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Finding God in the Shack
What would it be like to lose your youngest child to a serial killer? And then to have God invite you out for a conversation at the very shack where the terrible deed took place? And then imagine that the door to that shack of horrors opened . . . and before you knew it you had been swept up in the motherly embrace of a large African American woman? This most unlikely of stories, as told in William Young's The Shack, has become a runaway bestseller and it is easy to see why. The book brings us on a redemptive journey through the shacks' of deepest pain and suffering in our lives, guided by the triune God of Christian faith. But even as lives have been transformed through this book, other readers have sternly denounced it as a hodgepodge of serious theological error, even heresy. With one pastor urging his congregation to read it and another forbidding his congregation to, many Christians have simply been left confused. Aware both of the excitement and uncertainty generated by The Shack, theologian Randal Rauser takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the pages of the story. In successive chapters he explores many of the book's complex and controversial issues. Thus he explains why God the Father is revealed as an African American woman, he defends the book's theology of the Trinity against charges of heresy and he considers its provocative denial of a Trinitarian hierarchy. But at its heart The Shack is a response to evil and so Rauser spends the final three chapters considering the book's explanation for why God allows evil, how the atoning work of Christ offers new hope for a suffering world and ultimately how this hope extends to all of creation. Through these chapters Rauser offers an honest and illuminating discussion which opens up a new depth to the conversation while providing the reader with new opportunities for Finding God in The Shack.
161 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
44 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Randal Rauser
25 books42 followersRandal Rauser is a systematic and analytic theologian of evangelical persuasion. He is driven by apologetic concerns and above all by the tireless pursuit of truth. The downside is that this requires him to recognize when he is wrong (which is often) for truth is complex and it offers us no guarantees that we shall always find it. At the same time, Randal does not despair of finding truth, for he believes that in a profound sense Jesus Christ is the truth.
For Randal, being like Jesus means knowing the truth, loving the truth, and living the truth. As Randal seeks to live the truth he promotes a culture of life that is anti-militaristic and pro-family, pro-environment and anti-abortion, anti-consumerist and pro-animal. A disciple on the way … alas, he is not half as smart or as good or as right as he thinks he is.
For Randal, being like Jesus means knowing the truth, loving the truth, and living the truth. As Randal seeks to live the truth he promotes a culture of life that is anti-militaristic and pro-family, pro-environment and anti-abortion, anti-consumerist and pro-animal. A disciple on the way … alas, he is not half as smart or as good or as right as he thinks he is.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 12, 2009
Randal Rauser, an associate professor of historical theology at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, explores the religious controversy sparked by William Paul Young’s 2007 novel, ‘The Shack,’ in his latest publication, ‘Finding God in The Shack.’
As Rauser states in the Introduction, “theology can enrich our understanding and experience of God. And that includes the experience that many have cherished reading The Shack. The fact is that beneath the surface of this compelling story is an inner structure of equally compelling and beautiful theological themes.” Throughout the seven chapters of the book, Rauser explores these themes, with most chapters ending with a series of discussion questions, entitled ‘Digging Deeper.’
These questions, as well as Rauser’s interesting and well-thought-out commentary, add to the conversations and responses that have been generated by the bestseller. In ‘Finding God in The Shack,’ Rauser discusses the theological issues raised in Young’s novel with a knowledgeable voice. In taking the arguments back to the Bible and theology, he reminds Christians of where the answers can truly be found.
Probably one of the most debated aspects of ‘The Shack’ is its challenge to the traditional perception of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the personifications of ‘Papa,’ a large African-American woman; Jesus, an ordinary-looking Middle Eastern man and Sarayu, an ethereal Asian woman. Rauser states that these depictions are not necessarily heretical since they can be explained by the theological understanding that God shows himself in an easily-comprehended manner. “God accommodates to our limitations by describing himself within the range of human experience, often by speaking as if he were a human.” This can be found in biblical descriptions of God as a king, a warrior, or a dragon. God cannot be limited to any of these depictions. He is all of this and more. Rauser goes on to state that the problem is not thinking of God in new and innovative ways that are relatable to our human experience; it occurs when we define God solely based on a limited metaphorical term. Our understanding of God should not be narrow; therefore, ‘The Shack’ is beneficial in that it presents God in a new, unorthodox manner while maintaining a scriptural basis.
The nature of God is complex and has been debated for centuries. ‘The Shack’ has brought the discussion out of church halls and into the coffee shops. Rauser joins the dialogue on the Trinity, hierarchy within the Godhead, the existence of evil and the after life with intelligence and wit. Those who have read ‘The Shack’ and found themselves looking for answers will discover that ‘Finding God in The Shack’ is an informative exploration into these questions.
