The Shack—What It Is and Isn’t

[image error]I ‘ve seen several rumblings over the newly released movie, The Shack. I’ve read posts from those who sob because of the brilliance in addressing forgiveness after staggering intense pain and I’ve seen comments about how these slices of information are wrapped in the devil’s web.

How can the movie, The Shack affect people so differently?

Movies made over the years have attempted to communicate scripture. I laugh even now remembering the scene from 1962’s epic film, Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot left the city with his family. The movie shows hundreds of people fleeing the city with Lot (played by Stewart Granger) running along the procession, saying, “Don’t look back! Don’t look back!” Scripture tells us it didn’t happen that way at all.

Or what about movies such as Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, and The Greatest Story Ever Told? Scriptural accuracy didn’t always seem to be such a concern as was their main objective: telling a good story. And for those who choose to view The Shack through the same lens—seeing a good story—what then, is the problem?

Could it be that we now want quick fixes of scripture spoon-fed to us without putting any effort into it? Are we so entrenched in the “I-Want-It-Now” lifestyle that we choose not to take any responsibility for what we read or watch?

In all the reviews I’ve read, I have not seen one that promoted William P. Young as offering a God-inspired work. Instead, I see interpretations of the opinion of William P. Young. He did not write scripture. He never said he wrote scripture. So don’t you think tagging him with the burden of defending a rendition of a dream he had seems a bit intense?

If we seek to understand God—know who He is and embrace what he wants to be to each of us—wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about what people’s opinions are? Listen to God’s own conversation with Moses as shared in Exodus 3:14 (God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”).

People have been hurt when truth blurs with opinion surrounding the topic of Scripture. Bashing those who are interested in seeing a movie that offers opinions doesn’t do much to build up the kingdom of God. If and when people ask questions regarding The Shack’s underlining questions like where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain … how can God be an African-American woman … could Jesus really be a jean-wearing hippie… accept the open door as an invitation to share Truth to match the opinion they had just witnessed.

Give yourself permission to enjoy the movie, The Shack. I’d love to hear your review. However, if you are looking for a scripture-satisfying experience while munching popcorn and slurping a soda, you may want to reconsider.