I saw the movie and it worked for me I started reading the Bible, going to church etc. I knew was fiction and in some aspects isn't accurate, but (along with other stuff), it gave me the final push I needed. So I guess God put it on my path for that reason.

Each time I’ve watched this movie it allowed the healing “waters to flow”. Induction of a very cathartic cry response was particularly healing for my journey in life.

I noticed God uses anything He can to pull YOU to HIM. Bless your name and love for your love of us and forgiveness of our sin.

I agree...read The Word and ask for His Wisdom when studying the Truth. I loved the Shack as a human book allowing us to engage into a deeper study of God's Word. Thanks!

I think you've put forth some very sound advice on how one should view "The Shack." The best advice you gave is to, KNOW YOUR WORD...THE BIBLE!

I judged this book but it is very healing to people who have suffered loss.

If Oprah and Rob Bell endorse this.... well I have my answer.

This is a very realistic review. No, it is NOT scripture, but it is about a relationship with God and forgiveness. If you keep that is mind, there are great lessons to learn about the topic at hand. The danger is thinking it replaces the bible.

One of the most thoughtful and well-balanced (while still orthodox) approaches to this. Well done. You'll probably get a lot of hate about this (and already have), but well done you

Thank You ! You did a wonderful job of putting across your thoughts and opinions of it !

Thanks for your thoughts on this, it was very helpful.

Great summary, I think taking it a step further, maybe church or group of friends outing with discussion afterward over coffee. could be a good evangelism tool to help those searching yet frightened or intimidated about walking into a church gathering.

The Shack is nothing but symbolism ...you know, like Jesus used when He taught. Pray for 'eyes to see' and 'ears to hear'. It is by far is one of THE best movies ever - it has ministered the love of God and other of His attributes of God, to thousands -

I loved the movie and watched it 3 times because it's was a great movie. But I read and study the Bible. If people are using the Book as the Bible than they are lost but most people know the difference.

How about reading the Bible starting in Genesis 1 and ending in Revelation 22?Why waste time reading the shack when you are looking to live in Christ's mansion. The author is not Christian, so what God does he write of? So short answer is NO

I was exploring this channel and came across this video. I read the book several years ago, so I was curious about this commentary. I found the book interesting and it added a little bit to my view of God, but at the same time, I wasn't altogether comfortable. After reading Young's next book. "Crossroads", I was sure I was uncomfortable and chose not to learn any more about this author. After listening to the discussion in this KZfaq video and reflecting a bit, I have identified the source of my discomfort. One Sunday in church in my early teens, I learned this word/concept - "pseudo-truth". A pseudo-truth (not a real word) is something very, very close to the truth. I learned that the best lie that can be told is a lie very close to the truth so that listeners cannot distinguish (discern) from actual truth. I learned that a pseudo-truth is the most dangerous kind of lie. Until today, I would have said that "The Shack" was a weird but harmless book, maybe even helpful. Now I recognize it as one of those pseudo-truths - a lie difficult to distinguish from the truth. Very dangerous stuff. To believers I say, I find little redeeming in the book, and recommend, as they say, a grain of salt. As for non-believers, God just may use a book like this to open the door to them accepting God, but many will be led astray. If you were a non-believer and read this book or saw this movie and it opened your eyes to God then praise the Lord, but I urge you - please, read your bible and find the real God. The Shack is close to the truth, but it is not the real truth. (To those who have never read the book or seen the movie, but are commenting - you just like to hear yourself talk and are only parroting what has already been said by others. Please, stop.)

Do you know the author? Do you know he wrote the story as a parable for his children and a few friends? It was never written to be published, but a couple of friends convinced him people need to hear this story. The Shack is the place where all our pain, all our brokenness, all our secret sins, our questions and doubts, and our fears are kept. Your shack and mine is where the love of God meets us in all the fullness of the Father, Son and Spirit. Once out in the public domain, the story of The Shack took off like wild fire around the world, and has been translated into more than 35 languages. Do you think for one moment, it might just be a God-Thing? Please, don't be so quick to judge this man and his story. Go and listen to a few interviews of the author if you are so afraid of it. Read the book with an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying through the words of a broken life, and watch as His love heals all the wounds, and wraps him up with grace. Remember it's a parable, and people who criticize are twisting it all out of proportion and missing the big picture. If you know anyone who thinks God has abandoned them and their life is a wreck, point them to this story. Maybe you have it all figured out, but I would venture to say, most do not.

