Bridgeway Christian Church

So....

I'm in the middle-end of the book 'The Shack' and I have to say I'm enjoying it (oh, yeah, if you are afraid I'm about to spoil the story for you, I am so stop reading if you're worried about that).  I was very skeptical going into it, (as any believer would be walking into a story written about the Trinity from a guy you've never heard of or don't even know if he's a believer), but I have to say I'm liking it.

So l brought it up in our Ministry Team Leader's Meeting and found that many had already read it and had lots to say about it.  Everyone hand's down enjoyed it, but they all did so with a caveat.  here's the thing...

It's out there.  Heck, The Father is a large black woman, the Holy Spirit is a small Asian woman and Jesus is an unattractive male Jew.  And any time someone personifies God there are going to be debates flying about what he's really saying, or what he's really insinuating.  And no, I'm not going to say that I agree with all his points or his theology. But it's a wonderful book to get you out of your 'purely academic' mindset when it comes to thinking about God.  It puts 'skin on Him' and allows you to dream what it would be like to walk with God on earth. 

The main reason I picked up the book was because I am seeing people read it publicly all over the place. It seems that non-believers are reading it just as much as religious folk.  So, don't you think we should be prepared to talk about it, when the conversation comes up? When else is your non-believing neighbor going to read a book on the Trinity? If you don't clarify then perhaps someone else (who doesn't know the truth) will.

And another thing, children being harmed is not my thing. In fact, it's a widely known fact that it's the one subject (as well as harming animals) that Pastor Lance 'doesn't do well with.'  And this book begins (and carries thru four or five chapters) with child abduction and it's really hard to read about.  The purpose, of course, is to put the main character into pain and at odds with seeming injustice and anger with God.  But still it's really hard to read.  Keep that in mind and prepare yourself.

As you read it I'm interested in your take on it. Did you like it?  Did you not like it? Why? What stirred in your heart?  What insights did you gain?  How do you think about God differently now?

Anyway, I just hadn't blogged in a while (busy ya know) so I thought I'd drop ya a line.

Lots of love to all of you,

Lance.