As Rauser states in the Introduction, “theology can enrich our understanding and experience of God. And that includes the experience that many have cherished reading The Shack. The fact is that beneath the surface of this compelling story is an inner structure of equally compelling and beautiful theological themes.” Throughout the seven chapters of the book, Rauser explores these themes, with most chapters ending with a series of discussion questions, entitled ‘Digging Deeper.’
These questions, as well as Rauser’s interesting and well-thought-out commentary, add to the conversations and responses that have been generated by the bestseller. In ‘Finding God in The Shack,’ Rauser discusses the theological issues raised in Young’s novel with a knowledgeable voice. In taking the arguments back to the Bible and theology, he reminds Christians of where the answers can truly be found.
Probably one of the most debated aspects of ‘The Shack’ is its challenge to the traditional perception of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the personifications of ‘Papa,’ a large African-American woman; Jesus, an ordinary-looking Middle Eastern man and Sarayu, an ethereal Asian woman. Rauser states that these depictions are not necessarily heretical since they can be explained by the theological understanding that God shows himself in an easily-comprehended manner. “God accommodates to our limitations by describing himself within the range of human experience, often by speaking as if he were a human.” This can be found in biblical descriptions of God as a king, a warrior, or a dragon. God cannot be limited to any of these depictions. He is all of this and more. Rauser goes on to state that the problem is not thinking of God in new and innovative ways that are relatable to our human experience; it occurs when we define God solely based on a limited metaphorical term. Our understanding of God should not be narrow; therefore, ‘The Shack’ is beneficial in that it presents God in a new, unorthodox manner while maintaining a scriptural basis.
The nature of God is complex and has been debated for centuries. ‘The Shack’ has brought the discussion out of church halls and into the coffee shops. Rauser joins the dialogue on the Trinity, hierarchy within the Godhead, the existence of evil and the after life with intelligence and wit. Those who have read ‘The Shack’ and found themselves looking for answers will discover that ‘Finding God in The Shack’ is an informative exploration into these questions.
September 28, 2022
So good. The writer brings up the hardest of questions, everything from the biggest problem in the universe to why God is silent and allow evil to happen etc. It’s so thought-provoking and shows another side of God as we see Him.
January 16, 2023
I first read The Shack shortly after it came out, and what I liked about it back then was the portrayal of God as a loving Father. Life moves on, bringing us both positive and sometimes harder lessons. A key one, for me, is how to reconcile the suffering in the world with the goodness of God. Randal Rauser talks about “accommodation” in scripture, as the way in which untranslatable truths are presented to us as metaphors, so that we can glimpse their meaning. His analysis has helped me to see The Shack in an even more nuanced and complex way. He asks important questions and presents a view of God that I am increasingly sympathetic to. The Shack may not be perfect (though it’s pretty good!), but it is honest, and in my experience that is often a good beginning on the way to a better understanding of life’s contradictions.
February 25, 2023
Randal Rauser explores the many ways that an infinite God accommodates himself to out limited human minds so as to have a relationship with us.
Mack is lured back to the shack where his daughter, Missy, was abducted and murdered by the "Little Ladykiller". There he meets Papa, a jovial black woman who represents God the Father; Jesus, a Mid-eastern Jewish man; and Sarayu, an etherial Asian woman as the Holy Spirit. Through their interactions and conversations, the "Trinity" helps Mack to come to terms with his terrible tragedy and to reconcile with his wife, children, father, and the Little Ladykiller.
Why does God allow evil to occur? Suffering? Is there a limit to God's power?
These heady questions and more are addressed in this book, where the common thread of "God is especially fond of you" is emphasized.
Mack is lured back to the shack where his daughter, Missy, was abducted and murdered by the "Little Ladykiller". There he meets Papa, a jovial black woman who represents God the Father; Jesus, a Mid-eastern Jewish man; and Sarayu, an etherial Asian woman as the Holy Spirit. Through their interactions and conversations, the "Trinity" helps Mack to come to terms with his terrible tragedy and to reconcile with his wife, children, father, and the Little Ladykiller.
Why does God allow evil to occur? Suffering? Is there a limit to God's power?
These heady questions and more are addressed in this book, where the common thread of "God is especially fond of you" is emphasized.
November 7, 2024
One of my favorite short stories - hands down!!
May 20, 2012
A Good Primer for those with Concerns
I approached Rauser's book with a few concerns, but probably not the ones that a typical reader might bring. I've read The Shack several times critically and had come to the conclusion long ago that the concerns expressed by some as to the theology were both overstated and also coming most often from those who lean hyper-Calvinist.
