The Shack: Part Three... I take it back.

You are never going to read one of my reviews again! I am sorry about how long this has gone on, but I hope this helps in some way.

I don't remember any other individual occurance where I have been so dogged by the Spirit! After speaking to trusted mentors people about how and what I was thinking and feeling, I knew, above all that I needed to renounce my recommendation completely. I wasn't sure about the details, but I knew absolutely what I was being instructed to do.

Throughout today, I have come to many conclusions-- I kept praying at work that I would receive some kind of explanation to give as to why I would say, "Never mind, don't read this," and I was blessed by many examples of why this book does not match up to scripture. Over and over, He is faithful!...

Then, while listening to my week 5 course of my current class (Spiritual Disciplines), which just happened to be on the Holiness of Scripture.... (see how He works? Seek Him! He will answer!) It hit me-- this book is extremely similar in how the "emergent church" (which I do not claim to understand completely, just the basics) waters down and paraphrases the Bible. In fact, the book does not refer positively to it at all, that I can recall. So then I am even more confident in where God is leading.

Then I come home and read Ken's comment on here, and think "Duh! I should of course look to sound reviews for help!" And guess what! I found exactly the same things that God had been delivering to me all day long-- What validation! PLUS-- I even found a reference to the fact that this is completely a work of fiction, there is no friend of the writer who had this firsthand experience, this is all part of the story. This was the most freeing part of today--- here I was thinking that someone had been seriously mislead, by whom? But now I understand I was just duped.

My emotions clouded my discernment, but I am so grateful that the Spirit has been hard at work turning my heart back to where it needs to focus!

All in all, you have been witness to quite the personal journey. And it is very humbling to have been so.... blinded? Distracted? Anyway, I do take it back. I do not recommend this book, but if you choose to read it, please be aware that the Biblical principles are not sound, this is a work of fiction, you will probably be uncomfortable with the personifications of God (that was my first red flag!), and please please do not be misled. Other than that, the story is tremendous-- very very emotional and deep. This is why I do not recommend! Deep issues should be sought out in prayer and study, not in someone's fictional interpretation....

I talk too much. Sorry. :-)