” is an obvious “playful” figure of speech.
“SReed” writes...
I think that the WARNING ought to be there to remind people that this is a work of fiction from the mind of the author, Mr. Young....
An interesting thought “SReed”. The combination of doctrine and story in the Christian Fiction genre can be a rocky road to navigate. Caution and responsibility are necessary. Maybe it should read:
“THE BEREAN WARNING: This is a work of fiction. Be responsible and examine the scriptures daily to see if these things are true.”
One of the points being made by many of the opponents of this book is a caution regarding the theological laziness that exists in the church today which has left the Body of Christ vulnerable to false doctrines. On this point I must agree, we should know our bibles but we don’t. Bring on the warning labels
“SReed” writes...
, and the theology he espouses has little or no basis in scripture, the Bible.
KABOOM! Pretty global statement “S” (I hope you don’t mind me calling you “S”. Just easier to write...failed typing) Is it possible the baby just flew out with the bathwater? As I remember the story... the character suffers an unthinkable tragedy. Then, because of this tragedy he and his family’s life begins to unravel. In the midst of his brokenness, despair, and alienation from God a mysterious invitation comes out of nowhere and finds him in his hiding. The man decides to respond to the invitation by which he meets three characters (Trinity) who love him so much. Not only do they love him, they have made provision for him and sought him out. Amazingly they can empathize with his pain because they too have suffered (Man of Sorrows kind of stuff ya know). Unlike him, they can understand the aspects of his suffering that he cannot and they help him navigate the pain until he gets to a place of freedom. To make sure he can receive their love they choose to appear to him in a way he can understand, a way he can touch (Incarnational kind of stuff). Slowly he begins to come out of hiding, trust their love and learn about the necessity of forgiveness. As he learns about the forgiveness made available to him he is empowered to forgive. In the end he experiences forgiveness, forgives others, and finds a freedom which enables him to love God and others. (Sorry ya’ll if I gave the story away...hey wait a minute... this story sounds familiar... are you sure we haven’t rented this movie before). Now “S”, forgive me for the slight teasing. I’m not trying to belittle anyone here rather just be light hearted. I have a sneaking suspicion you yourself are a lover of God and people (Drum roll please... in preparation for the proverbial “BUT”).... but how in the world can you “espouse” that there is “little or no” theological basis for this story. “S” last I checked this is “The Story”. Let’s at least acknowledge that Mr Young (William Young) is probably trying to share the Gospel and maybe, just maybe, even if he is guilty of these theological discrepancies proposed, it is possible that Billy Boy here has spent countless hours writing and rewriting his manuscript (though full of tricky metaphors) in hopes of introducing others to the One we know as our Lord Jesus Christ. If there’s any possibility that he’s trying to do a good thing, if there’s any possibility that he might actually be a part of the Body of Christ, might we need to slow down and at least bring a little more thoroughness,honor and gentleness to our accusations?
“SReed” writes...
Mr. Young says God ("Papa") is really not concerned about our sin -- so why the need for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross? The author also has a clear profession of universalist theology (everyone will be saved to heaven whether in this life or the next). But this story makes so many people feel good -- well, if that's really what God thinks is important, so be it. (I hope you heard my sarcasm in that last statement.)
What took Mr Young 250 pages and months to write you have brought into question with the use of one whole paragraph. You have indicated that their is a “clear profession of universalist theology” which by association means Mr Young himself must be a Universalist. You have thereby brought an accusation of heresy against Mr Young. Though you bring a strong accusation against a brother in Christ you have not been compelled to actually make a case (a clear profession) to this accusation. Though you “seem” to make a loose quote from the book you actually offer no reference to the work itself, no direct quotes, no page numbers, no context and no scripture to qualify your position. You have only presented us with an opinion. There is a scriptural basis for bringing correction in the Body of Christ (Matthew 18, 1Timothy 5:19) and a spirit of gentleness we must walk in when we undertake such important matters of justice among our brethren (Gal 6:1). You have no theological basis for the manner in which you are bringing this accusation.