Thanks for your review. It was the most helpful and honest one that I have heard.

I first saw this, at my previous church. I knew it was Christian fiction. I know that it has touched me beyond what I can describe. Now own the DVD. Every Time i see it, i get something else from it. Have to discern and read between the lines. One of my all time favorites.

The only bad thing about the SHACK is negative comments but I'm so glad of negativity will draw men/woman to study more and seek the truth because he is waiting to reveal or show us His goodness in every way. Yes Jesus is the way, truth and Life and also is in all things, before all thing and draws all thing to Himself. So, where can we go that He won't be?

As a piece of fictional literature, it is certainly a creative work. Nonetheless, it is every Christian's responsibility to discern what is biblical truth and accuracy... even if labeled fiction. The dangerous truth is that this book/film introduces mystical depictions of God that closely align themselves with pagan Gaia worship and the Sophia or "mother earth" movement. These New Age and occult platforms feminize God and introduce "new ways" to "God." God IS loving, a redeemer, and savior. Moreover, He is righteous and holy. Seek Him and ask the Spirit of God to reveal His truth on this matter. If you align yourself with the deception that there are other ways to God, other than that clearly discussed in the gospels (only 1 way through Christ Jesus)... then, you are being led astray. As a Christian, no I cannot support this film.

The Bible says good cannot come from evil. Because of this movie, my adopted daughter who had gone through horrible abuse as a child accepted Christ as her Savior. I have watched it now probably more than 10 times. It gives me great peace and hope each time. I have studied the Bible for many many years. I find nothing, absolutely nothing in this movie that goes against anything I have learned. It deals with great sorrow and guilt and the ultimate triumph of love and forgiveness. There is a very good reason given as to why at first God is portrayed as a woman even though He is referred to as "He"; because of Mac's abusive father. Later, God is portrayed as a Native American man on a day that Mac "needs a Father". It's very clear all the negative comments come from people who have not seen the movie.

Wow, I remember the fire storm of controversy that came after they released that book. Thanks for being honest in your answer. Thanks for all you guys do!

The key is knowing God personally and knowing the word about The Word, (the Bible). Spending time praying and reading the Bible and doing what He says, is the best defense against false doctrines.

Does this book have any links to the Delphi murders.

I've watched the shack more times then I've ever watched a movie. I always hear the same messages in it, God loves me, forgive the people qhove hurt me, God wants relationship with us. I know God He is my friend.

The shack movie was really good movie. It is recommended. When I watched it for the first time, I was moved with the story. It is the spiritual journey in healing. No need to take seriously about the trinity from this movie because I think this movie did not talk about the trinity but how the person can be healed from the bitterness and to forgive the one who had murdered his beloved daughter. And of course it was not easy at all but from this movie I learned about the power of forgiveness..that’s all

this movie did not change what my idea of God is but it opened my eyes to the way God operates. Do I think it completely encompasses Him and what he is No,but it shed some light on the grief that I am dealing with. I blamed God alot when my brother died. This book actually helped me with my grief. I am constantly trying to find my way back to God and ultimately know the bible is the best place. But the authors view of how God does what he makes it easier for me to see that God doesn't make the choices in our lives . this is just one man's perspective. Everyone has their own perspective on who God is to them individually.

The film is a great story to reflect on about loss, guilt , shame, self affliction, depression, relationships, doubt, pain, questioning of Gods intent or existence, the fragility of mind body and soul, and much more I watched it at a very fragile point in my life and it lead to contemplate on many parts of my life and ways of thinking. I think this was a very good thing and it helped me take one step closer to Christianity in my search for actual answers and not some silly movie I was watching at rehab. I loved the movie, it touched my heart and I share it with as many people as possible. I know it doesn’t align with Christian doctrine and it doesn’t have to, it is a form of entertainment, work of fiction art created to make us think or help inspire ...whatever... I don’t care what the producer or writers intent was I know what I got from it and I enjoyed it. If someone is trying to learn how to be a Christian from watching a movie they have a serious problem.

