Burning Down The Shack

Because life has been so very busy, I’ve not been able to finish the book I’m reading called Burning Down The Shack. I had hoped to have written a review by now, but I would like to at least get started as this is a very important book to read, especially for those who have already read The Shack. The author of this excellent critique, James B. De Young, does not mess around. Frankly, I was stunned by what he has revealed about The Shack’s author (William P. Young), whom he knows very well. This book was obviously written out of concern, and rightly so. The doctrinal errors in The Shack are carefully and thoroughly covered and compared with the Bible, revealing where the book borders on, and even falls into, heresy.

For example, The Shack’s God does not need to punish people for sin, which is the message of universal reconciliation that is buried deep within its pages. De Young explains beyond a shadow of doubt that The Shack’s message is filled with unbiblical half truths and whole lies which re-define the very character of God, revealing that Paul Young is in league with universalism, and therefore the very father of lies himself (even though there is no place for the devil in The Shack’s theology).

James De Young also explains the serious consequences of The Shack’s errors, such as the redefinition of the Trinity, the distortion of the crucifixion, the atonement, and the nature of God’s love. With The Shack’s corrupted interpretation of forgiveness and reconciliation, the very meaning of the gospel is distorted.

I’ve yet to read the sections at the back of the book, such as “Questions for Mack” and “My Answers to Reader’s Questions.” There is also a lengthy study guide with question in the back of this book that might be very helpful for those who want to do a thorough study and sort through these important issues.

If you are someone who has been influenced by The Shack, or know someone who has, this is an important book to own. However, the kind of reader that likes The Shack is probably not likely to pick up and wade through a weighty critique like this. Even so, it's a valuable resource for those defending the faith. Oh, and here's a gem of an idea - ask your Christian book store owner if he will order a few copies. Surely it would be a big seller!

Over the next few weeks I will be dropping a few quotes from this book as time permits.