I have read many of the negative reviews about this book. So far, not one argument that I’ve heard can prove universalism. Now if you use a “snippet science” along with “snippet theology” then we can prove whatever we want. For those who don’t know what “snippet science” or “snippet theology” is - that’s when you take a “snippet” of scripture or a “snippet” of a book out of the context in which it was written so you can manipulate it’s meaning and produce the conclusion of your desire. Here’s an example from “The Shack”
“They arrived at the door of the workshop. Again Jesus stopped. “Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self righteous. Some are bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian... pg 182 “The Shack”
Kind a sounds like Universalism huh? Now read the rest of the text
I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of My Papa, into My brothers and sisters, into My Beloved.”
“Does that mean,” asked Mack, “that all roads will lead to You?”
“Not at all” smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle of the shop. “Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you”
pg 182 “The Shack”
Sound a little different? How bout this passage below does it sound similar?
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Still not convinced? How bout we ask the accused? “Hey Billy are you a Universalist?”
“No, I am not a universalist!!!”
from William Young’s website http://www.windrumors.com
The Shack: A must read!
As most of you know I have an appetite for reading and I love to give away and recommend books to people that I know will impact their life. I probably read close to 100 books a year and out of that I consider myself lucky to find one book that I can add to my short list. The short list is that list of books that in my opinion should be read and owned by every person on the planet. Here's a few of those: Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, Wild at Heart by John Eldridge, Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, Two Trees in The Garden by Rick Joyner....
I also have a few titles by Eugene Peterson on my list such as The Message Bible, Eat This Book and Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places. You can't go wrong reading any of Eugene Peterson's work, he is a great scholar with a beautiful mind and an even more beautiful heart.
So, I'm writing this post to encourage you to read my newest addition to the short list, "The Shack" by William Young. WARNING! This is one of those books that wrecks everyone who reads it. My more scholarly friends have read it multiple times to process all of the "out of the box" theology which will stretch the waistband of your mind and it leave it a size bigger. My more emotional friends just read it over because they enjoy the emotional cleansing of this work. It truly is a beautiful work of God's Grace and hunger to love His children that will leave you contemplating the deep truths of God's love for you.
Here's what Eugene Peterson says about this book:
"When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of "The Shack". This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s "Pilgrim’s Progress" did for his. It’s that good!
-Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus Of Spiritual Theology,
Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
So, go find it, read it and give it away! Don't bother asking to borrow our copy it's already gone. You can get more info at www.theshackbook.com
Enjoy!
PR
I also have a few titles by Eugene Peterson on my list such as The Message Bible, Eat This Book and Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places. You can't go wrong reading any of Eugene Peterson's work, he is a great scholar with a beautiful mind and an even more beautiful heart.
So, I'm writing this post to encourage you to read my newest addition to the short list, "The Shack" by William Young. WARNING! This is one of those books that wrecks everyone who reads it. My more scholarly friends have read it multiple times to process all of the "out of the box" theology which will stretch the waistband of your mind and it leave it a size bigger. My more emotional friends just read it over because they enjoy the emotional cleansing of this work. It truly is a beautiful work of God's Grace and hunger to love His children that will leave you contemplating the deep truths of God's love for you.
Here's what Eugene Peterson says about this book:
"When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of "The Shack". This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s "Pilgrim’s Progress" did for his. It’s that good!
-Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus Of Spiritual Theology,
Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
So, go find it, read it and give it away! Don't bother asking to borrow our copy it's already gone. You can get more info at www.theshackbook.com
Enjoy!
PR
Sabbath Obervations
Some observations about Sabbath.
Mackenzie came home from her trip to Virginia today after being gone for 5 days. It was nice and quiet of course while she was gone and our routine was not as hectic without having to do all the running around that comes with an active 11 year old. However, there was a noticeable "something missing" about home life and it is nice to have her back. Our home seems right again. Throughout my life I have learned alot about the nature of "home". Home is more than our physical dwelling. It provides a "place" for our soul, our "collective soul" - "family". "Home" is created "out of" and "to serve" relationships. The same is true of "church". The scriptures tell us to "not forsake the assembling together". "Home" like "church' is the "place" that exists for the sole purpose of this "assemblage", like putting together a puzzle to make a bigger picture. Unfortunately, at times, I seem to have only recognized its presence once it was disturbed. "Home" most often operates in our lives beneath our levels of awareness, like a foundation that is hidden underneath the house.