Thanks for the honest review, good break down and analys. I enjoyed the movie, at the same time I was questioning parts that weren't in accordance with scripture, I did take a good look within myself also,and was greatly disappointed.

You can say this about any movie or book such as Left behind, The Encounter, or any other that gets into even miracles, seeing heaven etc. Some just need that visual or more relatable content to touch them and spark that need to get closer and know more or look deeper into scripture. This is why The Chosen is becoming so popular but even many question that because though much goes with scripture many is not and more entertainment. However, it does make many interested in wanting to know what the bible actually says. It is truly about knowing these things are just tools to introduce a loving relatable God then we as Christians can guide others and ourselves turn to scripture for the full answers and truth.

Throughout all time there has always come along someone or some persons who just "have to" find fault with anything and everything. If you read the book and/or saw the movie and it made you feel GOOD then THAT is all that matters. The movie is just about one book written by one man and his feelings and understanding and beliefs about LOVE and Forgiveness and the Use of Judgement of others and how he visualizes God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (to which he is entitled) ...a book that he wrote as a gift to his children. WHO CARES if it is not a "perfect" interpretation of The Bible or how GOD is portrayed in it or in perfect line with other doctrine, religion or beliefs. From 15 handmade copies to 20,000,000 copies sold speaks for itself that there is SOMETHING very special about this book and movie and it's profound impact on the spiritual beingness of those who appreciate it for the goodness that it is.. and the goodness that it inspires. THAT is what should be focused upon. I tell EVERYBODY about the movie and if they like it to share it with their loved ones ...and even those they don't love so much...and maybe by doing so they will brighten someones day or even their LIFE.

I am a fundamental Christian. I am like the Berean Jews. No matter who is speaking, writing, or showing me something.....I compare what they say with the scriptures so that I will not be fooled. To me, the scriptures are Absolute Truth! I have a Biblical World View in all things and it is my looking glass for all I see in this world. I do Prison Ministry. I have had untold numbers of inmates that have told me how much the book "The Shack" meant to them and how it changed their lives. I never made it an issue with them. It was not what I was there to do. I was there to spread the love of Jesus Christ and to love them. The weekly ministry changes lives in prison....and those brothers in prison study their Bibles like the Bereans. If only Christians would study the word of God as much as many of the brothers do. I myself, stayed away from the book because of all the criticism I read about the book.....and the main thing is that the book portrayed God the Father as a woman or should I say God the Mother. I could not stand for that because Jesus, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Triune God, knows God the Father very well and taught us how to pray to Him, calling Him Father. So I stayed away from reading the book. Recently, I met a man who I hired to do some work in our home who is going through the same thing as the main character in the book, The Shack". He recently lost his youngest daughter in an accident and blames the person who caused the accident. He believes he did it purposely to hurt his elder daughter but killed the younger one instead. He kind of blames the older daughter for not breaking the relationship with the young man who caused the accident as she said to him that she did. As I watched the movie, I could not help but cry and think how much this movie is like this man I hired and now is my friend and brother in Christ. I do believe this movie may help him find forgiveness as the main character did in the book (movie). As I watched the movie, it brought me to tears and I then understood why so many of the inmates found the book so moving in their lives. They found forgiveness. They were able to forgive themselves and also to forgive those who harmed them. Many of our inmates have had an entire life of persons close to them that have failed them.... and I do believe it is one of the reasons why they ended up in prison. Not all by any means...but a good portion were abused growing up. The book and movie is not to be taken literally true. But I do believe we do get a glimpse into the heart of God in The Shack. God does want to redeem all persons. He offers reconciliation to all who believe and trust in His Son. God loves the sinner and wants the repentant sinner to come to Him and have a relationship with Him. That is where The Shack does its part....it offers healing to the sinner only God can provide. From there, we do need to be like the Berean Jews, by studying the Word of God....so we will not be fooled by false teachings that are not teaching what is in scripture. We must protect our minds from those who do not rightly divide the word of God or twist the word of God by being a skilled false teacher.

