National Pastors Convention to Draw Hundreds Despite Controversies

Canuckster1127 »

Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:10 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Every article you post, Eric with regard to William Young and the Shack, plays to controversy and promotes Tim Challies.

This is not reporting news. This is editorial comment disguised as news.

Pro-'Shack' Books Hit Stores, Face Critics

Canuckster1127 »

Mon Feb 09, 2009 6:12 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

This article appears to be more about Challies than The Shack or the books referenced.

Controversial Book 'The Shack' Touts Growth Amid Sales Slump

Canuckster1127 »

Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:24 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Especially putting that as a last sentence. It's a direct invitation for controversy and response.

It makes it appear the article has an agenda.

Diminishing Glory

Canuckster1127 »

Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:00 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

I'm not associated with this site in any way.

The Shack isn't the Bible. The purpose of The Shack is not to replace the Bible nor is it to provide a complete systematics course.

It's a metaphorical work of fiction meant to depict a journey of healing that took place in one man's life over many years. Much of that journey involved relearning things that were out of balance and at the root of many of the problems that man was experiencing. In that context, it's perhaps understandable how some could make an accusation of imbalance. However, I think it just as likely that those criticisms are reflective of that state of imbalance in the another direction on the part of the critic.

In any event, my original comments were tied to this article.

It's one thing to not like the book. It's another thing to bring one's influence to a public forum and advocate that no-one should read the book. Given that the article itself makes the error of assuming the book is an allegory, it lacks credibility.

I'm disappointed to see a man whom I respect otherwise taking a stand of this nature and by it denigrating a great deal of good things that I believe are coming from the book, and that is my point.

Diminishing Glory

Canuckster1127 »

Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:00 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Thanks for your response Lisa.

Your response illustrates some of my points as well.

I am an ordained pastor with a degree in Biblical Literature and while I'm certainly not the final word on any of these things, I like to believe that I've got a reasonably good handle on literary devices both in the Bible and in literature in General.

In the article above, Chuck Colson refers to The Shack as an allegory, something that the author specifically denies and qualifies many time. By casting it in that light the book and the author is done a disservice and Chuck, no doubt without malice, misrepresents the nature of the book and then goes on to build a case incorporating that misrepresentation or misunderstanding in the foundation of the argument.

If you or Chuck or anyone else (even Tim Challies or Al Mohr) want to try and demonstrate where The Shack crosses lines or misrepresents Biblical Truth in terms of the imagery and truths represented, which after all are representative of about 11 years of a personal journey in healing and restoration of the Author, then I'd be delighted to interact on that level.

You asked me a question however, and I answered it. I spoke rhetorically in part of my answer toward readers in general and you chose to take it personally accusing me of an ad Hominemn attack when I was simply drawing a parallel to elements of Jesus use of parables to illustrate the absurdity of some of the claims in general made about the book.

I don't see selection of some attributes over others that those criticizing the book see. I see a restorative balance back toward the Love and Grace of God that in some traditions is sadly missing.

Sadly, many who seek to reject the book (and it's certainly not above criticism or perfect) don't realize that with the strident terms and unfair characterizations that are made, not only is The Book invalidated, but those who are being reached and ministered to by the book are invalidated along with it, and I think that is very sad, and very unnecessary.

Diminishing Glory

Canuckster1127 »

Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:47 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Lisa,

I just happened to see your post and I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier. There's no notification so luckily I was checking some old posts and caught this.

I live in the Washington DC area and know several people who work for Prison Fellowship. Chuck Colson dedicated the Church Building I currently attend. He's a respected person and I still respect him personally despite my disappointment at this review.

The Shack is a work of fiction. It is intended as a parable and a metaphor of a path of personal healing and restoration taken by the author. That's actually a good insight as to why the book is so powerful and effective in touching the people who read it. It has the power to move beyond people defenses and especially for those who have been hurt, often times in the context of religious legalism and indifference, the book has a very strong appeal.

Given tha is accepted, would that justify heresy or irresponsible doctrine? No, I'm not arguing that it would. However, most of the criticism that I've observed coming toward The Shack is coming from the direction of those who appear to me to miss the metaphor elements of the book and miss the point that the literary devices are not inconsistent with how Jesus taught and why his teachings seemed to stir a particular element of the religious community of his day.

Don't like God portrayed as a woman? Take a look at Luke 15 and the parable of the missing coin and who God is represented by? Don't like the idea of God represented by a racial minority, then by all means feel free to take Jesus to task for daring to shock his listeners by invoking the image of a "Good" Samaritan.

Think there are some down to earth terms such as those that picque Mr. Colson in this review? Stay away from those passages of the Bible that speak of mutilation being wished on those legalists wanting to maintain circumcision.

I don't mind that Mr. Colson doesn't particularly like the Book. Everyone is entitled to their personal taste and The Shack isn't perfect and infallible.

It is having a strong impact however, particularly among those with grave hurts coming from the area of dysfuctional families, sexual abuse survivors and a great deal of things that statistically are found in the prison population moreso than the general population.

I find it sad that someone whom I respect otherwise is aligning with those whom to my observation have more in common with those who criticized Christ and in the process missing a strong tool to reach the group he has served so ably before.

Diminishing Glory

Canuckster1127 »

Fri May 23, 2008 4:41 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I respectfully disagree with this opinion and further it saddens me that the head of one of the largest prison ministries is missing the message and potential for healing for people who have "Shacks" of their own to revisit and need to find God on a deeper and more personal level.