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I have been reading The Shack and thinking it was the greatest book I have ever read - until tonight!

Has anyone else read this book?

Okay, here goes. I'm reading this book and thinking about how many friends who are struggling with God or even the concept of God would benefit from reading this book. I'm in tears reading this thing and thinking that it is everything a young Christian could ever ask for and then, whammo, blammo the author throws in this:

(Mack)  "Is that what it means to be a Christian?" It sounded kind of stupid as Mack said it, but it was how he was trying to sum everything up in his mind.

(Jesus) "Who said anything about being a Christian? I'm not a Christian."

The idea struck Mack as odd and unexpected, and he couldn't keep himself from grinning. "No, I suppose you aren't."

They arrived at the door of the workshop. Again Jesus stopped. "Those who love me have come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims; some are Demcrats, some Republicans and many don't vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions."


So here I am reading all about Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit and then they throw this in. To me it smells like the typical human (non-Biblical) thought about God. Kinda like a one world religion view also.

Does anyone have any input or thoughts about this part of the book?

Hello keno90,

There are many deceptive teachings today in just this manner. They seem to be on the up and up but in reality there will be certain portions that will be thrown in that will completely undo all that was correct and many of them will portray it as being God's words. It is always best for this reason to turn to God's own written words for the truth.

Hello Keno90,

First, I agree completely with what Pastor Roger told you.

It sounds like the book is selling either:

Universalism - All will be saved regardless

Humanism - Man becomes his own god

Both are worthless ideas of man to avoid and reject God. They are temporary, "feel good for now" false teachings, and they are deceiving many.

Thanks! I'm glad I am not the only one who thought that. I know so many solid Christians who have read this book and recommended it. I showed my Mother the page today and she was amazed that she did not recognize that when she read it. I'm going to do a little research on the author and the book to try to find what others views are.

This is why many Christians don't recommend books, except for the Holy Bible. Otherwise, it's dangerous to recommend books unless you've read it from cover to cover. I use the word "dangerous" because I don't want to be responsible for helping the devil deceive and snare his next victim.