Click Here To Purchase Finding God in The Shack: Conversations on an Unforgettable Weekend

Author: Randal Rauser
Publishers: Paternoster: thinking faith
ISBN: 978-1-60657-032-6

Randal Rauser, an associate professor of historical theology at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, explores the religious controversy sparked by William Paul Young’s 2007 novel, ‘The Shack,’ in his latest publication, ‘Finding God in The Shack.’

As Rauser states in the Introduction, “theology can enrich our understanding and experience of God. And that includes the experience that many have cherished reading The Shack. The fact is that beneath the surface of this compelling story is an inner structure of equally compelling and beautiful theological themes.” Throughout the seven chapters of the book, Rauser explores these themes, with most chapters ending with a series of discussion questions, entitled ‘Digging Deeper.’

These questions, as well as Rauser’s interesting and well-thought-out commentary, add to the conversations and responses that have been generated by the bestseller. In ‘Finding God in The Shack,’ Rauser discusses the theological issues raised in Young’s novel with a knowledgeable voice. In taking the arguments back to the Bible and theology, he reminds Christians of where the answers can truly be found.

Probably one of the most debated aspects of ‘The Shack’ is its challenge to the traditional perception of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the personifications of ‘Papa,’ a large African-American woman; Jesus, an ordinary-looking Middle Eastern man and Sarayu, an ethereal Asian woman. Rauser states that these depictions are not necessarily heretical since they can be explained by the theological understanding that God shows himself in an easily-comprehended manner. “God accommodates to our limitations by describing himself within the range of human experience, often by speaking as if he were a human.” This can be found in biblical descriptions of God as a king, a warrior, or a dragon. God cannot be limited to any of these depictions. He is all of this and more. Rauser goes on to state that the problem is not thinking of God in new and innovative ways that are relatable to our human experience; it occurs when we define God solely based on a limited metaphorical term. Our understanding of God should not be narrow; therefore, ‘The Shack’ is beneficial in that it presents God in a new, unorthodox manner while maintaining a scriptural basis.

The nature of God is complex and has been debated for centuries. ‘The Shack’ has brought the discussion out of church halls and into the coffee shops. Rauser joins the dialogue on the Trinity, hierarchy within the Godhead, the existence of evil and the after life with intelligence and wit. Those who have read ‘The Shack’ and found themselves looking for answers will discover that ‘Finding God in The Shack’ is an informative exploration into these questions.

Click Here To Purchase Finding God in The Shack: Conversations on an Unforgettable Weekend