The Shack has touched millions of readers with its portrayal of a compassionate God in the face of great evil. Many have identified with the main character's Great Sadness, the terrible burden of grief that often accompanies and follows a deep loss, for the Great Sadness is part of the human condition. And it compels us to ask, Where is God? Who is God? Roger Olson, who has faced his own Great Sadness, finds a good deal of comfort in this much beloved story, as have so many others. Some may ask, however, Is God really like that? Is that really how God responds to evil? Can God be trusted? Olson also views The Shack with a theologian's eye and finds much sound truth. He delves into many of the significant issues raised by the book, such as forgiving those who have done us great evil, how God acts in the world, how God is three persons in one and what difference this makes to us. While he offers his own criticisms of the book, he largely finds the truth about God in The Shack.
Finding God in the Shack, written by Roger E. Olson, is a readers’ guide to the recent hit novel The Shack by William P. Young. Though the writing is succinct, the materials and subject matter are heavy and aimed toward readers of greater spiritual maturity.
Reader alert: Within the first chapter Olson reveals and begins explaining the story in its entirety, including the ending, so those who have not read The Shack may want to set this book aside until after reading the original.
Olson, also author of Questions to All Your Answers and Who Needs Theology?, tackles not only the positive spiritual impact of The Shack, but also the conflicting theologies that may confuse Christians. For example, in Chapter 4, titled, “Is God in Charge but Not in Control?,” Olson says Young “is over the top” in a passage describing God’s submission, but later in the same paragraph he writes, “There is some truth in it, but surely it could be expressed in a better way.” His style allows for both negative and positive aspects of the book to come to light, providing a neutral, yet informational, look at the spiritual elements of The Shack.
The most valued aspect of Olson’s guide remains his unwavering honesty and bravery in trying to tackle meaty and mysterious Christian questions, including why bad things happen to good people, why there is evil in the world, whether Jesus is more Jew than Christian, and how God can be comprised of a Trinity. Olson does not back away from making a valiant attempt to provide explanations for these difficult topics and rarely falls back on the stereotypical answer of “God works in mysterious ways.” He also makes a point to analyze the praise and problems that The Shack presents to theology and its sometimes vague representations of God. Olson takes into account that The Shack is a work of fiction and, therefore, he allows for a certain range of creative license, while simultaneously making an imaginative work applicable to furthering walks of faith.
Finding God in the Shack contains complex and heavy themes, yet explains them in a simple manner that readers will appreciate. It is the perfect reading companion to The Shack and is highly recommended to the Christian community. – Nan Johnson, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3 out of 5 stars)
8 of 22 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Valerie Moriset (Tucson, AZ), September 16, 2009
Very in depth and right on! The author reviewed the Shack in a loving, non-judgmental way. However, I STILL loved the Shack and will read it again just for how it made me feel when I read it.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carol Cleal (Cortland, OH), August 26, 2009
Excellent. Addressed many issues raised by The Shack. Reinforced Biblical basis. Easy to read. Referred book to my Bible study sisters.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mrs. Kathy J Heitz (Sumpter, OR), August 13, 2009
If you have read "The Shack", you will want to read "Finding God in the Shack". I found in reading this book that my impression from "The Shack" was right on and even had my faith deepened as a result of more understanding in "Finding God in The Shack". I find it to be a Great Companion. If you have had questions in reading "The Shack", this may help you sort out some of those questions.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Truth Seeker (CA), July 25, 2009
You WILL find God in the BIBLE, You WILL find God if you seek HIM with your whole heart!!! The Shack & this book are mere attempts to replace the True God with a God that doesn't exist, a god made to suit themselves. Please don't waste your time with these books. God's Word says without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that HE REWARDS THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM!! Jesus says to SEEK 1st the Kingdom of God & His righteousness.... not by looking for the answers in books written by man. JESUS is the WAY, TRUTH & LIFE, no one can come to GOD except through Jesus.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Pat Myers (Ralston, OK), July 21, 2009
I wanted to read this as a theologians answwer. I questioned for a while what The Shack was about and I came to the conclusion part way through the book that what this theologian thought was the way I had taken the book. Many people are reading this book.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Amanda Humphries (Swindon Sn25 3ph,), July 12, 2009
Fantastic book, great way to review and think about what you have read in the Shack.
Also the study guide was very helpful
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Butch Rhodes (Jonesborough, TN), July 05, 2009
Very insightful book. Sound biblical reasoning about a great book and how God was presented in the book. Will definitely help you understand "The Shack" better.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jacques Grenier (Mont-laurier, Qc,), June 17, 2009
I found that many questions the author had were the same for me. His answers were generally at least acceptable, except at the end on his position about what it is to be saved. It is a too soft salvation, one that seemed by works at time.
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