His Name is being maligned in this book. His glorious Gospel is being twisted and contorted into something that is not found in His Word. How can I be critical of this book without reading? In the same way that I can be critical of a p*rnographic movie without seeing it. As soon as I found out that God was being described as a black woman named Papa, I needed to know nothing else...
#1- It's full of heresy...
#1- It's full of heresy...
"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”Martin Luther
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Excellent post, Amy! I can't understand why Christians are reading this book and recommending others to read it. I'm like you--when I heard that God was portrayed as a woman, I knew I didn't even need to open that book.
ReplyDeleteAmen~ Thank you for saying these words. I haven't felt good about this book since I first heard about it. No, I haven't read and yes, it's going on my "Do Not Need to Read" list.
ReplyDeleteI completely concur! I'm going on 60
ReplyDeleteand when I discuss the book with youngins,
I imagine they think I'm too old to "get it."
I don't even remember why, but I bought the book for some reason, then I couldn't bring myself to read it. My neighbor did, and she liked it - but once she told me the particulars, it totally turned me off and I have no desire to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I actually wasted money on it. :(
I bought it too, without knowing what it was. I made it about a third of the way through the book when I couldn't stomach it anymore. There are so many of my friends from church who LOVE this book. I don't understand...
ReplyDeleteGo Amy! I recently read The Shack and reviewed it - I just don't get all the hype. To me, it was a mediocre book that has just gained publicity for some of the "shock value". Good for you for refusing to buy into it!
ReplyDeleteI read it this past week on my way to Florida to visit my father who is dying of cancer. A very good friend (and strong christian) recommended it so I put it in my carry on and read it on the plane.
ReplyDeleteI have strayed of late (the past three years to be exact) - and the news of my dad's stage IV malignant melanoma shocked me and is continuing to upend my universe. Many may disagree with the book - I looked at it as a work of fiction, not an instructional manual on how to be a christian. And I have to say - at the end of that book - I prayed to My Savior like I haven't in a long time. The message in the book about a relationship with Christ hit me hard I was humbled that He loves me so much, ashamed that I have been away from Him for so long, and convicted to give my heart to Him AGAIN (I'm very lucky He is so patient).... So although many won't buy or read it for many reasons, I'm certain that He's pretty glad that I read it on the plane - when my heart needed Him so much....
Tessah,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your dad. My mom died of cancer a little over 2 years ago. It's a painful loss to lose a parent and to watch one suffer....
If I may, and hear this with deep tenderness and gentleness, the best place to learn about Christ is from His Word and not from someone who isn't a Christian. If there is ANYTHING I can do for you, like direct you to some GOOD solid Biblical teachers and books by such people, let me know and I will gladly do that...
In the meantime, I will pray for you and your dad...
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your thoughts and prayers. And I am always willing to learn about new biblical teachers, etc. that I don't know about. My situation and outlook is a little different from the non-believer because I was raised with a very strong Christian base, went to Christian school, etc. etc....and I have read and re-read the Word. I just needed to get back to Him and I am glad I did....
Joanna (tessah/jake are my kids names - which make up my email adddress/blogger name etc :) Thanks again...
Joanna...I'm so glad you came back. I thought I had totally scared you off. :o) Sorry about getting your name wrong, too.
ReplyDeleteI also read through the Bible several times, but in the last 2 1/2 years, there was a reawakening. I began listening to Way of the Master radio, now called Wretched radio. It was a spring board for me. I am now in a expositional preaching church and not one that is bent on entertainment. Just solid good Biblical teaching.
If there is anything I can do to support and encourage you, just give me yell. :o)