Mackenzie Allen Phillips “Mack” is troubled. He spent his life serving God, married a better Christian than himself, and raised his children in the church. Why was he the target of such pain?
Before “The Great Sadness” overtook Mack, he thought his life blessed. A beautiful wife who loves him no matter his gruffness. Five children who are truly beautiful inside and out. He likes to joke, “They took his good looks because Nan still has hers.” Oldest sons are out making a living and his two middle kids, Josh and Kate, are getting good grades in college; although, they still live at home. And then there is Missy, the late in life little surprise.
It happened at the family’s last-hoorah camping trip before three of Mack’s kids had to return to school. Mack rose early to prepare a pancake breakfast in the wilds of Oregon for the crew. His wife Nan was still at work and would try to join the family later that day.
It wasn’t long before everyone was out of the tents and rubbing their eyes. Apparently, the cakes became stuck to the griddle and Mack burned two fingers trying to save them. His expletives could wake a hibernating bear, no wonder everyone was up.
While cleaning up his mess the group wondered off to the river for some canoeing. Mack joined them just in time to see the canoe capsize with Kate and Josh entering the water. He felt okay, they had on life jackets, but Josh didn’t surface!
Mack didn’t waste any time. He took two big strokes and was on the scene and under the water. Josh was pinned down between the canoe and a log which held his jacket. Mack surfaced for another breath then went back under to force the canoe over.
Josh popped out, but unconscious. It took a few seconds of Mack administering CPR and Josh was throwing up this morning’s eggs to everyone’s relief. Okay, Mack stood back and regrouped. Kate is fine. Josh is fine. Where is Missy?
The Shack, written by William P. Young, is an incredible story. The plot combines a modern day mystery with biblical theology that has America talking. The shack of the title is a metaphor for that which is our “great sadness.”
The controversy evolves from one man’s fictional opinion of the Holy Trinity. Readers may not like his choice of characters to depict the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; although, they will not forget them. I personally love the book and thought Young’s voice refreshing.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Shack (copy)
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13 comments:
Maggie, we read this for one of my book clubs, and it was a big hit. I know there has been quite a bit of controversy across the country, especially with conservative Christian groups who feel that the author takes too many liberties with his theology. But, what everyone seems to forget is that this is a work of fiction, and one man's idea of what things may be like. I enjoyed the story quite a bit and loved the characters.
This sounds good, Lisa. I'm going to suggest it for our next reading round table!
The fact that it is fiction is my argument at work. It is a good story whether one buys into the theology or not. Pure and Simply - Good Read! :D
a number of people have suggested this book to me, but I haven't had time to read it (and hoping the hype goes away in case I don't get around to it soon)
The publisher encourages the hype through The Missy Project, Sage. In the back of the book they ask you to pass it on, play it forward, etc. to keep the discussion alive. Must be 15 different bullets of ideas, but the main focus is word of mouth. I'm afraid you will be able to run, but not completely hide from the hype. ;D
Hey, everyone, Abunga.com is hosting an online chat with the author, William Paul Young, on Oct. 22 from 2-3 p.m. EDT at http://Abunga.com/AuthorAtAbunga. You should join in, if you can. I work with Abunga.com and it's going to be a great time to ask Young questions and hear his thoughts!
Maggie, we read this for book club in September, and I thought it was an interesting story as well. (And I was fascinated by the idea of The Missy Project to continue discussion/interaction on it.)
Meanwhile, I hear you on the "just fiction" thing! I wish everyone thought that way, though. I'm guessing that the same people who base their view of the Trinity on this book also turned to the Left Behind series for instruction on the "end times." Yikes! :P
I had mixed feelings about the book though my book club did like it. It does make a person think.
Kucole - Thank you for stopping by and providing the information. The book does generate questions, and I found Paul warm in all his interviews. I'm sure it will be a popular event! :)
I had to LOL after reading your Left Behind comment, Tiffany! :D When I began our Eat, Pray, Love discussion, I made clear I did not agree with the author on her religious journey, but I respect her choice to travel. I've been labled New Age because of my book discussion choices! Bah!!!
Clair - Were the mixed feelings from the theology or the story? What turned you off, then on, then off, etc.?
So, it sounds like an interesting book but there's a flaw in it that I think would really bother me.
Canoes don't sink so how would the son be pinned by the canoe? The most they do is ride low in the water. I've spent many a day on the lake trying to sink a canoe...
I suppose the river could have something to do with it but still. I hate it when a little thing bothers me this much.
cjh
CJ - I paraphrased, but not to clarify to shortify. ;)
I don't have the book beside me, and I'm sure when I wrote this, I didn't reread the passage. I have a 12:00 high noon deadline and it was 1:30 when I finally got inspiration. The book had so much to talk about, I chose to pick story version. Sorry.
I do remember the canoe being upside down with available air...
sounds like an interesting book, I'll have to track it down. We LOVED Wesley, in fact one of my daughter is reading it now and another is "next in line".
Glad you liked the TX stuff :)
That is so cool, Tx Mommy! I like your TX stuf better than my MS pecans. I'm wondering if I need to revamp the presents for next year! Thanks again, and you have given me new ideas! I love that! :D
This book isn't about perfect theology that fits in a neat ribbon tied box... It's about a broken feeble believer ...William Young... in his own way through his own faith trying to shine a humble little flashlight on his tiny understanding of His immeasurable maker. It's dirty... and broken and imperfect and beautiful. It comes from an honest heart... saying, "God... I don't understand you.... not even a little... but do I dare to try... to find a deepness in the relationship and friendship that you made possible with your son." I don't know about anybody else, but I get so tired of "Playing church".... I'd take the messy relationship that I don't understand, can't explain in words, and get wrong or missunderstand constantly.
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