Comments on: I dare you to read “The Shack” book

By: Jule'e Olson

Jule'e Olson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:49:47 +0000

I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!! For me it brought me closer to God. Is it not the point, to not judge each other? I feel the book made me a better person. I read it in 1 day. A few days later I read it to my 21 year old daughter. The book brought tears and laughter but, we both feel better for it. I think everyone will get something good out of reading this book…..Something totally spiritual. I plan on purchasing a book for all of my family members. I hope they make a movie. I’m not giving up my church, my devotions or what I believe in, I just feel this book will open anyone’s heart to a new beginning in CHRIST. Thankyou William for a wonderful book.

Jule’e

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:39:41 +0000

After further consideration I have modified my opinion. If you had extensive resources to research my parents in order to write a book about them and your resulting book misrepresented them so badly that their own children found the characters unrecognizable, I would not be content with any defense of the book that cowered under the classification of “fiction”. If you used my parents names and wrote an imaginative story misrepresenting what I know to be true about them, I would be incensed. So, while the book is well written, captures the imagination, and achieves many other noteworthy markers, it is in the end a misrepresentation of persons and for that, it deserves much of the scathing criticism it garners.

By: tony

tony — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:36:45 +0000

To Vicki and Sam,

I am almost done with the book (two chapters to go) and Vicki, you have said it best. This is just one person’s thoughts and beliefs about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Yes, it has different ideas and thoughts than what the Word says……but the main thing here is if this book can reach people who are struggling through this crazy world and don’t have a personal relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, than it has served it’s purpose well. Sam, you remind me of Nicodemus. Don’t be too caught up in man’s doctrine. It’s about having a personal relationship with Him. God bless all who read this book. Faith, Hope and Love!

Tony

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:37:24 +0000

I was encouraged to read the book by a relatively non-’believer’ friend of mine, & when she raved about it, I didn’t honestly give it much credence. Then, I heard about it from someone at church (insert groan here), & I decided I needed to read it. SO glad I did. It’s up there with the 5 top books I’ve ever read! I purchased 2 more copies for family, & they’re being recycled- couldn’t wait for the family members to finish reading so we could all discuss it without giving anything away!
I ‘get’ the negative comments directed at the presentation of the trinity, questions regarding biblical accuracy, but if a fiction book such as this is getting secular folks to read/question/explore faith, then I find validity in the work.
With all the garbage in the media, the negative impact from this book is nominal, in my opinion.

By: James

James — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:42:11 +0000

Just wondering, but of those of you who loved the book, how many of you have had a “life altering” experience such as Mack’s? Not necessarily the unnatural death of a child, but the loss of a loved one, divorce, etc. I lost a son at birth and I couldn’t bring myself to read past the beginning of the camping trip. Mack’s cross to bear is so much different than mine that I couldn’t begin to relate. I know, some of you are going to try and comfort me with “it doesn’t matter because God’s grace is all encompassing.” It doesn’t work that way. Until you bear the cross, you have no idea; I don’t wish that anyone. We deal with grief in our own ways and have our own relationships with God (following scripture, of course). You think you might be able to relate to Mack and think his moment of forgiveness is a revelation, but again….you have no idea.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:16:38 +0000

Oh, Sam, is not the point of any book to stress a relationship with God, a book worthy of a little praise? No matter, this is fiction and you really should look up the definition of fiction.

Opening a human’s eyes just a little to begin the journey of a relationship with God is so vital in a day and age of judgmental hypocrites. A quote directly from you “neither God the Father nor God the Holy Spirit became a human!” how do you really know? Have you been around forever?

You speak for the young Christians of the world and your concern…you should be concerned if you are a leader in the Christian world to which they are to learn to be a loving human with a heart and soul filled with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; but
honestly, it is your comments and stance why I left the church never wanting my children to learn from ‘leaders’ such as yourself. (oh, yes, the entire conversation with Jesus in the book about leaders….ummmmm).

Oh, and BTW, Pamela C, who you absolutely tear apart is one that you should have said “Congratulations! Now go read the Bible and worship in the light of the Holy Spirit” …not tear her down in her/your thoughts. Also the point you make about Willie appears not to recognize at all that God is holy and unreachable! Hello, the entire book is about how Mack can’t reach God but is told time and again how Jesus made that relationship for God. Did you read the same book we all did or were your Christian blinders on too tight? Again why so many of us leave the church: you are not open to allowing others to worship and survive this crazy world the way we need to: thus the story of Mack someone needed to say how he feels about God. And that’s all it is.

Please go forth and love, not hate others for the way they learn to believe and worship…the world is hard enough.