Since this was a book about a grief stricken man meeting up with the three persons of the Trinity, it is perceived by some as a Christian themed book that could teach the tenets of Christianity.
However, as one reads through the novel, it is soon realized it is not a guide to the Bible. It is a work of fiction that borrows some Christian thought.
For me, I remember I was taken in by Mack's massive emotional pain. Readers who have suffered their own misadventures and heartbreak can practically relive their own grief while reading this book. It is very powerfully written and anyone with empathy can feel for this fictional character. I brings out a piece of your own broken heart to the surface as I recall it brought me to tears, even though it was a novel. After I read it, I didn't think about it again, until now when the movie debuted.
Here is where the controversy comes in:
People who are very strong in their faith will have tremendous worry over those who are not as strong in their faith. The strong ones understand that a story like this can possibly draw others into a watered down version of Christianity becoming a roadblock rather than an open road.
Strong people don't want others to be wrapped up in a gushing type of emotion, because that is not what Christianity is about. Christians are challenged to be:
Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, "Be holy because I [am] holy."
1 Peter 1:14-16 www.usccb.org
People strong in their faith know it is not easy to be holy. Strong people don't want others to be lured into a bubbly worship scene that might let them down later.
People strong in their faith are concerned that others who believe The Shack could be a creative teaching tool of Christianity may replace a God-fearing attitude with a godlike fabrication that helps them meet their worldly needs rather than their souls' needs.
Why do people who are strong in their faith give a warning to others about investing time in The Shack book or movie? Perhaps it is because they have not forgotten what it was like for them when they were weaker Christians.
They have a clear memory of what they were like when they stumbled over and over again, making up excuses, rationalizing their habit of sin.
They remember what it was like to live a life where they ran from Christ, laughed at Christ, believed they stood fine on their own without Christ, and bragged how they knew better than an old-fashioned mythological person named Christ.
They remember how easy it was to fall for lies, dress up their own ugliness and hide from the truth of their tragic decisions.
Those who are strong in their faith don't want anyone else to live needless self-torture. They would rather share their joy and help people skip the sadness.
So, are they judgmental?
No and Yes.
No, they are not judgmental of you or anyone else. They love you. They want to spare you. That is the point of making disciples of all nations. And, yes, they are judgmental of themselves. They are comparing their ignorant selves to their current more discerning selves.
If you have enjoyed the book and movie, that's nice. If you're not so keen on the book and movie, that's nice, too. It brings up interesting dinner table conversation.
Why do I call it Shack Shock? Because it forces followers of Christ to have more patience with each other. Each of us is on a different walk with Christ. Sometimes we're behind him. Sometimes we're side by side with him. Sometimes we are kicking him. Sometimes we are on the ground grabbing at the hem of his garment. Sometimes we are clinging to his hand squeezing it with all our might.
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