There’s a lot of buzz online and in conversations in the church about the movie “The Shack.” It came out in theaters a couple weeks ago and some people at CHC have seen it, others want to, and others aren’t sure. I want to be honest that I haven’t had time to re-read the book since I first read it a few years ago, and I haven’t gotten to see the movie yet. Even so I wanted to share a few thoughts on what I think…and whether I think you should go see it.
If you’re looking to the book or the film to fill in your theology then you’ve gone to the wrong place. Much of the criticism of “The Shack” is that is has poor theology, and paints the trinity in an unbiblical view. But that’s not really what the movie is about at it’s core. At it’s core this is a story about pain and how God (like or hate how God is portrayed) enters into our story in a very personal way and helps us with our pain.
Where some would complain that the book/movie go too far in their depiction of God, I would say that in ways it doesn’t go far enough. Our God is much deeper, more powerful, more loving, and far more personal than a story or book could ever convey. When Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt he asked what to call God? God said that His name is “I AM who I AM,” (where we get the Hebrew name Yahweh) meaning He is far more than we could imagine or ever need (Exodus 3). When Job wrestled through the pain and suffering of great loss God reminded Him that He created everything and sustains everything and so Job realized that God can be trusted and followed even in the darkest times (Job 38-42). The God that the bible depicts is far superior to the God that “The Shack” depicts, and we can know (and are known by) the God of the bible.
So you’ll have to choose whether or not to see the movie… I eventually will. I think it can be a good first step for someone who is seeking to know God, but wants nothing to do with an impersonal God that is sometimes portrayed through religious structures. It can also be a good starting point to wrestle through the question “where is God in my pain?” If the only teaching and understanding about God you receive is through “The Shack” you are missing out. If however, “The Shack” draws you deeper in to experience God the Father in a real and personal way through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit then I think it’s worth the time to see it.
I’d be interested in your thoughts on the book/movie too. So, catch me after church or send me an email. I’ll let you decide for yourself – make sure you do this by listening to God and the advice of other followers of Jesus.