The book was meant as a book to help people get through grief by using the hardest of all griefs. I had just lost my sister when I read the book and while indeed God used it to help me get through the worst of the grief I had to stop after I noticed the theology was not right. The movie I can relate to more and its comforting to me (my sister passed away 5 months ago) but I still see where God differs in the movie compared to the bible. To me the book and the movie is a tool to comfort the grieving in a world where we are taught to stuff our feelings inside after we have lost a piece of our hearts. God can use the book to help people understand the different stages of grief.

Shepherds must keep watch over the flock by night during lambing season, when ewes giving birth might require assistance. Lambing season in the Middle East occurs in early to mid-March. Therefore, a celebration of Christmas which is biblically accurate would happen in early spring. Presumably, anyone concerned with the "wrong" observance of the holiday season will hold off on the gift-giving until around Ash Wednesday

My pastor had a great take on seeing this movie. He asked - What if EVERYthing you knew about American history you learned from the National Treasure movies? You would have quite a skewed view on our history. Some truth and some fiction. In the same, everything you know about God should NOT come JUST from the Shack. So it sounds like my pastor agrees with you.

thank you

When people seek answers outside they usualy find false things,that some call"demonic" or in other ways.Look for Your answer inside You,cause there He answers.Only Love can save us.

The problem is most people are just going to watch it and take it word for word at what is says and not be discerning because they dont have the same prior knowledge and they know that. it's a very dangerous book and movie.

I can hear the Lord speaking to me, when I read his words from the gospels out loud, I'm not qualified to speak for the savior, the lord I'm referring to is Jesus Christ the risen son of God the father, my holy Lord, whom I'm not worthy to wash his feet, I love him and fear him, he is so wonderful I can't grasp his goodness,

I may 'have to' watch this movie, to be able to talk about this with other people who have seen it. I mean.. I know by now it's not a very christian movie, but it's good to know what to say when somebody talks about this and is enthusiastic about it. I'm gonna take some notes though as I'm watching the movie. To point out the differences between Scripture and this heresy.

The Shack is, for me, is another simple way to explain Who God is.

GREAT book! I highly recommend it.

After reading multiple comments from individuals who have not even read "The Shack," I have to say that I am disappointed. I have read this book and plan on seeing the movie as well and I could not be more excited. This true story moved me and I am very happy that a fellow Christian got me into it. This book has answers to many thoughts that us as a religious society have on a daily basis. I am an avid Christ follower and am very proud to say that I am. The dialogue between Mack and the Holy Trinity is magical to say the least, and I encourage you all to read this book with an open mind. I believe Mack, I believe that he went through this incredible journey. However, I did not need to read this book to make me a Christ follower. The book simply helped me gain a closer relationship with God because it shows a side that has not really been shown before. We should all be so grateful that Mack shared his unbelievable spiritual experience with all of us. It does no good for people in the comments to bash someone's experience with the Holy Trinity. Hate solves nothing, God put us all on this Earth in hopes that we can live as one and love one another. God Bless.

I read this book. It was a good read but there were some parts that I questioned. Thank you for letting me know it wasn't just me being sensitive. God bless you all.

Allegory, in my opinion.

The Shack has a lot of good things that can be taken from it. It is not the the bible. Two different things. People should be able to separate what is true and what isn't. This is way better to watch then most of the other movies out there.

My mom and I had I “discussion” about that and she basically called me a sexist because I don’t like how God is portrayed as a woman.

