Turning a Fortress into a Shack (Part 1)

Over the next few days, we are going to post a three or four part blog discussing a very popular book in Christian Circles today. Our hearts' desire in everything for you is that the discussion, study and thought brought about by honest intellectual and emotional engagement will draw each of us closer to God and aid in transforming us into the very image of Jesus!


Turning a Fortress into The Shack
W.P. Young’s The Shack makes a muddle out of Christ’s atonement
by Blake Loy

The reason for this article:
Bottom line: No issue is more important than the atonement of Christ. What Christ accomplished on the cross is the most important topic in the entire universe. While Christians would do well to let many disagreements and petty debates fade into oblivion, the atonement of Christ cannot be compromised. W. P. Young’s triumph of independent publishing, The Shack, addresses many spiritual concepts. While Christians can “agree to disagree” on many of the unorthodox views presented The Shack, Young’s portrayal of Christ’s atonement must not be accepted by any Christian.

Caution:
It is not my intent to deride William Paul Young or those who support the message of this book. Christians must stop throwing “babies out with the bathwater,” and must begin to embrace art which is beautiful and effective. I intend the utmost of respect and humility when approaching this review, and I hope that it will be helpful not slanderous or poorly received. Witch hunts are prevalent in Christian culture today. Unfortunately, evangelical Christians have developed a nasty reputation for rejecting film, music, and books for petty reasons. Culture is waiting on writers to make novels which are artistically relevant, and spiritual in nature. The Shack is an example of such a work of art; which bridges the gap between quality workmanship and religious appeal – in that I applaud the efforts of this author.