A note specifically for those involved in my reading/discussion group of the best-seller The Shack: This coming Sunday be prepared for a conversation over Chapters Seven and Eight.
Chapters five and six featured an in-depth introduction of God--as a large and jovial African American woman; a 'regular looking guy', middle-eastern carpenter; and an Asian woman who appeared out of focus.
We talked about the unfolding of Mack's experience and how the author's picture of God both challenged our traditional understandings and served to provoke our thoughts. We could understand the theological concerns others have voiced about this book, while at the same time enjoy it as a work of fiction.
The group explored some of the thoughts that Mack expressed--like his supposing that Missy's murder may have been God's punishing him for his past, and his contemplation of feeling abandoned by God even to the point of considering taking his own life.
Finally, we considered the sentence "You were created to be loved" and the lessons associated with the bird and its ability to fly. As we closed we agreed that the matter of man's freedom would be a source of more dialogue over the coming weeks.
Any other impressions you may have had over the opening sections? Feel free to drop a comment here or pick it up in conversation with someone in the group. See you Sunday!
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