I saw the movie and I liked it. I think the important part of the film is it's teaching of, loving your enemies, and forgiving those who have sinned against you. And we're not talking about stealing your cookie. These two teachings are the highest, and hardest part of our faith, and are very difficult to do for real, if not impossible for all Christians, especially the zealots. This example of the Trinity is not to be taken literally, as is the bible in some places. i.e. the talking snake in Genisis (which Bill Maher always likes to point out) is a metaphor for a clever trickster which Lucifer was when he beguiled Eve. It does not mean that Lucifer transformed into a snake and spoke their language, although some fundamentalists believe that. In the un approved texts of the Jews, they say that Lucifer appeared as himself. which makes more sense, because He hadn't been condemned yet, because he hadn't taken any action yet. It's not until after he had done this terrible act that God says he will be condemned to slither on his belly on the ground, etc. Also no one knows what God the Father looks like, or God the Holy Spirit. I have personally felt the Holy Spirit at a healing service and He was invisible. When he appeared to the apostles the first time, He was as a toungue of flames. Also, They including Jesus can take any form they want when they want (a burning bush, a column of fire, etc). I forget the exact scipture, but he says always be on your guard because you never know when you are entertaining angels. Pure spiritual beings can take human form if it is God's will to help, show, or teach something to someone. The authur who wrote this did so quite accidentally at the request of his wife for his children. He did not do it with the intention of selling it or to make money let alone a film. When I saw both the film and the interview with the author I thought it came about quite naturally, and honestly. He's not teaching theology, he was trying to create a story illustrating forgiveness, and how does God and we (because he asked us to do it also) forgive what the catholics call mortal sins, or what I will call high sins, or what they call in D&D gaming Lawful Evil. This is a work of Christian fiction and is not to be taken literally. Relax, your not going to be converted to witchcraft if you read, or see this work of art or any other one for that matter. The only way people get into any of the occults is by practicing their teachings. i.e. playing with a Ouija board, holding seances, going to a black mass etc.

I agree with this guy 100%

He actually said he wanted to redeem all, not that he will....love book and movie.

Burn Down The Shack.

bottom line: if you are truly seeking Jesus-- the Jesus of the BIBLE -- you won't find Him in The Shack. You find a new age version of god...which is satanic. search your heart. do you want TRUTH or a lie?

I appreciate your critique on the book. thorough and helpful! I would however say that after observing all these false understandings of the christian faith, a Christian should not go see a movie like this. I believe that the devil uses stories like these to tear away at orthodox christianity and we need to take a firm stance against them instead of supporting them

It is clear the the book was not written based on strong religious doctrine, it is a fictional story. The purpose of this book and movie is to entertain, which it does very well.

The Shack teaches Universalism that says we are all basically good people, which contradicts Scripture. Whenever we look to sources other than the bible for truth we become vulnerable to believing just about anything.

If you want the non-fiction view of God go to the Bible. If you want an inspirational story on how God might reach out then The Shack does just that. This interview is right on. Bean

Love the book just like the wonderful communication of the bible. The book is full of scripture if you have any theology in ya. We should not be so afraid of books outside of the bible because bible books were inspired by scribe who read many books in there days.

I can see them depicting the woman as God coming to this man because this is the face of the person that comforted him as a child living with abuse. The Bible is clear that man is created in his image and woman was created from man. Truth we have a creator, his son is the truth the way and the life. The holy spirit is here to lead and guide us through this life.

Paul says that if you see Jesus, you see God and if you see God, you will see Jesus. You will never see 3 persons; it will only be one, and that is Jesus Christ!

I think yall missed the FACT that this is fiction and not claiming to represent God in any way.The lead character had a dream.Also,having a man play |God would be no more accurate as God does not have nor need a gender."Let US make manKIND in OUR image." ..but you forget that this is FICTION,not,in any way,claiming to be fact or an accurate portrail of God.Just a few years ago right after my 'surrender' to the Lord and just before I was baptized,I began writing poems right out of the blue.(I'm not a fan of poetry.)I was soon led to a particular grieving site that appeared in a news item each time I came on FB.For several days I had a growing sense of urgency when I would see this site appear.Fearfully I relented and posted 1 or 2 poems of comfort.The site owner made me a member right away.The poems came (for about 1 1/2 yr)as though they were being dictated but it took my pastor to tell me "that's how the holy Spirit works" to alleviate my fear.The emotions (plural) of love I felt from Him were more powerful than earthly love.This movie invoked that same love.I believe it was an inspired movie. Again:God does not have nor need a gender.God bless

I echo those below in saying that you should not be promoting this film, or the novel. The way "God" is portrayed is entirely antithetical to the truth of the Scriptures. We don't have to expose ourselves to that which is error in order to proclaim the truth. The question Young addresses is important, but there are much better resources out there that are biblically sound -- e.g., Corrie ten Boom's _The Hiding Place_.

demonic to the core

Believers that are rightly commenting on the heresy of the Shack, it would be purdent for you not to engage with MetaKnight964; he is very insulting and doesn't use the scriptures as the basis of his argument. His posts do nothing but provoke others to wrath (Proverbs 15:1) and try to push fleshly buttons to make you go back and forth with him. It is sad and we need to pray that he would come to the knowledge of the truth. I suggest this out of Christian love, not anger.

