The Shack

I just finished reading the Shack in an attempt to better understand its popularity. And popular it is. Published in 2007, it remains a best seller. I waited several months before my turn arrived in the queue despite the 113 copies circulating in the library system.

I still don’t get it. I don’t understand its appeal. The narrative is novel, but not especially engaging. Some of the dialogue is penetrating and thought-provoking, but much of the theology is questionable and even flippant. I’m aware of the high profile critiques of the book, and would agree with much of their concern.

Eugene Peterson claims (prominently on the cover) that “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his.”

I would turn around Mr. Peterson’s claim by suggesting that this book represents our generation (unfortunately) as well as John Bunyan represented his.

The book is a mix of standard Arminian evangelical theology that tries to hard to capture the ethos of Norman Peale’s positive thinking and the segment of the emerging church that emphases 'relationships over religion’.

I liked elements of the book; the value in admiring God’s beautiful creation; the hope of heaven; and forgiveness. But it’s unusual portrays of the Godhead, communion and the Body of Christ, among others, is unfortunate and damaging to God’s Kingdom.

I hope that people who read The Shack and love it will be drawn to Pilgrim’s Progress, and pick up a book much more spiritually satisfying and theological sound.

Quote of the Day - The Silent (and Sober) Majority

"'Worldwide, more people abstain than drink (alcohol)," principal researcher Jurgen Rehm, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, said Thursday."

Source: "1 in 25 deaths linked to alcohol, study finds" Toronto Star. 25 June 2009.
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/656893

Psalm 79:9

Help us O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliever us, ,and atone for our sins for your name's sake. - Psalm 79:9.

Psalm 73:21-28

When my soul was embittered when I was pricked in heart I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end fo everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:21-28 (ESV)

English Reformation Myth

There is a myth about the English Reformation, and the myth is that it never happened. Many Anglicans would once have had you believe that it consistent of little more than a few moderate and sensible adjustments to a Church of England that had no need of the ructions happening on something The Continent and which was exceptionally conscious of its continuity with the past.

Source: Patrick Collinson, The Reformation A History. New York: A Modern Library Chronicles Book, 2003.