What I was concerned most about was whether this book, in its effort to address the theology, was going to do it some violence by focusing on those elements of the book which are really secondary to what the book is about in the first place. The Shack has many elements of Theology within it, but it was never intended to be a systematic theology. Approaching it in that manner misses a lot. It can be a classic case of missing the forest for the trees.
That said, I was encouraged as I read this book, that the author recognized and addressed this concern from the very start. Futher, by addressing the book in broad themes and by recognizing that those themes are better evaluated as a whole as opposed to nit-picking on isolated passages which are wrested from the context of the book by critics who are exercising their own biases.
I did not agree with every element of Rauser's critique but in the end I left feeling that is was fair and would give the reader who was perhaps concerned about The Shack or wrestling with the critiques of others the tools they needed to move beyond the nit-picking and understand where the author of The Shack is coming from.
In view of this, I recommend the book and give it 4 stars.
4 Stars
Bart Breen
I approached Rauser's book with a few concerns, but probably not the ones that a typical reader might bring. I've read The Shack several times critically and had come to the conclusion long ago that the concerns expressed by some as to the theology were both overstated and also coming most often from those who lean hyper-Calvinist.
What I was concerned most about was whether this book, in its effort to address the theology, was going to do it some violence by focusing on those elements of the book which are really secondary to what the book is about in the first place. The Shack has many elements of Theology within it, but it was never intended to be a systematic theology. Approaching it in that manner misses a lot. It can be a classic case of missing the forest for the trees.
That said, I was encouraged as I read this book, that the author recognized and addressed this concern from the very start. Futher, by addressing the book in broad themes and by recognizing that those themes are better evaluated as a whole as opposed to nit-picking on isolated passages which are wrested from the context of the book by critics who are exercising their own biases.
I did not agree with every element of Rauser's critique but in the end I left feeling that is was fair and would give the reader who was perhaps concerned about The Shack or wrestling with the critiques of others the tools they needed to move beyond the nit-picking and understand where the author of The Shack is coming from.
In view of this, I recommend the book and give it 4 stars.
4 Stars
Bart Breen
January 25, 2016
É do conhecimento geral que, quando estamos perante grandes sucessos de vendas, surgem normalmente os livros “sucedâneos”, que pretendem analisar com mais detalhe o livro original e (porque não dizê-lo?) aproveitar-se um pouco do seu sucesso.
Este Encontre Deus na Cabana centra-se quase em exclusivo na análise da forma “inovadora” que William P. Young escolheu para representar o seu Deus e a Trindade. Compara-a e tenta integrá-la com as noções comuns e mais conservadoras, abordando temas como o modalismo (o facto de Deus, Jesus e o Espírito Santo serem apenas uma entidade), a omnipresença de Deus ou o seu poder evitar o mal.
Face à minha opinião sobre o livro original, não é de estranhar que tenha encarado esta leitura com algum cepticismo, movendo-me principalmente a curiosidade por conhecer (e tentar perceber) perspectivas de encarar o tema quase opostas à minha. A verdade é que o conteúdo do livro acaba por ser mais dirigido a crentes e a pessoas que tenham um conhecimento teológico relativamente aprofundado, apesar de a linguagem ser bastante acessível e de se notar a preocupação do autor em apresentar exemplos para aquilo que tenta explicar. Julgo que aborda alguns aspectos de discussão relevantes para os interessados, incluindo mesmo no final de cada capítulo várias questões para reflexão.
É um livro que recomendo a quem gostou de A Cabana e que pretenda aprofundar um pouco mais o que o autor pretendeu transmitir com esta “nova” abordagem ao tema da religião. Para os restantes, não me parece ser uma leitura essencial.
Este Encontre Deus na Cabana centra-se quase em exclusivo na análise da forma “inovadora” que William P. Young escolheu para representar o seu Deus e a Trindade. Compara-a e tenta integrá-la com as noções comuns e mais conservadoras, abordando temas como o modalismo (o facto de Deus, Jesus e o Espírito Santo serem apenas uma entidade), a omnipresença de Deus ou o seu poder evitar o mal.
Face à minha opinião sobre o livro original, não é de estranhar que tenha encarado esta leitura com algum cepticismo, movendo-me principalmente a curiosidade por conhecer (e tentar perceber) perspectivas de encarar o tema quase opostas à minha. A verdade é que o conteúdo do livro acaba por ser mais dirigido a crentes e a pessoas que tenham um conhecimento teológico relativamente aprofundado, apesar de a linguagem ser bastante acessível e de se notar a preocupação do autor em apresentar exemplos para aquilo que tenta explicar. Julgo que aborda alguns aspectos de discussão relevantes para os interessados, incluindo mesmo no final de cada capítulo várias questões para reflexão.
É um livro que recomendo a quem gostou de A Cabana e que pretenda aprofundar um pouco mais o que o autor pretendeu transmitir com esta “nova” abordagem ao tema da religião. Para os restantes, não me parece ser uma leitura essencial.