The world will not love the true followers of Christ. The Lord's Prayer says "Our FATHER which art in Heaven" not "Our MOTHER which art in Heaven." In John 15:18, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." This movie is well received for a reason. There is a false ecumenical church which is emerging today, where the pastor preaches "feel good" sermons to make people "feel" good about themselves, a church that will one day become the One World Church and the Bride of the antichrist. Then there is the true church, the persecuted church, which will go up in the Rapture, where you may not always come out of church "feeling good about yourself", but will come out closer to God. With the true church, it's not about "your own spirituality", it's about God's Spirituality.

So, so sad that so many of you don't see the TRUTH in this book. It's truly one of the best books ever written describing the nature of our amazing, triune God!!! Praise God this book was written and has had such amazing global response. It's a message more churches need to be proclaiming! I've heard him speak in person, and he's the 'real deal', and knows and loves God as much or more than anyone I've ever heard or written. I'd put Ted Dekker's "The Forgotten Way" up there as well... well worth reading!!

I think we tend to ignore that God is God. Creator of everything and everyone, Whether we are Christian or not, God created the universe and will know how to communicate with each one of us. Whether we believe or not in the Bible, we are all a living part of God and when we have God in Us, we have a direct connection with God. The book Shack I believe, is a conversational piece and is Pau's way of explaining how God works for us and through us. Let's not get too serious about it and chill,it's a book. Take from the book what you need. The only way we will know God is if we open our hearts and minds and love each other, be nice and kind to others, That's the basis of everything. Lets stop all this religious and doctrine fanaticism.

Our mother who art in the shack

OK, the main character, confesses to his preacher, that he had let God down by not protecting his mother from his father's beatings, the preacher, father and mother beat him, and he goes away. Has a family and does not best them, then his daughter is killed in a horrific way, this man lives God but doesn't get why he is subject to so much pain and betrayal, this is a simple story of a new fellow of God, who is infiltrated by dark, and it's hearacy.

What is going on with all the "Christians" in the comments? I don't judge, I just want to say this was a great great review, you did a wonderful job. Thank you for the warnings, I agree but I also agree that the story is good and gives a good idea of what the God and trinity is like.

The movie is better than the book because of its visuals. Its Trinitarianism is blurred, but given that the events take place in “Mack’s” dream, one can conclude that what he learns is what God is not. That the death of his daughter is not punishment for his own evil act (patricide), but a consequence of a chain of events going back to The Garden. The encounter with “Wisdom” teaches him that he is incompetent to sit in the judgement seat.

I disagree that it's "Christian fiction" because Young demonstrates that he is not a true Christian by presenting a false god and unbiblical "truths" Also, he got much of his story FROM "conversations" he had with "God". In other words, he heard from a spirit, and failed to test it (IF what he said about his experience is true.) "In 2008, William P. Young wrote a story for his kids about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that his wife encouraged him to publish. It became the runaway bestseller The Shack. Christian apologist Norman Geisler wrote of The Shack's origins by quoting from The Shack's afterword, "In the final section of the book titled “The Story behind THE SHACK,” he reveals that the motivation for this story comes from his own struggle to answer many of the difficult questions of life. He claims that his seminary training just did not provide answers to many of his pressing questions. Then one day in 2005, he felt God whisper in his ear that this year was going to be his year of Jubilee and restoration. Out of that experience he felt lead to write The Shack. According to Young, much of the book was formed around personal conversations he had with God, family, and friends (258-259)." Toward the end of writing the book, Mr Young had said that he spent one weekend writing four chapters, and one chapter, came out whole and he never edited it."" I too would strongly DISCOURAGE people from seeing it. Those who are not theologically sound don't generally tend to have the discernent to even know what they should or should not see, what they are STRONG enough (theologically) to see. The VAST MAJORITY of Christians these days are biblically illiterate! I think it's great you recommend people get to know God from the scriptures, however have you seen how many people consider themselves to be Christian, yet who can't tell truth even when it's staring them in the face or given to them on a sliver plattter directly FROM the scriptures? I'm sorry, but recommending people go see this is sending many of them straight into deception. Emotion and story are powerful, and many will be led astray because of their lack of understanding, wisdom and discernement, all because they watched or read this trash. www.cuttingedge.org/articles/db101.html

