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| Author: William P. Young
Creator: Wayne Jacobsen & Brad Cummings
Publisher: Windblown Media
Category: Book
List Price: $14.99
Buy New: $4.95
You Save: $10.04 (67%)
New (84) Used (44) from $4.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  1540 reviews
Sales Rank: 1
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0964729237
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780964729230
ASIN: 0964729237
Publication Date: July 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 So this is NOT "THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO WILLIE" October 9, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I've just finished reading this, and I must say the book may cause some controversy. As I read the other reviews, I was amazed at the need for the reviewers to protect "their Christianity". They criticize the text as being inaccurate and damaging. Damaging to what?
As an ordained Deacon, I have some knowledge of biblical issues. The only safety net we have is our belief in faith, and that Christ died for our sins so that we may have eternal life with God in Heaven.
Being said, the book is of course fiction. Everyone should have the right to enjoy anything they want. And, after reading the book, you may look differently at the use of the word "right" in this context. God speaks to everyone is His own way. So, in this version, He speaks as a large black women. To Isiah, as a King upon the throne. Perhaps Isiah needed to see God in that manner. Perhaps someone else would relate to God in the form of a large black women. Who am I to tell God what He is to appear as?
My relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is much like the story told. He lives in me, and I listen to Him. But my time with Him is not subject to an just one hour on a Sunday morning. I have spent all week with him.
So, as you read the reviews, keep an open mind, and get a copy of this book. Take a few hours or days to give this a read, and reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. And, if you happen to attend a service over the weekend, share the copy of this book with one of your friends. And, if just one person shares his or her life with Christ, and accepts Him, then the book has done a wonderful and permanent thing.
The Shack October 9, 2008
Excellent book. We used it in our book review group and we had a very interesting discussion. Some thought it would change the way they looked at things from now on.
Novelty October 9, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Typically, as you see from my Amazon reviews, I read technical documents, preferring to adhere to General Robert E. Lee's dictum of avoiding novel reading for manuals, references, and books that educate. When a friend recently asked me to review "The Shack" (Paul Young's 254-page 2007 paperback) I set aside the professional reading for this novel little story.
Reminding of the recent aura for the "Left Behind" series and the older "Purpose Driven Life" phenomenon, it seems "The Shack" is destined for similar longtime notoriety. Young's story of a father's struggle to overcome the brutal kidnapping and murder of his six year old daughter pulls at the heartstrings. He is summoned to meet the Holy Trinity in the actual shack were the child was killed- challenging reader consideration for life's pain and fear. Through a series of around-the-shack discussions (almost debates sometimes) between the Trinity and the father spiritual and emotional healing begin in the man.
The theological underpinning in "The Shack" is poignant and personal. The persons of the Trinity are thoughtful and provocative (the Creator is a barefoot African American lady who likes to cook, Jesus is a blue jean clad mid easterner who still sports the wrist nail scars, and the Holy Spirit is a flittering ghost-like little Asian gardener lady). Their persons are intertwined in "ousia" (Greek for "being") rooted in biblical conceptions of love.
Avoiding most of the Old Testament review for deity, "The Shack" posits Trinity power and activity in love. It's "all about love" each of the persons tell the father at various occasions. Scripture is offered without quoting as the man asks life's difficult questions. Divine love is, in deed, illustrated with each answer. Young's narrative reflects the biblical story with every new chapter.
Of course, some will disagree with portions of the shack's story. It is to be expected, theology is not perfect- nor should it be. For example, I find the discussion on evil, chapter 9, mostly untenable. Evil is much more than "the absence of Good", page 136. Also, Young's Calvinistic predestinarian problems with free will and independence in faith permeate the book.
Differences with the book, however, should not distract from its presentation. Its novelty makes it well worth your reading "The Shack".
Amazing! October 9, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love it! it sure breaks up a lot of overly religious church views we have of God.
 Disappointing October 9, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I read this book to see what all of the "hype" was about. Frankly, the book is not very well written and the story line isn't that great--much better books out there if you want to read good fiction. If you're interested in theology presented in a format the average person can understand, this book misses the mark too. And no, I'm not bothered by the characterizations of God as an African-American woman, Jesus as a Middle Eastern laborer, and the Holy Spirit as an Asian woman. Mr. Young's presentation of God's nature is not Biblical in many instances. In addition, sometimes what the author is trying to say is not clear. Read Tim Challie's review--he can say it better than I can. (Although I disagree with him on the forgiveness issue).
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