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TechnoratiThe year 2008 was full of surprises for the Christian entertainment industry – from shocking confessions and tragic accidents to unexpected bestsellers and notable Christian-to-mainstream crossovers (and vice-versa).
As The Christian Post continues to reflect upon this past year, the following is being offered as the top 10 entertainment news of 2008 based the opinions of CP readers and editors:
1. 'The Shack' Author Insists Bestseller 'is a God Thing'
Author William Paul Young had not originally intended his novel to be for public consumption, but since its debut on the market last year, The Shack has shot surprisingly to the top of best seller lists and set up camp there, generating large amounts of buzz – both positive and negative – within Christian circles.
To date, The Shack has sold more than 4.4 million copies in 24 different countries after being initially spurned by 26 publishers. It has remained on the New York Times Bestsellers List for Paperback Trade Fiction for 31 weeks and currently retains the No. 1 spot.
While Young is convinced that his book “is a God thing,” the book has been openly criticized by conservative Protestant heavyweights including R. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.; Chuck Colson, founder of the Prison Fellowship Ministries; Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle; and influential blogger Tim Challies, who produced a downloadable 17-page review/guide on The Shack that compares the novel’s assertions to Scripture.
“Much of what Young writes is good and even helpful (again, assuming that the reader can see past the human personifications of God),” wrote Challies in his extensive review.
“Sadly, though, there is much bad mixed in with the good,” he added after addressing the issues of the Trinity, submission, free will, forgiveness, scripture and revelation, and salvation.
The surprise best seller has prompted a number of individuals to produce books and materials to counter the book, which they describe as “nothing less than rank heresy disguised as Christian literature.” Also coming out are books and materials defending the book, including Finding God in The Shack by author Randal Rauser.
“The Shack will not answer all our questions, nor does it aspire to,” argues Rauser. “But we can be thankful that it has started a great conversation.”
Despite the book’s success, Young said he isn't contemplating a sequel though The Shack may possibly be turned into a screenplay.
2. 'Fireproof' Supporters Mobilize Moviegoers for High-Impact Opening
Since its Sept. 26 debut, church-produced movie “Fireproof” has raked in over $33 million in ticket sales and has been touted as a high-impact marriage saver and strengthener.
Directed and produced by the Kendrick brothers of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., the movie tells the inspiring story of a fireman and his struggle to save his faltering marriage from ending with his newfound faith and with the help of the “Love Dare,” a 40-day spiritual guide that utilizes Scripture to reveal what true love is. Continue >>
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