If "The Shack" twists scripture, and misrepresents Almighty God, then I definitely would not recommend it to anyone. If it draws attention away from how Christ represented God, and draws attention to societal interests fit into something as pure and holy as God's Word, then it's a dangerous thing. If it has heretical elements to it, which the Elder suggests in this video, why recommend it? It will just lead to more confusion. If we want to know and accurate account of the character of the Almighty God, read God's word!

This guy did an incredible job of covering his butt while TRYING to give HIS opinion on it. Sheesh.

*Raises hand Christian fiction isn’t trying to replace proper doctrine and biblical reading. It isn’t teaching with authority and hopes to encourage you to read the Bible for yourself. It usually seeks to point to Biblical truths in creative and interesting ways. Don’t get your faith from fiction.

Is 'The Shack' a Christian story? NO! It's totally blasphemous.

When you label your series Real Truth, and then you don't provide real truth, but rather your real opinion then you are in effect a liar.

I gagged and had to stop when they turned the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob into a black woman...the Holy Spirit into a woman and Jesus into... I just turned it off

I didn't know if I should see the movie or not, but I thought "if this movie helps people come to (the real) Christ, is their faith ineligible or fake? God can use many things to bring people to him. The Shack isn't claiming to be biblical cannon, or actual scripture. I saw the movie and loved it, I thought I'd be theologically nit picking the movie the entire time, but instead I loved it. Get over the fact that the trinity are all depicted as humans, and you'll enjoy it.

Those who desire to explain God, without the Word, and corrupt the explanation with man’s revelation of who He is, will do more damage than good to an unbeliever. “...it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea”

Shack & Pilgrims Progress are but opposite side of Aile.

As a pastor, I am aware of the differing levels of Biblical knowledge, Christian maturity, and wisdom, in all ages of Christians. I caution against the "shotgun" approach of condemning all "Christian fiction" while at the same time urging, parents especially, to be aware of what the message is in literature and all media consumed by our children. Teach sound doctrine, live out sound doctrine, and guard those whom our Lord has given you the charge over to do so. A former pastor of myself once said, concerning hearing what others say about God: "It's like eating fish, eat the meat...spit out the bones." This requires each individual to know the Word for themselves. But, good parents pick out the bones for their young children. There must be a clear line drawn between fantasy and Truth, between Sound Doctrine and "what if". NOTHING, no book, no movie, can be held to be equal to God's Word, the Old and New Testament, as speaking for or about God.

I liked this book, and I do believe that it has Christian truths in it. These comments are hateful and judgmental. Also, God doesn't say that to Moses....He says he is "I AM", at least to the best of our ability to translate it since there weren't any vowel markings back then. Another translation could be Creator, but I AM is better because it doesn't put God in a box, which it seems all of y'all are trying to do.

I'm not trying to denounce what this man is saying. I agree with most of it. The thing we need to realize about the movie is that it's all about nuance. It's the subtleties and context of this movie that brings it home. You have to realize, they're not saying , " This is how God is." This is showing one man's interpretation of God, "Mac", as he comes closer to know him. He doesn't believe God is a woman, but due to how mac grew up, being beat by his father, reassured by the neighbor lady, killing his falling and so on, God is represented by the same woman only due to the fact that that woman was the only source of "love" Mac ever had. God is love. He loves us even when we sin, so for him to be represented as a symbol of love, Mac, as he is dying, represents God with the only love he ever knew, this woman. Everything in this movie is about subtext and context. The problem with this guy's assessment of the book, and don't think I believe he's wrong, it's just he has the wrong context in which this movie is being portrayed. A true Christian definitely knows this the difference between this and the Bible. Everything in this movie plays upon a certain time in mac's life, from people to conversations to Everything. I simply believe that this is a love story that involves loss and one's self redemption. I could go on and on about the different individual scenes. I can also go on and on about what I myself have deduced in this movie. Thing is, it's only my opinion. I'm only speaking on my behalf and what I took from this movie. I love God, and I know he loves us. Be careful my friends.