As I am experiencing "Sabbath" and seeking to understand all that God has given us in this gift, it helps me to equate it with "home". Sabbath is a place created "out of" and "to serve" our relationship "with God". Sabbath invites "our work" and "our week" into the "collective soul", this mysterious "place" of "relationship" and "oneness". Sabbath gives deep meaning and purpose to "work" and "week". Sabbath helps build the foundations for our "places of relationship", places we call "home","church", or "the secret" or perhaps "communion" You can only "see" Sabbath when you choose to "disturb" the "week" the "busyness". You cannot "know" about Sabbath apart from "experiencing" Sabbath no more than we can "know" God apart from "experiencing" God.
To close I'll risk one more metaphor as I'm listening to the rain outside. There are "seeds" in the creation that are "not visible" today but will "be visible" soon because of "the watering". However, some seeds though present lie beneath "hard ground" of which the rain though present cannot penetrate. Embracing "Sabbath" is an intentional invitation on our part and an opening up of our heart and life to "the watering"of "God's presence" to "bath" our "invisible" seed with "life" and bring it into "glorious bloom" by which there is a "harvest".
I love you and am thinking of you on this day of rest.
PR
Mackenzie came home from her trip to Virginia today after being gone for 5 days. It was nice and quiet of course while she was gone and our routine was not as hectic without having to do all the running around that comes with an active 11 year old. However, there was a noticeable "something missing" about home life and it is nice to have her back. Our home seems right again. Throughout my life I have learned alot about the nature of "home". Home is more than our physical dwelling. It provides a "place" for our soul, our "collective soul" - "family". "Home" is created "out of" and "to serve" relationships. The same is true of "church". The scriptures tell us to "not forsake the assembling together". "Home" like "church' is the "place" that exists for the sole purpose of this "assemblage", like putting together a puzzle to make a bigger picture. Unfortunately, at times, I seem to have only recognized its presence once it was disturbed. "Home" most often operates in our lives beneath our levels of awareness, like a foundation that is hidden underneath the house.
As I am experiencing "Sabbath" and seeking to understand all that God has given us in this gift, it helps me to equate it with "home". Sabbath is a place created "out of" and "to serve" our relationship "with God". Sabbath invites "our work" and "our week" into the "collective soul", this mysterious "place" of "relationship" and "oneness". Sabbath gives deep meaning and purpose to "work" and "week". Sabbath helps build the foundations for our "places of relationship", places we call "home","church", or "the secret" or perhaps "communion" You can only "see" Sabbath when you choose to "disturb" the "week" the "busyness". You cannot "know" about Sabbath apart from "experiencing" Sabbath no more than we can "know" God apart from "experiencing" God.
To close I'll risk one more metaphor as I'm listening to the rain outside. There are "seeds" in the creation that are "not visible" today but will "be visible" soon because of "the watering". However, some seeds though present lie beneath "hard ground" of which the rain though present cannot penetrate. Embracing "Sabbath" is an intentional invitation on our part and an opening up of our heart and life to "the watering"of "God's presence" to "bath" our "invisible" seed with "life" and bring it into "glorious bloom" by which there is a "harvest".
I love you and am thinking of you on this day of rest.
PR
Tuesday Morning Coffee February 05, 2008
Todays Coffee is hot and fresh and "Brand New".
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday Morning Coffee January 29, 2008
Good Morning Everybody! It's time for Coffee!
Enjoy!
PR
Enjoy!
PR
Tuesday Morning Coffee January 22, 2008
Here's the coffee. Join us for our last session on the Lord's Prayer.
Enjoy,
PR
Enjoy,
PR
Tuesday Morning Coffee January 15, 2008
Runnin' late but hot and strong as usual. Enjoy this Tuesday's coffee.
PR
PR
Tuesday Morning Coffee January 08, 2008
Hey everybody! Happy New Year! The coffee pot is back on. Enjoy!
Tuesday Morning Coffee December 18, 2007
It's fresh, it's hot, it's Tuesday Morning Coffee! Today we are discussing "Give us this day our Daily Bread!"
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday Morning Coffee December 11, 2007
Good mornin' everybody the coffee is fresh this mornin' Come inside and enjoy!