For decades, our customers have thanked us for the trust they can place in the products we sell, but they’ve also consistently asked us for the ability to choose from a wide variety of Christian products. It is in that spirit that we remind you to read with discernment.

The Shack, a Christian fiction title, was written by William P. Young who was born a Canadian and raised by his missionary parents in what was New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult. This is his first book, and it was released in May, 2007.

This book has quickly become one of exceptional interest to Christians, as it has apparently been of great encouragement to people dealing with broken relationships and personal tragedy. “The Shack is the most absorbing work of fiction I’ve read in many years. My wife and I laughed, cried and repented of our own lack of faith along the way. The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God.”– Endorsement by Michael W. Smith, Recording Artist

There are numerous positive reviews about this book as well as reports of how it has helped many people in reconciling why a loving, sovereign God allows injustice and suffering. On the other hand, there have been some negative reviews of The Shack expressing concerns about the book’s theological content, especially regarding its treatment of the Trinity. Some passages, taken alone, may appear to imply universalism or to downplay the consequences of sin. Each of these concerns is subject to debate. We encourage you to be aware of these issues if you choose to read this book.

It is important to remember that The Shack is a work of Christian fiction. Christian fiction may be defined as a story or fantasy written within a Christian context. As such, this title is not a teaching or doctrinal book since, by nature of the genre, more creative license is expected in Christian fiction than nonfiction. As with other Christian fiction, this book is not a treatise on the Trinity, salvation or other Christian doctrines, and it would be unwise for people to develop their theological positions based on works of fiction rather than on the Bible itself.

In The Shack’s fictional story, readers see the loving nature of God depicted in a very different and somewhat unorthodox way. The book illustrates that God wants an intimate, personal relationship with us and demonstrates very vividly the brokenness of human beings who need God to heal their hurts and scars. These aspects of The Shack make it appealing to many Christians. However, because of the book’s thought-provoking nature, its unique presentation, and the theological issues listed above, we again remind you to read with discernment.

Our prayer is that as you read this book, and whenever you read, that you place the material under the magnifying glass of Scripture and read with discernment, asking God to reveal His truth to you so that, as Paul wrote in Philippians 1:9-10, “…your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ…” (HCSB).

For additional help and insight:

If you have questions about the Trinity or other theological subjects, talk with your pastor and/or visit a LifeWay Christian Store or www.lifewaystores.com for help in selecting resources on these topics.

A recommended resource on the Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance by Bruce A. Ware. Crossway Books, February 2005.

A recommended resource on Christian Theology:
Introducing Christian Doctrine (2nd Edition) by Millard J. Erickson. Baker Academic, April 2001.