My Musings on The Shack

Some in my church have asked me my opinion on the very popular book, The Shack. People who know me well understand that I am often leery of books from a "Christian" perspective that sell extremely well. I am no fan of Christian self-help books. Of course, The Shack is not a self-help book so I decided to read it. So here are my musings:

The other day I had lunch with a good friend and we talked about our thoughts on the book. It was helpful to flesh out my thoughts and concerns with him. Just as beneficial was to hear his thoughts and comments. I am glad that I have a friend I can share my life and junk with and still be accepted and loved. Pretty cool!

Back to my musings:

First, the book is well-written and establishes a good story line with some unexpected surprises. The author is creative and definitely writes with a noble purpose and goal. However, I did find it slow at times especially towards the middle of the book and weighed down in details that made my head hurt.

Second, I like stories with a redemption theme and this definitely has it. It deals with one man struggle with pain and brokenness in very honest and real ways. He shows the reality of how an awful event significantly and negatively impacted Mack's, the main character, relationships with God and those he loved.

Third, I appreciate his attempts to communicate the perfect unity and community of the Trinity. However, his attempts to show the Trinity is what most troubled me. I feel we are on dangerous grounds when we try to explain the mystery of the Trinity away and put Him in humans terms not found in Scripture. I understand the author's desire to help people see and experience God but we need to be very careful how we do this. At times he did this well and at other times he comes very close to heresy. On occasions I got lost in his explanations about who God is and how He works and left me with more questions then answers. At one point I felt he communicated everybody will get to Heaven because God loves everybody. He didn't outright say this but one could reach that conclusion in a couple of interactions with the main character and God.

With any book like this, Christians need to be discerning. I know that the author has touched many people because of the honest and intimate interactions between Mack and God and the description of God the Father as "Papa". But I found in many occasions his interactions among the Trinity too "mushy" even for me who is a very sensitive and "mushy" guy.

Final words: If you want a good read, then enjoy a good piece of literature. But I would not recommend it for young believers unless they are willing to discuss it with someone more mature in their walk with Jesus. Of course, you have the freedom to do what you want but we are called to help one another grow in our relationship with Him and reflect His beauty and grace.

Bottom line, you do NOT need a book like this to experience the awesome love and grace of God. The Bible is full of real life stories of pain and suffering that communicate our Father's tender yet bold love for His people. We are his Bride and Jesus, our Groom, is actively winning us to Himself. Sorry I am preaching now.

These are my musings.

Pastor Jeff

History, Samuel and the Bible

Just a quick comment on something special that recently happened. My son, Samuel, is homeschooled this year for 5th grade. We kind of skipped 4th grade to get him ready for 6th grade next Fall. Anyway, this mid-morning he took a history test and he didn't do very well. He became very frustrated in the midst of the test and discouraged at his grade. On his own accord he went directly to his room because he was very sad. Around noon Val and I were having lunch and we wanted him to come down and eat with us. When Val went up to his room, she found Samuel snuggled on his soccer pillow and reading his Bible. When Val came down to tell me that he was reading the Bible, my soul was greatly encouraged. What an example for us! Samuel modeled to me a very simple but at times hard truth that when things get tough or when discouraging things happen, turn to God and His Word. It is there where God met him and encouraged his soul. As God did that for Samuel, He delights to do that for us as well.

May the sufficient grace of Christ that met my son a few moments ago, meet you now.

I sensed that God wanted me to share this with you today!

Warmly,

Pastor Jeff

Music of Christmas

I love Christmas music. They are some of my all time favorite music.

I love Nat King Cole’s rendition of The Christmas Song. Seeing Bing Crosby and David Bowie sing The Little Drummer Boy on You-Tube is downright special. Hearing Karen Carpenter sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and I’ll Be Home for Christmas is soothing but also sad because she died at an early age from anorexia. Even though Michael W. Smith is not a great singer he has produced and orchestrated some the best new Christmas music (Christmas Time, Gloria, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, and Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come, O Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel melody are my favorites). My other favorites are Joy to the World, Silent Night, Go Tell It On the Mountain and O Holy Night, especially when Josh Groban sings it.

Sometimes the music helps me remember of Christmas past and my families Christmas traditions. Some of my favorite traditions were waiting on the stair steps as my Dad went downstairs to turn on the lights and get things ready on Christmas mourn; my parents Christmas Eve party with family and friends; and my grandparents coming to our home on Christmas morning. The music also encourages me to continue similar traditions. I do the same thing my father did plus we read the Christmas story before Samuel and Amanda can come down. Our family enjoys cutting down a Christmas tree near or on Val’s birthday and hosting now my parents, brother and sister, and their children for Christmas Eve lunch and gift exchange.

Mostly, Christmas music as I reflect on the lyrics stirs my heart with joy and hope. They also stir up some painful memories and disappointments. I long for my Savior Jesus and look forward to the day when my struggle with sin is over and find complete rest for my soul in Him. But for now, the Christmas music reminds me that God is with me (and at great cost to Himself) in the work and person of Jesus Christ and he will complete His gracious work in me and in you. Whatever you are going through this Christmas season, my prayer is that you may know this Jesus who is no longer a Babe in a manager but the Redeeming Lord of our restless souls. I leave you with some newer artists who are gifted songwriters and musicians.

"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thank you Music

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

Have a Merry Christmas season and let me know some of your favorite Christmas music and traditions.

Love, Pastor Jeff