Forget Santa… Try An Allegorical Tale Worth Your Time

As we approach Christmas, I want to talk to you about “The Shack.” It is a novel written by William Paul Young. It is a story about a man named Mac. Mac has had his ups and downs in life and after experiencing the death of one of his children, he has become pierced with a deep sadness. As you meet Mac and hear the retelling of his story, you begin to get to know him in a very realistic way. He is a man who is living, yet it is really a zombie like existence. His life has been derailed and he can’t get back on track (some of you know folks like this or even may be in his shoes). The story leads us with Mac to visit a small shack in the woods in the dead of winter after he receives a mysterious note. When he arrives he meets God.
I won’t give away any more of the story, but let me say that this particular book has generated a great deal of buzz. Most who have taken the time to read it, have loved it. Many have passed along copies to friends and loved ones so that others might enjoy it too. One guy named Jerry said on his blog, “I found The Shack to be a fascinating piece of work. I loved it too. I've already given away two copies. I really appreciated Young's images of things like forgiveness, (God) the Father, and the unique relationship of the members of the Trinity. I too was reminded that the Lord Jesus lives in the present more than the past or future, and that's good for me today. It was good to be reminded of God’s desire: "I want all of you and all of every part of you and your day." "Rules and principles are simpler than relationships" was a great reminder, too, of how easily we slip into legalism, judgments. Anyway, I'm impressed with Young's abilities with words, and I'd highly recommend this little volume to anyone who asked.
There are those who are frightened by the book. They are worried that people may take some things literally or accept Young’s story as gospel itself. A number of pastors and theologians have had “a fit” over the book. Even Lifeway book stores pulled it off the shelves temporarily. Fortunately, they put it back! Yes, some of the images and settings might be unsettling. Pastor David Dykes of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, endorsed the book but he says, “God the Father is portrayed as a character who goes by the name “Papa.” This image is what gives the 21st Century Pharisees apoplexy! Is God really like this? Is that what the author is saying? Of course not! No more than Jesus is really a powerful, noble lion named Aslan! But you don’t hear many (although there are some) who are criticizing the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I recommended “The Shack” to a pastor friend of mine recently and I warned him that for those folks who are wearing their religious underwear too tight, it will definitely cause a theological wedgy!”
I agree with Pastor Dykes. I remember all the hullabaloo about Jesus Christ Superstar, the Passion of the Christ, and other “controversial” Christian forms of entertainment. Ironically, maybe the controversy has helped sales of the book, now over 4 million and who knows how many hand me downs given. The other day when I went to my dental appointment at Dr. Hackbarth’s office in Bridge City, many in the office were in process or had already read the book and they loved it. The depiction of God is unique and different than many have come to think and it is a breath of fresh air. So, I would recommend my readers pick up a copy and don’t let others tell you what to think. Think for yourself and take the chance to see the story not as fact, but look for the allegorical truths woven within the text. I do believe Young has written an important text for anyone to enjoy and provided a place for some to meet the Holy Spirit... in the Shack.