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I like Paul Young. Having heard him speak about his life and book three times at his alma mater (Warner Pacific College), in Portland, Oregon, in the fall of 2008, I found him to be passionate, witty and funny. While attending those meetings I was able to spend a few moments with him privately, during which time I asked him to respond personally to several criticisms and concerns that I and other Christians had raised about the theological content of his book. I wish I could report that he allayed my apprehensions, but instead I went away convinced that The Shack is more than just a little offbeat but is, as Dr. Albert Mohler pegged it during his May 26, 2008, radio broadcast, “blatant heresy.”
Yes, The Shack is indeed a novel. And many will wonder what could be wrong, since it is identified as a Christian book and authored by a man who claims to be a Christian. After all, The Shack is heralded by many seasoned Christian leaders. Pastors are preaching from it. Sunday School classes and small groups are reading and discussing it. Many Christians are buying it by the case to give as gifts. Some Christian schools are even sanctioning and encouraging the reading of the book. Now, ...
