The Shack

This was based upon a novel written in pain and hope concerning the problem of evil and the need to maintain a relationship with God. It is Protestant--with the rather vague, confused theology--but it hit the larger issues quite well (which is also normal). It portrayed Jesus as stating that he is not religious and not Christian: but if you even begin to ask who Jesus is...sorry but thats religion and thats Christian...larger than we can imagine for sure, but we cannot consign Christianity to mere vagueness. The second lack of clarity concerned that people really can go to hell according to Christ Himself. The film was not explicitly universalist, but it also was not explicit that serious criminals should be arrested and need to repent before their deaths.

Let me set the stage a bit. The Case for Christ was getting ready to be released and I heard some women in my theology class talking about the Shack. Shortly after this, I saw a trailer. I was a bit put off thinking Octavia Spencer might be representing God.. hopefully not. I decided not to see it at the theater and instead read the book. The book helped me get past the God as a woman with its explanation for it but some of the things in the book were hard for me to visualize. I liked the book though and had no trouble finishing it. then I preordered the movie. This movie is a GOOD thing. I dont understand why people are trying to make it bad. If more Christians operated on the basis of love, forgiveness and trusting God to be the judge there would be... wait for it more Christians. Call me crazy but Im pretty sure God would approve. Ive started reading this piece called The Shack -- the Missing art of evangelical discernment thanks to a commenter. I have a lot to read still but one thing I have noticed is that the writer doesnt seem to get the concept of the trinity saying that the Father and the Holy Spirit werent suffering with JKesus on the Cross. That is like saying Jesus wasnt there at creation when the bible clearly states he was John 1:1, 14. The trinity is very hard to wrap our heads around but the movie did a good job representing it when Mack asked: Whch one of you is... The answer says it all. Watch it if you love God, watch it if you dont believe in God but arent so opposed to God you cant stand any references to it. Watch it if you have a semi-open mind. The message in this movie is something the world needs so much more of and though I am a professing active Christian Im not referring to the believing in Christ part. I thought this was a beautiful movie wonderfully acted and it almost brought my stoic husband to tears. I am so sad to see so many Christans not supporting something that could be so helpful to the faith if they just practiced the Biblical principals of love and forgiveness this movie does so well at conveying.

It’s a great movie based on a great book. SPOILER ALERT/TRIGGER WARNING: the little girl is raped and killed in the beginning of the movie. You don’t see any of the violence but if this is a trigger for you don’t watch this movie. The movie is about the family’s (especially the dad’s struggle with the loss and the guilt. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What an overwhelmingly beautiful piece or art. It made me weep in several segments. I wish the gods represented in the film were real and then I would like them and be on board with them every time. I was raised in a Baptist Church and went religiously (ha ha) up until I was in my 50s. I have also been in the world and was a rougher than a cob Air Force Officer for 22 and a half years and then a civilian contractor to the air force another 18 and a half. I am a whiskey drinker and cigar smoker. For 20 years, at night, I was a college, then University History Professor and one evening I stopped in lecture and wondered if I believed what I was telling my students or did I believe what I heard on Sunday mornings. I had always thought that it was all reconcilable and it may be meaning that 4.5 Billion years ago god or the gods said let there be light and then later said let their be evolution. If he or she or they or it is really god then they do their own thing. This movie is largely from the Christian perspective and I have always thought that it really was the greatest story ever told. I have wrestled with religion for the last 15 years and am convinced that if you are happy with what you believe then just leave it alone. Study will only generate questions that cannot be answered. The newest crazy thing are the Young Earthers who want people to believe that the world is less than 10,000 years old. Which makes sense because humans have been only been writing a record for about 10,000 years and having and having and been saving a record and evidence of cultures. I am not an atheist but I dont think anyone knows and maybe we are not supposed to know. It would be very cool to have a or many supernatural entities that care about us and look after us to some extent. In a graduate level history class Charles Shows told us a Confucius saying that works for me: He who says he knows, knows not, because if he really knew then he would understand how much that we really dont know. Good show but if you are all about Christianity and want it to be like it is in Sunday School since you were a child you may be pissed off but if you have a college education it is probably well worth your time. May the Force be with you. Chuck

You have GOT to see this!!!

I loved the story about Mack’s loss and how God taught and showed him the power of forgiveness and the difference it will make in all of our lives. It’s a wonderful book!!

Makes you consider things that you may have trouble wrapping your mind around.

This movie took me through troubles in my life and made me see things again through the eyes of God.

I originally got this movie from the library - it is a very insightful, thought provoking, inspirational movie. Liked it so much I bought it!

There are no words to describe this movie......except watch it. Best movie I have ever had the privilege of watching. I am in awe on how this movie was directed,the book that this movie was based on and the incredible way the movie depicted Gods love.