Customer Reviews

Burning Down 'The Shack': How the 'Christian' bestseller is deceiving millions

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

Having read both The Shack (5 times) and "Burning Down the Shack", I am disappointed at another attempt by self-anointed 'experts' to 'protect' us from false doctrine. As another reviewer has mentioned, Paul Young wrote The Shack as a piece of fiction, not as a new revelation of God. Young's experiences and his grappeling with his faith might have taken him on a different journey than the author of Burning Down the Shack, but where Young succeeds in revealing the love and mercy of God toward man, de Young describes man's instinctive distrust in unearned grace and suggests that the relationship between God and man is Jesus, plus this or Jesus plus that. Essentially we get back to works and earning God's approval under de Young's theology.

It's almost too apparent that de Young seeks to capitalize on Paul Young's success; not by creating a thought-provoking and inspiring book, but by straining gnats in his critique of a superior work. Another biblical scholar - the man who wrote The Message bible, Dr. Eugene Peterson, praises The Shack, as do numerous other pastors. What The Shack does, is it presents an approachable Father; and by bringing hurting people to a point where they can at least hope that God is as loving as The Shack portrays - that He not only knows their circumstances, He's willing to step into them on our behalf - it's at this point that people can feel comfortable enough with God to trust Him with their lives. The Shack has done more to draw people to Christ than any book since the Bible. Where they go from there is a journey of deeper discovery and more sure faith. Conversely, Burning Down the Shack is like a termite, undermining hope and faith and plunging readers back into a failed and ineffective system.

de Young says that The Shack promotes universalism, when the book clearly states that all roads don't lead to Christ. The Shack presents a Jesus who will walk anywhere to find followers, but He doesn't leave them in their sins and false beliefs. De Young says that The Shack trivializes God, but readers of The Shack will not find God letting Mack get away with anything. De Young implies a hierarcy in the Trinity, but if the three members of the God-head walk in complete unity, why would a hierarchy be necessary? de Young is a theologian - a person who has invested his time and energy and money into unlocking the mysteries of God...and ignoring what is so obvious to people who have been inspired by The Shack.

de Young's book reminds me of the story where Christ was performing miracles and casting out demons. The religious leaders claimed that He was able to cast out demons because He himself was one. Other would argue why a demon would turn on himself. The Shack has been demonized when the fruits of this book have produced the absolute opposite of what critics are claiming. While it is true that Young personally leaned towards universal reconciliation - an idea that was the result of his own personal spiritual healing - The Shack was co-written by two other respected theologians who collaborated with Young and were satisfied that the finished product - that book that millions of people have bought and read, presents Jesus is someone we have to accept through repentance and belief in this age to participate in His life.

Finally, the fear and criticism over The Shack theology is that it sounds too good and too simple to be true, thus it must be heresy. Put those chains back on if you must, but I prefer the freedom of being in relationship with Christ to that of a servant. If God is not as loving and merciful and gracious as Papa, why would He sacrifice so much to gain my love; for who am I and what can I really do for God? Theologians like de Young have kept believers so busy serving God and knowing how unworthy and dependent we are, that few of us have had the courage to look beyond God's hands to His face, and to see there the love and acceptance and inheritance He offers. Fear only works as long as we allow our selves to fear God; love keeps us in the relationship.

I am not much of a "formal" book reviewer, but this is a great book that I want others to read, so I'll take my first crack at this.

I am not one who typically reads introductions or forewards in general, but given this book as a gift I was just looking for some general insight into what the author intended to accomplish in this book. However, the information gathered in the introduction is absolutely critical in framing the entire context of the rest of the book: the author has extensive first-hand knowledge/familiarity with the author, and although he takes issue with several key points in the Shack, he makes it very clear that the book is not a personal attack on Paul Young, but rather it is written to correct the distortions of scripture embedded in the Shack. The author sets a clear expectation for his strategy: analyze each chapter of the book, acknowledging what Young did well, what examples from scripture provide context, the scriptural truths that apply, and concluding with the errors found in the Shack.

The author goes through great efforts to scripturally answer many of the difficult questions that readers face throughout life, and does an excellent job explaining the doctrines of Universalism and Universal Reconciliation, and how they contradict scripture, despite their close ties to several scriptural passages. It was very refreshing to see the underlying deceptions of the Shack (either implied or plainly stated) made clear and benchmarked against by scripture. The author explains in detail fundamental, foundational precepts of the Christian faith, and God's plan for giving us access to His grace, mercy, love, and reconciliation, as well as each person's free will of choice to receive it and the resulting outcomes.

