We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Shack - Junk Theology

The Shack, by William Young, is really becoming a popular book among Christians. And, as with lots of other books with bad theology, heresy and aberrations, this book is a big seller at “Christian” book stores. Now, this is something that I find really disturbing because of its contents.

I admit I haven’t read this book myself; I can’t read everything. However, a good personal pastor friend has read it and has given me first-hand information about the contents. Additionally, I have found many, many reviews by top-notch Bible teachers that demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that this is a book full of blasphemy and heretical teachings. BUT, it sure makes people FEEL good!

Plain Truth Ministries, which has some good stuff yet is aberrational in many of their teachings (including the denial of the existence of Hell), is headed up by a guy named Greg Albrecht. Greg’s PTM promotes The Shack, and when I wrote him suggesting they should rethink their position Greg responded that he was involved in the editing of this book as well as endorsing it. He stated that the book is “theologically accurate.” Since PTM is theologically off-center with other issues, I guess it doesn’t surprise me that their leadership would find no problem with this book.

Anyway, rather than write my own review of this book, here are some links to many excellent reviews describing the false teachings and danger of The Shack.

http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/15-fiction/428-the-shack-by-william-p-young
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/shack.htm
http://www.carm.org/features/theshack.htm
http://www.tektonics.org/books/shackrvw.html#Review

If anyone reads these reviews and still agrees with Greg Albrecht that the book is “theologically accurate,” I’d appreciate it if you could demonstrate this from Scripture. I think it would be wonderful if pastors spoke against this book from the pulpit.