Former American Press staff writer Sunny Brown Farley writes "Naked Faith," a look at faith in its natural form: lived out in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people.

The Shack

Posted August 18, 2008 at 9:02 am
Filed Under Faith & Religion | 5 Comments

Have I got a book for you.

I am wondering if anyone else has read The Shack by William P. Young? (Check out theshackbook.com)

I just finished this delightful book. What a treat!

As a seminary student, I spend most of my time reading books for class that are about things like congregational leadership, pastoral care, theology and church history. These are subjects I love, but they weigh down my mind.

The Shack, on the other hand, is a story of faith lived. Now that is what Christianity is really about.

More than anything, it was to me a beautiful illustration of the grace we talk about as Christians. God’s love for us is amazing. It goes before us. It surrounds us. It never leaves us.

I would highly recommend this book and would love to hear from anyone else who has read it.

Whether you have read it or not, you should know one of the central concepts of this book: God is especially fond of you.

Comments

5 Responses to “The Shack”

S Miller on August 19th, 2008 3:04 pm

I have read The Shack and I really liked it. I think it can be a great book as long as we all remember that it is fiction. I don’t think it holds a candle to Pilgrim’s Progress but it was a very enjoyable book. There is a Shack book discussion group that meets Wednesday evenings at Starbucks on Ryan. They would probably love to hear your input. I read the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan this summer and it was phenomenal. I have been in church all my life and this book challenged me to the core. Check it out!!
sbrown on August 20th, 2008 8:29 am

Thanks for your comment and I would love to hear what the Ryan Street gang thinks of The Shack. I found this work of fiction to embody the kind of grace I believe is central to the Christian faith. I found the book consistent with scripture and traditional orthodoxy. I love Christian fiction – when it is rooted in sound doctrine. To me The Shack is much like some of the cherished works of C.S. Lewis. Thanks for your comment!
Susan Wanzer on August 31st, 2008 6:19 pm

Hey Sunny! Just stumbled on your blog! Cool! I’ve been thinking about reading The Shack. Now I will certainly pick it up.
Hugs to the guys,
Susan Wanzer
Mark Teal on September 3rd, 2008 7:52 am

Sunny,
I have started to read “The Shack” after my wife suggested it. Two other books that I have read recently that really brings faith, grace, and Christianity down to the level are “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey and “The Raggamuffin Gospel” based upon the songs and teachings of Rich Mullins.
sbrown on September 8th, 2008 10:54 am

I haven’t read “The Raggamuffin Gospel”, but I have read “The Jesus I Never Knew” and it was great! Let me know your thoughts on “The Shack” after you read it!
-Sunny