Several years ago I read “The Shack” (actually, I listened to it on CD) and recently I watched the movie. I have come to a similar conclusion about the movie as I did the book. It is a study in Theology pleasantly disguised as a novel or a movie.
It gives us a study of the Trinity, redemption, forgiveness, judgment, the relationship between God and humans, etc. I am not saying I fully agree with everything the movie may have taught about these subjects. To be honest, I do not agree with everything I hear taught in a typical church Bible study about these subjects, either.
The movie did seem to hint at universalism (the belief that everybody goes to heaven). I say it seemed to hint at it because it did not directly teach universalism. There are some aspects of the movie that could be taken that way. I do not know if that was the intent of the movie producers. They left this unclear. (Just for the record I do not believe in universalism).
I enjoyed the movie. It touched me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I would recommend this movie to a believer or an unbeliever.
Is it perfect Bible teaching? No. But neither is all of the Bible teaching in our churches. Do not get me wrong, I believe the Bible is the perfect Word of God. However, those of us who teach it are very imperfect, even in our understanding of the Bible. (Yes, I do include myself in this.)
Rich Mullins once said, “I think if we were given the Scriptures it was not so that we could prove that we were right about everything. If we were given the scriptures it was to humble us into realizing that God is right and the rest of us are just guessing.” We all have a messed up view of the Bible in some way. If we did not, then we would not need the Holy Spirit’s involvement. Let us speak the truth in love and hopefully, where we are clueless about the truth love will overcome.
So, if you do not want to watch “The Shack” then do not watch it. If you do want to watch it then do so. Come to your own conclusion.
The Bible is truth. I am sold on that. “The Shack” is a good movie that goes much deeper into some of those biblical truths than most other movies (even other Christian movies). Maybe it will drive you to get deeper into the Bible for yourself. A Bible study curriculum could very easily be set up around this movie.
If you like emotional movies with a strong intellectual and spiritual component you will probably enjoy this movie. If you do not, well, you probably won’t.
For those of you who have read the book or seen the movie, what say you?
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Hi Tommy,
I’m in agreement with what you said. You said it well.
Grace and peace, Penny
The Marriage Education and Resource Center (MERCY) 7204 Hwy. 329 – Suite 201 Crestwood, KY 40014 (502) 939-0121 Email: pdhud9@aol.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mercyky Web site: http://www.mercyky.org