I read this book as I help run a bookstall in my church and wanted to know what the fuss was about.I thought it was a very helpful book in many ways, though some of the theology didn't match up to what is in the Bible.The author wrote words for Jesus or Papa that didn't ring true with the parables that Jesus himself said or the Great Commission, for example, but overall more positive than negative .I would recommend it for people who have a view of God as a harsh judge who is waiting for them to step out of line or those who think that God cannot be loving and allow bad things to happen to us.It left me feeling just how wonderful , awesome and loving God really is.The thing I will remember most is the line that we don't live as if God really loves us.I knew that before but this book has driven lots of truths home!

I read the Shack over Christmas and although I enjoyed the read I must say I had major reservations about it. I have spoken to friends and non-Christians who have read it and they have all testified to how they encountered God themselves in the shack. How they saw a different side to God and learnt more about relationship with him. This is all well and good apart from the major problem that the god you meet in the shack is not the God you meet in the pages of the Bible. The shack god is impotent to do anything about sufferring and is nothing like the triune God that we see revealed to us throughout the Bible. Its as if the author has read the book of Job and thought; 'that won't do!' and tried to write his own! Sorry to be negative, but theology does matter, understanding God on his terms and how he has chosen to relate to us does matter. So, personally, I would rather know, serve and worship the God of the Bible, over the God of the shack any day!

I had heard a lot about the Shack and felt compelled to read it to see if all the hype was true. Although some of the concepts were hard to grapple with at first, it was well worthwhile persisting with it. Not only did it shake my understanding of what true forgiveness is, but it challenged my perception of the nature of God and the complementary work of the trinity. The story and the way it is written may at times make you feel uncomfortable, but it will cause you to stop and reflect and think about the wonder of God and his great mercy and love.

I was given The Shack and I have not been able to go very long without reading it. I bought back a lot of feeling that I have and still feel and wish I could get into the story with him so I could experience being that close to God, Jesus and the Spirit. I recommend it to everyone to read it.

I am very surprised at the people who claimed that The Shack did not line up with the bible very well and how judgemental you were to a brother in Christ. You kinda missed the heart of the book. God Blessed me with an unexpected visit to cambridge. It was my first time there and as I walked down the street I was wondering why God had me there. I looked up to see the Wesley Owen book shop. For me that was a delight because its like a kid walking into the best sweet shop. I had commented earlier to a friend that I would quite like an audio book. The first thing I saw when in the book shop was The Shack, I had never heard of it before. I asked God what He thought and was lead to buy it. For me and all who allow The Holy Spirit to use this wonderful gift from God. It is a beautiful insight into the pure heart God has given Paul my brother in Christ. No matter what vile things try to block his path, his love for Jesus and God's Love for him will Prevail and take him from Glory to Glory. I Praise God for all of my brothers in Christ who are as willing as Paul to Be as Honest as they are truth filled. God has given us all the power to become Son's of God. But too many of us get stuck in whining about eachother to actually walk in Being who God wants us to BE. So how then could we fufill the mandate of Our Lord Jesus. There is not one of us who have made it yet we are all pressing just like Paul.(both of them) preconceived notions will only get in our way.I have nothing but thanks, love and joy to God for this book and to my brother Paul who accepted God's invitation in writing it.God Bless You Paul and all your family, keep pressing into Jesus you are a wonderful witness from God to us all. I am looking forward to meeting you if not in this world then when we are home. I thoroughly recommend everybody read or listen to this book because even though you may not understand it. Remember God understands you better than you do yourself so listen with an open heart as you do, plant it in your heart. And watch God's Precious and Blessed Holy Spirit manifest in your life exactly what all of us(Sons of God) want, Him in everything. Be His and Be Blessed In Jesus Name Amen. Love Alx P.S. There are not enough stars to give this book. Personally it has so Blessed me that I would give it 7 God Stars and if you allow it, it will bless you as much as it has me. God is no respector of persons.

I read the shack with an open mind, expecting to find it contrioversial in places from a traditional church point of view. I wasn't disappointed in that respect in that some of my preconceptions were indeed challenged, but never in a way that undermined the biblical picture of God, especially seen in context of the whole story of His relationship with the other persons of The Trinity, creation and mankind. I was gripped, moved to tears and thoroughly re-inspired. I have now ordered several more copies to give to friends and family.

I borrowed this book from a friend because a lot of people I knew had read it and found it helpful. I have to say before reading it I was very dubious about the concept of the book. I have to say I'm so glad that I put away my reservations because this book has really helped me to come closer to God. Although some of the concepts of the story are difficult to get your head around, the picture of Gods love is so wonderful. For people struggling with why they have had painful experiences in their lives I think this book explains beautifully Gods love in difficult situation (to the best of human understanding). Any book that helps you to feel more of Gods love has got to be a blessing, and this is one of those books.