The Shack

an email I sent to a friend, I'd love opinions on it!


Well, I haven't read the book, so I should probably hold any opinion until I do... :) But I'd heard a negative critique of it by a man whose doctrine and heart I respect. Mark Driscoll is the pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, a rapidly growing church in the midst of the least churched city in America. He's criticized for a lot of things but I've listened to his podcasts for awhile, with an attentive ear, and appreciate his authenticity, and most of what he says. Here's a link to his opinion-

http://www.reformergent.org/2008/05/01/driscoll-critiquing-the-shack/

Also, some text claiming the book is unbiblical-

http://www.carm.org/features/theshack.htm

Now, I guess those are opinions that give me cause for suspicion but I remain curious without making a judgement! :) One thing I can say, I have a lot of respect for CS Lewis, who never claimed to be a theologian of any kind, and I have gained a LOT from his books. In his time, and since, plenty of people have found theological issues with his work, and yet his writing has obviously stood the test of time and had positive impact on people toward the end of God's glory. That is maybe a case where doctrinal purists (who I think are neccesary) get up in arms for no good reason.

I'm not sure if the Shack falls in with the likes of CS Lewis or the likes of Oprah but I think it's probably not The Pilgrim's Progress for our time, as I've heard it marketed... From a superficial perspective, it does seem to want to unite many people under one quasi-Christian banner, which is usually a guise for Universalism. Also, the controversial relating of God the Father as a black woman, and the Holy Spirit as an Asian woman seems more targeted/marketed to uniquely white/American guilt over an ugly racial/gender history than the universal application that most books of any sustaining quality have. That is, "good" books that are allegorical, usually, I think, can be retold and universally related to, whereas this has appeal (and commercial value!) to a mostly American audience."

Don't Let Seattle Steal This Election

Dino Rossi for Governor

“Don’t let Seattle steal this election!”

My job takes me all over Eastern Washington fixing people’s appliances. Driving around, I have seen this billboard in probably 50 or more places and it bugs me.

I could see myself having a little sympathy or Dino Rossi after the last election, knowing how close heated the race was. I also remember thinking and hearing that it’s important, for unity’s sake, to let things go at a certain point, right or wrong. I admit to not knowing enough about state politics to strongly back Rossi or Gregoire. I do expect Rossi to claim to be very pro-business and Gregoire to claim a progressive front. Beyond that I know little and have no preformed opinions.

So, being an objective, undecided voter, I find myself automatically repulsed that Rossi’s campaign would appeal to the worst in people. They at least could have been a little more subtle or tactful and gone with something like, “Elect Dino Rossi… again!” Do they think the voter so blunt as to not register any other slogan than one so obtuse?

…sad…

by the sweat of your brow...

I have a two month window before the Fall quarter at my good ole CC kicks off. I am nearly fidgeting with excitement to do work around my yard and house.

A little while ago I was shoveling a newly arrived "yard" of gravel in my backyard. As I was sweating I was thinking to myself about how virtous labor/work is, partly to pat myself on the back for being such a stud... It's the lot of man since the garden of Eden. I grew up lazy, always trying to shirk hard work. I still do most of the time but I've learned to appreciate it a little more. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishing something labor intensive. To me, labor is virtuous!

And yet somehow, our society looks down on labor insensive jobs as requiring the least education. It's considered a sign of success to NOT have to do labor, pay other people to do it. Most pastors or clergy that I know, or have seen, seem to have done little regular labor in their lives. To most of us, a rough man wouldn't be thought of nearly as godly as a bookish looking man.

i'm here

being 29 I realize it is time to graduate past myspace to blogs in order to stay in touch with the greater world...

let's see if i actually ever take the time to post something