BLOGGING TOWARD SUNDAY…

Last week I mentioned the new book by William P. Young, entitled The Shack.  I am just about finished reading it, and the rest of this week I want to share with you some of the insights I have gathered from my reading.  Let me say first that I do not agree with all the theology contained in the book, but most of it is well-considered and, I believe, accurate.  As when reading any book, we pick and choose what strikes our fancy.

The book is a story about a man named Mack, at least a nominal Christian, who experiences the tragic murder of his 6-year old daughter, Missy, by a vagrant who is never brought to justice, and Missy’s body is never found.  Traces of her blood and her clothing are found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness.  Four years later, Mack receives a mysterious note, apparently from God, inviting him to come to the shack for a weekend.  At the shack, he meets the 3 members of the Trinity:  Papa, who is God the Father and is represented by a large African-American woman; Jesus, portrayed as a homely carpenter in overalls; and the Holy Spirit, called Sarayu, which means “wind.”

The conversations between Mack and the various members of the BIG 3 are both poignant and thought-provoking, attempting to help Mack come to terms with the loss of Missy, as well as deal with the question of where is God in the midst of unspeakable pain. 

Beginning tomorrow, I’ll be quoting some short passages for your reflection.  I think you’ll find it worthwhile, and by the way, I definitely recommend the book.  Blessings…

Filed under: Blogging Toward Sunday