Thread: The Shack Movie

Originally Posted by victoryword

...Furthermore, in Jesus' parables God is presented in different ways (father of prodigal son, vineyard owner, shepherd, etc.). I don't think Mr. Young's book, if I understand all that is being said here, is teaching that the characters in the book are literally what God is but is using metaphor (or the Godhead is presenting themselves in a way that the main character in the book can relate, identify, and receive truth from Him)

EXACTLY!

Originally Posted by Valiant Woman

I just watched the Trailer, and it seems it's a film about the death of a child. If that's the case, I probably won't be seeing it.

Yes, VW - The main character, Mack, is angry at God, because his little girl was abducted and killed.

Originally Posted by Valiant Woman

I just watched the Trailer, and it seems it's a film about the death of a child. If that's the case, I probably won't be seeing it.

I admit when I read the first chapter or 2 I almost found it unbearable...but I knew that as the scripture tells us, joy comes in the morning, that this book was not about evil being glorified....the book is far more about the healing process we must go through..The amazing process depicted in the parable of God patiently helping Mack find joy and peace and forgiveness is well worth it...

I cannot state how amazing it was to empathize with that horror and rage and pain but to reach the end of the book and no longer have any lingering residue of that....I believe many have read it and literally experienced that healing process ...

PS..the book tells the story of the tragedy but does not fill in any details...

I believe the author's intent was to make the wound so prominent that the contrast of God's love and healing is equally prominent...

Universalism is not promoted in the book...in the chapter I am reading the 'God' character Papa says that through Jesus the whole world has been reconciled to God. Mack says, 'You mean those who believe in you, right?' The response is, "The whole world Mack. All I am saying to you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I hve done my part, totally, completely and finally. It is not the nature of love to force relationship, but it is the nature of love to open the way."

This book reminds me so much of Dr Leaf's teaching...

Originally Posted by Quest

Universalism is not promoted in the book...in the chapter I am reading the 'God' character Papa says that through Jesus the whole world has been reconciled to God. Mack says, 'You mean those who believe in you, right?' The response is, "The whole world Mack. All I am saying to you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I hve done my part, totally, completely and finally. It is not the nature of love to force relationship, but it is the nature of love to open the way."

Exactly.

Originally Posted by victoryword

Not defending the book since I haven't read it but why would there be a problem with a fictional portrayal of the members of the Godhead in the flesh? After all, God did say "let us make man in OUR image and OUR likeness." In a number of places in Scripture God is presented with having "human" features (face, hands, feet, arms, etc.). Actually I would prefer to say that we humans have features that look like God's.

Furthermore, in Jesus' parables God is presented in different ways (father of prodigal son, vineyard owner, shepherd, etc.). I don't think Mr. Young's book, if I understand all that is being said here, is teaching that the characters in the book are literally what God is but is using metaphor (or the Godhead is presenting themselves in a way that the main character in the book can relate, identify, and receive truth from Him).

Just some thoughts.

I basically agree VW in your analysis as there are many truths in metaphors


I was looking at it from the perspective of manifestation of the Godhead. I see a difference in manifestation v metaphor.
I may be splitting hairs but God was manifesting and revealing himself in 3 ways in the book but the only 100% true manifestation of God was Jesus Christ.


Also I am taking into account the friend of the author who is concerned - since he knows Paul Young I believe his comments need to be given higher consideration than others who express opinions
At this stage I have some doubts on the motives of Paul Young - it would be good if he came right out and answered concerns

We know that liberal ideas are increasing and being embraced by believers and mix that in with Hollywood it does give me doubts

The colleague comments below:

Leading the effort to expose “The Shack” is James De Young, a New Testament language and literature professor at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, who holds multiple degrees from respected seminaries, including Dallas Seminary, Talbot Theological Seminary and Moody Bible Institute.

De Young is a former longtime colleague of “The Shack” author Paul Young who challenges the mega-bestseller in his blockbuster exposé, “Burning Down The Shack.”

I posted a podcast on my FB page...They talk about several works of Holy Spirit that took place during filming...the butterflies and all the animals that wonder into the film are totally un-orchestrated.....the guy that plays Jesus was given a word from the Lord that He would speak through his eyes and on the last day of filming he was flooding tears uncontrollably....

He shares a beautiful story of Holy Spirit arranging for a couple to be on the set at the filing of one of the primary healing scenes and how God got them past being stuck..on to healing..

Originally Posted by Quest

Universalism is not promoted in the book...in the chapter I am reading the 'God' character Papa says that through Jesus the whole world has been reconciled to God. Mack says, 'You mean those who believe in you, right?' The response is, "The whole world Mack. All I am saying to you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I hve done my part, totally, completely and finally. It is not the nature of love to force relationship, but it is the nature of love to open the way."

Is the message or reconciliation in the book based totally on what Jesus did and every human needing to embracing the gospel personally

If a human who reads that book or sees the movie gets the message they can be reconciled to God apart from personally confessing Jesus as the savior and redeemer then it is deception. Using the trinity and even naming Jesus does not make it truth


There are many books or movies where non beleivers will say they have found healing and freedom for terrible hurts and pains - it doesn't mean they were reconciled with God


I am not against christians seeing the movie but there are doubts that it gives the scriptural message of true reconciliation with the Father



FOOTNOTE: Am not being legalistic.....Go and see the movie if that's your desire