December 5, 2010
"Finding God in The Shack" is not as comprehensive as it could have been. Rauser says nothing about The Shack’s weak Eucharistic scene, for example, most likely because differences in denominational outlook would color any commentary there. More frustrating for me is that even while defending a novel of which he is especially fond, Rauser tends to hedge his bets.
What Randal Rauser has given the rest of us is a study guide. I have stubborn, armor-plated, hairy, ill-tempered problems with some of it, and the book could really use an index that it does not have.
Nevertheless, “Finding God in the Shack” is worthwhile for three reasons: First, Rauser provides an accurate snapshot of the debate over William Young’s novel in Christian circles. Second, where necessary, Rauser contrasts what scripture says with what The Shack says. Third, Rauser uses multiple sources, some of them surprising, to examine issues that continue to make The Shack a topic of fruitful discussion for many readers.
What Randal Rauser has given the rest of us is a study guide. I have stubborn, armor-plated, hairy, ill-tempered problems with some of it, and the book could really use an index that it does not have.
Nevertheless, “Finding God in the Shack” is worthwhile for three reasons: First, Rauser provides an accurate snapshot of the debate over William Young’s novel in Christian circles. Second, where necessary, Rauser contrasts what scripture says with what The Shack says. Third, Rauser uses multiple sources, some of them surprising, to examine issues that continue to make The Shack a topic of fruitful discussion for many readers.
May 29, 2009
I read this book while leading a group in a discussion of The Shack by William Paul Young. There has been extensive criticism by many more conservative groups and ministers of The Shack, but I found it a very powerful book. In this book Rauser defends The Shack against the shouts of heresy, as well as many other complaints. Rauser examines the major issues of The Shack--the image of God; the mystery of the Trinity; hierarchy in the Trinity; the arguments against an all-powerful, all knowing God in the face of evil; atonement; salvation for all creation. That The Shack has brought on such discussion among so many lay people is incredible to me; I have not had such discussions since my college philosophy courses, and welcomed the clarity and thought provoking analysis offered by Randal Rauser. There are two books with this same title, and I found this one more readable, although both are helpful.
May 30, 2009
There is a great deal of controversy about The Shack. This book examines each area of controversy with an even hand. In most the author agrees with the theology of The Shack. There are areas where he does not agree and somew areas where hte htere seems to be no way to determine if The Shack is on target or not. I enjoye d Searching almost as much as The Shack itself. If you have questions about some of the basic tenents of Christianity you should read this book, but only after reading The Shack.
August 4, 2012
Well I admit this story pulls your Heart strings. But I Just couldn't let my imagination go with the "Mother-God" Twist. And No Matter how much I tried to be open minded, and tried to stretch my thoughts around what the Author was trying to convey, I found myself laughing at the story and the slang that his God was speaking in and the Cooking just was too much! Oh well, I did finish it though. Nuff said.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2012
read, on-line, that many conservatives, evangelicals didn't like the shack and why.
In searching for a positive theological analysis, I came across this Canadian theolgian's
work which really helped me to further understand the shack.
In searching for a positive theological analysis, I came across this Canadian theolgian's
work which really helped me to further understand the shack.
May 26, 2009
positive review of the shack which i didn't like at all for its description of God
June 1, 2009
Great side book to read after the Shack. also makes you rethink things in a different light.
November 24, 2009
Read this book at the same as "The Shack" in order to compare the author's ideas with my own as I was studying "The Shack" in a church study group.
January 18, 2010
Let's check if it has something to add to the Original.
Read
May 27, 2010Insightful!
January 28, 2011
This book helped me a lot after reading The Shack. I learned a lot about my faith.
January 31, 2011
One gentleman's encounter with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit helps him move on from a tragic loss of his daughter.
Currently reading
February 10, 2011O Misterio do Livro A Cabana revelado.
May 29, 2011
Interesting, glad I read it.
May 6, 2012
a must read
May 25, 2012
You won't be able to put this book down!
July 12, 2012
Ok not as good as The Shack.
October 29, 2012
Maravilhoso !
Me deu uma outra visão, tanto sobre A Cabana quanto a Deus. Tenho certeza que o que aprendi com ele não vou esquecer (:
Me deu uma outra visão, tanto sobre A Cabana quanto a Deus. Tenho certeza que o que aprendi com ele não vou esquecer (:
January 8, 2014
Didn't really care for it.
March 10, 2015
An analysis of how The Shack lines up with Biblical teachings. Overall solid analysis, however, I felt like the author's issues with his own father clouded some of his assessment.
August 19, 2015
Very helpful and resourceful.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews