On a recent trip to Seattle I read a book called The Shack. Has anyone read that. It had some ideas that kind of made me think. In the book there is a man who had been abused by his father growing up. He met up with God and God who I was reminded can be or do anything, revealed himself to this man as a Older Sweet Black lady because this man couldn't get close to God as a Father (becuase of his past) until the man could reconcile his forgiveness to his own dad. This got me to thinking, on my day of reckoning, if God chose to reveal himself to me as someone who I didn't care for or found difficult, wouldn't that make me feel the depth of my sin's. How awful that would be. The second big message for me was instead of constantly looking for my purpose in this life, maybe everything really does have a purpose. If that is so, the book points out that everything I do and everything I say has a purpose. If I think about that then it makes me want to choose my words and direct my actions with care. I don't know really, I've been thinking alot about that book and was wondering if anyone else has read it and what they thought?
Thanks

I read The Shack sometime ago, but loved it and have given copies to several friends. What I liked was the way the Trinity was portrayed. I had an idea in my head about how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were the same yet different, but could never visualize it. The Shack helped me to visualize the Trinity and their inter-relationships.

I found the first part of the book a little disturbing (don’t like to read about harm to children). But I do like the idea that she was not alone. While everything that happens is not God’s will, He has the last say and good can come out of any situation.

I use a “father” analogy for God knowing that is falls short of reality. I add a little “mother’s love” to help the fit. I just don’t think I can come any closer in this world. I expect that when I do meet God face-to-face, he will be nothing like I imagined, so an “Older Sweet Black lady” would be a real possibility. As I read the book I felt really comfortable with the characterizations for the Trinity.

While the book may not be perfect theology, I found it entertaining and encouraging.

Yes, I read the book a few months ago. I too agree that Trinity was portrayed very well. What I got out of it was that we are never alone. NEVER. Also, it makes you take a look at what is in your very own heart. God is love and very forgiving. He wants us to be loving and forgiving also - even when evil brings it uglyness into our lives--we need to remember--it is the person that we are to love and forgive. Why is it that we want to blame God for bad things in our lives? Why not Satan?
All I know is that when the bad happens, God can turn it into good. I can turn to Him at all times and He is always there for me...no matter what.