Reviewed by Phyllis O.
“The Shack” is a powerful, disturbing story of the spiritual journey of the main character, Mac. Mac’s daughter was murdered three years ago in a shack, and he is suffering a deep sense of loss. He decides to visit the shack in an attempt to bring closure to his suffering. In his attempt to achieve closure, he learns much more.
When he returns to the shack, he meets Papa (God), Jesus the carpenter, and Sarayou (the Holy Spirit). He learns from these “people” lead him through the process of radical, loving forgiveness. They show him that to truly forgive, he must go beyond his familiar belief system and see himself, his spiritual connections, and the world in a new light. By doing this, he can effect the world in positive, creative ways. A central element in this process is revealed when Saryou tells Mac,
“You can not produce trust just like you can not “do” humility. It either is or is not. Trust is the fruit of the relationship in which you are loved. Because you do not know that I love you, you “can not” trust me.”
I recommend this book to people who are willing to leave the comfort zone of their deeply entrenched belief systems to consider a different perspective.