Where the author may lose a few readers, is that in addressing some of the more difficult concepts of Chrisitanity (the Trinity, Reconciliation, Love versus Judgement, etc.) he does use some pretty complex words, which may be above the vocabulary for the average reader. The allure of the Shack is that the fiction format, modern-day setting, and simpler word-choice make it easy to relate to the characters and absorb the implied reasonings - but therein also lies the deception of the book. In Burning Down the Shack, the author works very hard to expose those deceptions in a respectful and fact-based manner but it also therefore is not entertainment, but rather a book for learning about the attraction and deception found within the Shack.

I challenge anyone who has read the Shack and found it "enlightening" to now read "Burning Down the Shack" for a counter-view. Then study the scriptures themselves and decide on what God has revealed to us in His Word.

Is there a need to refute a work of fiction? We need to keep in mind the power of fiction. Existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Satre had a greater influence through his fiction than his philosophical non-fiction. Scientology originally was the religion in a science fiction novel before the author, Ron L. Hubbard, became founder of one of Hollywood's "in" religions. While most novels, movies, TV-episodes, songs, etc. are created for entertainment, many are used as vehicles to influence thought.

This expose on the Shack by James DeYoung has received many more negative reviews than positive, and some of the negative reviews started, "I haven't read this book and don't think I ever will". DeYoung has dared attack a novel that has had a positive impact on people's lives. Why would he do such a thing? Why is he opposing an inspirational source that helped people into a fresh relationship with God?

Within the introduction is an answer to those questions. James DeYoung and Paul Young (author of the Shack) had founded a Christian think-tank. Then, Young gave a treatise on a theology that he said changed his life, which is "universal reconciliation" (similar but not identical to universalism -- in this view, everybody who goes to hell will be given a chance to repent and turn to Christ [even Satan] and everybody will accept that second chance and be saved). DeYoung later gave a presentation in response, pointing out the errors. A few years later, Young becomes best-selling author of the Shack, and DeYoung, in reading it, discovers the themes of universal reconciliation all through the book.

DeYoung does a fair job. He points out the positives in the book. This is accomplished by giving both positive and negative apologetics -- he states what he believes from the Bible as well as refuting what he disagrees with in universal reconciliation, using The Shack as an illustration. In the end, he answers objections people could raise.

I am an ordained minister and applaud DeYoung's concern for truth, which is as important as love (neither dethrones the other and either is weakened when the other is ignored). I also am a novelist, and like Paul Young mine has some theology woven in it. The reason I'm writing novels is I believe I can influence more people that way than through non-fiction. Should someone give the same scrutiny to my story, I should be thankful, because I want to know where I could be leading people astray.

I have not read nor care to read Burning Down The Shack I had been a devout strict Baptist for many years, This religion made me fearful of death, and judgement. The Shack helped me embrace the fact that Jesus came to this Earth to teach us all, and that Love is the answer. He loves us that much that he gave his life, and that he is approachable. I can't wait to meet Jesus now that I am not fearful of that meeting. I know those who read The Shack will be blessed in doing so.

As A hard bitten, Conservative Evangelical, I can assure you the theology of The Shack is Sound.

I found it amusing that the author chose to present God the Father as a large black woman, Jesus as a Carpenter(!) and the Holy Spirit as
an ephemeral elf.( " I am here to Help you")

God desired a deep intimate relationship with man, man chose independence, all of creation has suffered since.

God's remedy for Sin was His son Jesus, we can talk to him whenever we want!

God sent the holy spirit, the Comfortor and Helper to be with us and guide us.

Get The Shack, not this book

Loved this book, as a student of the bible I saw very quickly the non biblical teachings and statements in the my first read through of the Shack, allot of friends and family where initially deceived by The Shack thanks to books like this one they no longer see anything good in the Shack.

Even if you didn't read the Shack, you must read "Burning down the Shack". It shows you how far error goes to taint and discredit Scripture and deceive followers of Jesus Christ, a must read. I think once I understood Paul Young (Author of the Shack) wanderings into non biblical teachings all the pieces fell into place. The Shack is something to be repented of not embraced as having any truth.

I dont get why people find some thing that helps people, and shows them Gods love in a real and tangible way is being put down and chalenged in such a manner. The Shack is a FICTIONAL piece that shows that God is not some pupetier pulling on all of our stings but rather that he cares for us in a very real and fatherly way. I personally have struggled with why God has allowed me to endure some of the pain that i have endured, but this book has reminded me that God has a plan and that he does not cause bad things to happen; rather he allowes them so that he can show us his kindness and mercy when he brings us out. This beng said I would prefer that theologins did not tear every thing down by saying it can not be so, if God is neither male nor female why is he always projected as a white man? I believe God is God and can take any form he desires, even an African American woman. So I do not agree with the Burning down of The Shack as it is a FICTIOAL literary work.

