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.

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! I will be praying for you brother.

You are not alone! There are many men in your same situation. I pray you get your wife back and that kick the habit of drinking.

Well, first off I'm new here and this is only my second post but I must confess I am a cursed Cubs fan. I live in the St. Louis area but when I was a kid I could not stand the Cardinal fans. The last straw for me was when Cardinal nation was trying to say that Tommy Herr was the greatest second baseman in the game. It just so happened that was about the time that my Dad got cable and WGN and the Cubs went to the playoffs in 84'. I became a Cubs fan quickly then and since it really made the Cardinal fans mad it was that much sweeter. I have been hanging in there ever since. I also root for the White Sox, Dodgers, Red Sox and whoever plays the Cardinals.
Favorite players ever: Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson,  Don Mattingly.

My son is now 4 and a 1/2 and I am the opposite of most men that I know. I loved it when my son was an infant. Loved getting up and feeding him at night and just looking at his eyes. My buddies could not wait till their sons got much older. Don't get me wrong, I'm having the time of my life with my son now that he is able to do so many things, but in my opinion just try to remember what a great gift God has given you and that this gift that He gave you must be well taken care of, cherished and loved every single moment. You think this is hard, wait till the terrible twos and the teens. My son is just now getting out of the terrible twos (who knew it would last two years) and his transformation has been amazing. Keep the faith brother and just think about what real love is. Real love is taking great care of  your new child and loving him each and every minute.