Growthtrac Community

[SAM]

There has been previous discussion about this book under the "Infidelity"
section of GT Community.

I thought it would be better to move it to Books, Music and Resources.
It is a great topic to discuss.

Here's a continuation of the original posts.

From RD on 9/04/2008 -

Not to beat a dead horse, but here is some more info on The Shack

http://www.leadingtheway.org/site/PageS ... 83u4.app8b

Response from SAM on 9/04/08 -

RD - You're not beating a dead horse. It is great information and beneficial to all who visit GT Community. Thank you for providing it.

I especially like one quote -
Do not be blown away by every wind of doctrine, or by your emotions. Never allow your emotions to control your mind. Let your mind be the thermostat that sets the temperature of your emotions. Cling to the God who loves you so much that He gave His all. Don't be misled by all kinds of warm and fuzzy descriptions that do not fit His own personal revelation in His book. e -

Scripture is always our truth source. Always.
And, it important that you know the Bible (and scripture) before you pick up The Shack. I agree, it can mislead someone in the truth about Christianity. In the same manner that The DaVinci Code was misleading.

Knowing what you believe and why you believe it is very important. It helps you have intelligent discussion with someone who is seeking to know Jesus Christ. We cannot be pick and choose Christians. When we pick and choose, we distort Christianity and create our own religion. This is what the author of The Shack has done.

It is still a very interesting read and very thought provoking. It is not a true story - it is fiction. It does raise very serious thought about how we judge others and how easily we blame God and turn away from him.

[gameops]

I saw the link for the Heresies in the Shack and I was a little taken aback by the agenda of objection put forth by Dr. Youseff.

1. God the Father was indeed crucified "along" with Jesus. As triune God is there any way he could not have?

3. I think the cross did provide forgiveness for everyone...but only through a professed relationship with Jesus can humans claim that forgiveness and become saved. The Dr. is comparing apples to orange juice when he fails to separate forgiveness from salvation.

7. God submits to human wishes and choices...I agree with Dr Youseff's retort but isn't the line he is taking from the Shack, more of an acknowledgement of God creating man with free will? No where would human wishes and choices come into play more then from God desire to submit to or allow them to take place.

10. Does the Dr really think the book was suggesting that people would be able to come to God without Jesus? Seems like he is nit picking a bit here. We all have taken different paths to God...with the final step of that journey being taken through and with Christ.

So in the end this is a wonderful piece of fiction which is not designed to withhold pharisaical reproach. It is a love story about the undeniable force and need for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in a world without hope. It is not the bible but it will ultimately bring more people to read the bible. It is not a true representation of Triune relationship, but it will lead more people to seek out more knowledge about that relationship. And it is not the divinely inspired word of God, but it contains divinely inspirational words about God that are bringing non-believers and devout Christ followers alike to a closer relationship with our Lord.

With all do respect to Dr. Youseff, there are bigger issues in today's world then discrediting a fictional love story about God. Not to mention the alarming title of his text. The same Truth he is reffereing to would have him able to put the author of the Shack to death for his 13 "heresies".

[SAM]

Welcome, glad you joined us here at GT Community.

Thank you for your comments. They are very insightful.

Hopefully, you can join in on some other posts.