Since Discerning Reader underwent a bit of a redesign about a month ago (thanks Travis!) I've been keenly watching the most popular reviews counter. No surprise that Tim Challies' review of Wm. Paul Young's unexpected runaway bestseller The Shack is edging up to 12,000 views in December alone. Whether you are a diehard Shacker, a rabid Shack-attacker, or somewhere in between, chances are that you've had a chance to dialogue with somebody about the book and the concepts presented in it. Definite polarization has occurred in the Christian community based upon this book, which means we have yet another opportunity as Christ-followers to extend grace and re-align our beliefs and presuppositions according to the revealed Word of God.
You've heard the saying "No man is an island"? Well, no book is an island either. I wouldn't recommend you derive your theology of the Trinity, the love of God, or your understanding of the purpose of sin, grief, and suffering in the world from The Shack alone. The titles below are a bundle of follow-up non-fiction books that delve deeper into the concepts raised in The Shack. Be challenged, and enjoy!
Crazy Love by Francis Chan, subtitled "Overwhelmed by a Relentless God," is a book that explores what it calls "the radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love of God." Enough said? If you want more, see the review and/or Francis Chan's website.
Delighting in the Trinity by Tim Chester, subtitled "Just Why Are Father, Son and Spirit Such Good News?" is a three-part exploration of the biblical foundations, historical developments, and practical implications of the doctrine of the Trinity. Tim Chester doesn't speak over anyone's head in explaining the Trinity, and besides, of all the books he has written, it's his favourite.
Shared Life by Donald Macleod, subtitled "The Trinity & the Fellowship of God's People," aims to apply the reality of the Trinity to real human life. Macleod is a master theologian, but you won't find any hoity-toityness here.
When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada & Steve Estes, subtitled "Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty," was written by quadripalegic Tada and pastor Estes to answer the questions, "Can God be trusted when I hurt so bad?" and "What are His purposes in the face of suffering?" Suffice to say that Tada knows whereof she speaks.
Spectacular Sins by John Piper, subtitled "Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ," may sound outside the realm of the present harsh reality of life, but Piper demonstrates convincingly that "the glory of Christ is the great issue of our time, and of all time." Why? Because "If, while I am having a tender conversation with my wife, a man breaks in and kills her and all my children and leaves me wounded on the living room floor, I will need a way of seeing the world that involves more than the tenderness of God. If pestilence takes out tens of thousands of my fellow citizens and half my church, my mental and spiritual survival will depend on more than the precious gifts of God's intimacy." If you prefer a softcover edition, buy it from Desiring God.
From Grief to Glory by James Bruce III, previously subtitled "Spiritual Journeys of Grieving Parents" when published by Crossway, and now subtitled "A Book of Comfort for Grieving Parents" as published by Banner of Truth, Bruce culls the writings of saints through the ages who have experienced the death of a son or daughter. Bruce is one of these saints himself.
Ideally I would also add a book to this list about how The Shack operates as a piece of fiction, and how its genre should inform our reading. But this topic will have to wait for another day. In the meantime, I pray to God - earnestly and hopefully - that you will take advantage of these recommendations and that they will propel you on to higher thoughts of our glorious God.
From all of us at Discerning Reader, have a blessed, grief-enduring, God-exalting 2009, assured of the care of our loving and awesome triune God.
