The brothers taking in The Shack...thanks Tom :)
Deuteronomy 31: 6 NKJV
Our group took in a showing of the newest christian movie craze to hit theaters this weekend. The Shack was written by Paul Young and has some serious Oregon roots in the telling of the story. In fact, I'm told that the inspiration for a key character in the film was based on someone I am pretty familiar with from my old church congregation. Now, to be clear, I have not yet read the book which inspired this film, but I'm told that it holds pretty true to the story the film portrays. That being said, I have a few thoughts on this story upon seeing the movie for the first time. The Shack centers around Mack, a on the ledge christian who has certainly endured more than his share of pain and suffering. Without revealing too much of the storyline, Macks exposure to abuse and personal loss has left him with many questions about the reality of God. This is a dark place which I have found myself in from time to time. It is very easy for us to question the reality of God in the midst of our own personal issues. For each persons pain and tragedy becomes very personal to them. When I have found myself in the middle of my own sorrows, I certainly didn't feel that the condolences of others were all too convincing or helpful. This is part of where Mack finds himself as he attempts to deal with his own tragedy. He has questions. How could a all knowing God allow such pain and suffering? Of course, the only one who could possibly answer Macks questions is...Papa. See, papa is the deeply personal name which Macks wife has for God. I have shared on a few occasions of a friend of ours who took to refering to God as Daddy. Even in prayer, he would call out to Daddy. I believe that such a personal reference to our heavenly Father comes from a deeper relationship with Him. This is part of what Mack struggles with.
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19We love cHim because He first loved us.
1 John 4:18 - 19 NKJV
I chose the opening scripture from Deuteronomy for this review as this seems to be one of the central themes from this story. Indeed, papa assures Mack more than once that He is always and HAS always been by his side. even in the midst of our most unspeakable grief and tragedy, it is God who remains our constant companion. For God is not influenced by money, favoritism nor grudges of any kind. On the contrary, it is our Lords never ending love for us which surrounds us even in our darkest hour. When others around us turn their backs, we can surely find comfort in our Lords embrace. Paul Young endured more than his share of criticism for this story due to his depiction of God as He appears to Mack. Is it feasable that one could see God as a wise cracking african american woman? How about a elderly man? Well, if this is the only criticism that people have for this story, then I'd tell them to get over it. Is God indeed limited to a certain appearance which we have been conditioned to believe? Shall we continue to put Him in a box like this? Well, I'm of the opinion that the creator of all the universe can pretty much present Himself as He sees fit to suit His purpose. If God wanted to be seen as an elk in order to reach out to a wayward hunter then who are we to say that He can't do that? When we put these limitations on God, we lose part of the intimate relationship He wants to have with His children. What father does not delight in his children calling him daddy or papa? In the end, it was Gods desire to draw Mack closer to Him which began the chain of events portrayed in this story. It's no secret that The Shack has received its share of criticism for crossing those institutional church boundries where we have been told for so long that only heretics and unbelievers go. Thank goodness I didn't follow the advice of these critics. I found this story to be a loving portrayal not only of Gods love for us, but how He sees His children as well.
~Scott~
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