The main character, Mackenzie, is living in the face of a tragedy that leaves him trapped in the great sadness, a depressed state of living where he pities himself and alienated those close to him. It is only God, called papa, in a form that will push your limiting views of our formal diety, that can bring him out of this. Called to the Shack Mackenzie encounters and dwells with the trinity for the weekend. Young presents the trinity in a phenomal mind-blowing way. He first establishes the truth that all three persons are indeed 'I Am', God alone. They each are distinct. Both Jesus and Papa bear the wounds of the crucifixion. Papa is a loving parent figure, with a great sense of humor. Jesus is presented first in his human attributes, being described as unattractive, but the most easily related to. He is then presented as the glorious King of a beautifully astounding universe. The Holy Spirit, called Sarayu, meaning wind, is a very mysterious character. As the trinity, God exists perfectly in love and at peace within himself, the three persons. The Love that the three characters show each other, the way they talk and act is nothing short of perfect. Young makes it very clear that people could not be loved if God did not have this perfect love within himself. The mystery that is the trinity, for me, now has some new light on it, making me only love God more!
The pictures created to show the significance of forgiveness and reconciliation are also very powerful and the emphasis of this is all focused on our relationship with God. God is at perfect fellowship within himself. He created us to take part in that and his salvation is for that purpose. The power of God's forgiveness and man's forgiveness of man is very biblical: Psa 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." Col 1:20 "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
To give an example of what i don't agree with: "'Mackenzie! she chided, her words flowing with affections. 'The Bible doesn't teach you to follow rules. it is a picture of Jesus. While words may tell you what God is like and even what he may want from you, you cannot do any of it on your own. Life and livign is in him and in no other. My goodness, you didn't think you could live the righteousness of God on your own, did you?'" (198). So here is the truth, the Bible is a picture of Jesus who has made us free from the law and relationship is the most important aspect of our Christianity. Religion is looking for anwers. Christ is the living answer (paraphrase Young). But we do not have any of this without the Bible. That is how God chooses to reveal himself to us so that is how we know Him! Scripture is God-breathed truth, revealing Christ through and through. You may say i'm splitting hairs, but knowing the Emergent tendencies of our author William P. Young, i must express a need for clarity.
Overall, a great book. Young is a fabulous writer with a heart for changing lives by God's graces. Can this book change your life? Well, yes, but not alone. The Bible and the Holy Spirit are the real sources of change. :) But i suggest you read it.