If one finds God from something,i recommended him to that thing. But this doesn't mean the same thing will effect another the exact same way. P.s why are there so many wars between christians and christians these days???

Who is this guy to tell anyone anything. He has no more authority than that clown Ronald McDonald .

The man asks is this a Christian book, and the other man doesn't answer but says the author's parents were missionaries. They should have asked is the author a Christian. These men have no spiritual discernment, and it's people like them who lead shallow Christians away from God's truth. This is how the devil gets his teaching in. A few Christian words placed here and there. Do not read this satanic book nor see the movie.

The problem with this book is that it denies all major doctrine having to do with salvation. The author doesn't even believe in hell. I won't be referring to this KZfaq channel for info anymore.

OK maybe if the Bibile were preached in an unadulterated manner it would then produce power and faith, but unfortuntaley it is not because we have weak preachers and preconceived ideas

People, it is Just a movie of A Book, so is Harry Potter movies, does not make his world real.

So you endorse giving money to a product that you admit causes confusion for a person searching for God......great advice Todd! You should consider running for office you’d fit right in...

You can’t judge a book by its cover. The writer of the Shack is a universalist. He wrote a theology book after the Shack. Read “Burning Down the Shack” instead of The Shack. Watch the KZfaq video “Shack: Uncovered by Leading the Way. Most Christians don’t read their Bibles and can’t discern truth so they shouldn’t read blatant false teachings. Look at all the praises for this book. That should be an indication of deception alone.

I believe that we are so doctrinely weak within the church at this time in America that is not wise to advise most Christians to go read the book or see the movie. I even met Paul Young years ago but even after being a believer for years this book deceived me and took me on a wrong path. Now I realize after restudying the Word for the last several years what happened to me and I see many others open to this kind of wrong portrayal of God. Paul Young was a very nice man but all men tend to make God in their image...this is not the God of Scripture.

Great job dealing with this subject. I just have one thing I object to: the whole concept of the trinity. I believe in one God: the Father. The same one that Jesus and Paul worship. John 17:3 and 1 Cor. 8:6.

Yes the book is a Christian , the movie is too, that's how to letter got into the mail box GOD

Funny how people are programed to fight about anything. Even something that is essentially coming from a 'good' place. Highly doubt Paul Youngs purpose in life is to lead people away from the truth. Just look at it for what it is. If you're offended by this or anything then you need to look inwards and ask 'why'.

Hmmmm. Heard many slam The Shack. These same people endorse CS Lewis. Hmmmm. Talking lions, conversational beavers, a magical door to another dimension. The Shack is poetry like Lewis' works. As a Chaplain adept in the realm of theology, I've had many nurses ask me about CHRIST because of the book. It's a Christian's approach to the problem of evil (theodicy) in the artistic form of poetry. You can take the substance of What is written and talk it away from Christ as easily as talking it toward Christ.

I think it's okay to read/watch, but take everything with a grain of salt and compare it to what the scriptures say. I do think the fact that the film is a major hollywood production says something about the theological infallibility of the story, though.

Have u ever written a book that healed so many through Gods love? He only wrote this to his kids!!! God himself made this worldwide!!! Have you done anything out of the love of God only for your loved ones, have you accidentally made millions?

I agree with itsnotaboutme ...You ask "what God is it that the person who says the book made them feel closer to God, feels closer to?" And then you point out some if the statements in "The Shack" that present a God that is NOT the God of the Bible. That would be a different God. We are told to avoid those that preach a different gospel. It should not be part of our entertainment. It is a message that will NOT save from the wrath of God...what we need to be doing is speaking {w/facts from the Bible} why the message of "The Shack" is wrong. While y'all do correctly point out some of the errors...you only scratch the surface. I would suggest to anyone looking for more facts that hold "The Shack" & its message to the straightedge of God's word, check out the 90 second video from WWUTT (When We Understand The Text), & their You Tube channel.☝