I read "The Shack" and was overwhelmingly grieved at it's heinous idolatry and heresy. The god of The Shack is not the God of scripture.

James de Young does a superb job of going through The Shack chapter by chapter, asking questions about the text and then explaining his reasoned answers from scripture. He clearly demonstrates the lies and heresies of The Shack, and they are many, without invective or slander, but a very direct and biblical argument. Not only will you have The Shack clearly vilified, as it should be, but you will also learn some of the beautiful classical orthodox Christian doctrine that guards us against such erroneous teachings. What I found to be exceptionally convincing was de Young's personal history with The Shack's author Paul Young, that gives profound insight into the motivations behind Young's book.

The Triune God of the bible is a specific, defined person who has revealed Himself perfectly in only two ways: the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the scripture. Any other definition of God is idolatry. Paul Young seeks to redefine God. James de Young destroys that redefinition by asserting God as He truly is. If you have read The Shack and it has influenced you in any way to change what you think about God, you might not be a Christian. PLEASE read this book. It may very well save your soul. I am not exaggerating.

I think this whole debate about the biblical truths is pointless. the shack was a work of fiction and based on one man's belief. each to his own. why do people feel the need to write a book like this one, to poke holes and criticise. is it fear that their well organised life can't open up to include a different perspective? seriously people! everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, even this author, however it seems like just a ploy to make money off the back of someone else's originality. I applaud originality, i applaud open mindedness, i applaud the willingness to look beyond dogma. this book i can't applaud because it is neither original nor shows any courage to step beyond the past.

James B. De Young is a seminary professor who happens to have known Paul Young and his motivations for developing "The Shack." (Their last names are similar and a bit confusing!!) As such, Mr. De Young is in a unique position to discuss this book.

I read "The Shack" when it came out. I could hardly get through it because of the faulty teaching and cavalier attitude in which Young treated the Holy Triune. What really amazed me about the book were the number of people I know who spoke highly about it. I had believed many of them to be discerning Christians who should have known better. Some of them believed there was truth in the book. I would agree that there was truth, but it was wrapped in continual errors of commission and omission. Typically, I left the conversation shaking my head.

The main theme of "The Shack" is that God's attribute of love will overcome his doctrine of holiness and final judgment. This leads to Christian Universalism- a term which means that all people will eventually be reconciled unto God- some will be saved in this life and the remainder will be saved and reconciled as part of the next life.

The book is extremely successful because unsaved people and nominal Christians find its teachings enormously appealing. Paul Young slyly disguises heretical teaching amidst a fictional account- a drama and tragedy that is as painful as most will ever endure in this life- the death of a child. While the book is fictional, its support structure is far from it. Perception is reality and many people take the underlying teachings as instructive. Quite frankly, many Christians do not know their bible because they are going to churches that preach pop, catchy messages.

Hardly a pages passes in "The Shack" without some adulteration of biblical truth. The major sin Paul Young commits is creating God in Young's image and not the biblical description. Paul Young obviously has hurts in his life. His writings attempt to convey a conciliatory tone, but his book to me reads as a man very bitter. That's the only way I can interpret someone who redefines the bible the way he has. Young assumes the height of arrogance by adding and subtracting from the bible in his quest to find meaning and healing. As Rick Warren so famously said, "It is not all about you." We should have our lives and beliefs guided from the bible, not having our lives and beliefs redefine the bible. This basic error is the flawed premise of "The Shack." There are tough teachings in the bible about hell, judgment, and accountability but Mr. Young conveniently ignores them because he wants none of them in his life.

I am thankful that a quality rebuttal was rewritten to the "Shack." Professor De Young's book is very logically written - a solid biblical apologetic by correctly and appropriately quoting scripture one by one. He addresses the book, chapter by chapter. He acknowledges that there is truth in the "Shack". However Satan loves to mix truth in with error because it is more effective in deceiving the flock. Professor De Young reproves Young's aberrant doctrines on universalism, election, the Trinity, and the key doctrines of justification and sanctification. His writing is understandable and style very readable.

I gave the book only four stars (it really should be about 4.75 stars). The one blemish I saw is on page 217, where De Young discusses the Christian prayer life. He unfortunately semi-endorses the writings of Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Foster and Willard promote contemplative prayer and other mystical and experiential teachings from the medieval Catholic church. Much of these teachings have been infecting our younger believers in a movement called the "Emergent Church Movement." The Emergent movement is as much heretical as the doctrines taught in "The Shack." I hope the second edition of this book removes or at least clarifies this section.

Overall- the book is excellent and recommended. Just spit out the clunker on page 217.