Theology in The Shack

Theological Analysis

            The Shack is a well written book and follows a traditional hero’s journey outline.  It has some beautiful truths about God’s love for humanity and the Trinity that are presented and explained.  However, the theology is flawed and Scriptural integrity is not upheld. 

            First of all, God is absolutely in love with humanity and creation.  John 3:16 says that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus.  This message is clear throughout the book.  At first meeting, God “crossed the distance between them and engulfed him in her arms, lifting him clear off his feet and spinning him around like a little child” (84).  This is a picture of such a loving parent who has missed a child greatly.  Perhaps this is like the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the reaction of his father upon his return. 

            Jesus has a wonderful conversation with Mack about love during their time together.  Jesus explains that nothing is forced on humans because love is about submission to one another.  It is only in a flawed and sinful state that humans seek authority and hierarchy. 

            The example of the Trinity is beautiful even if it is imperfect.  In Scripture there is evidence of the Trinity working together and separately.  In Genesis, God says, “Let Us make man in Our image.”  In the New Testament, John writes that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.”  We also see evidence of the unity of the Trinity in The Shack and their separate work as well.  On one occasion Mack asks, “which one of you is God?”  The response demonstrates an Old Testament distinction for God and the unity of the Trinity when all three answer, “I am,” (89).  Later, Sarayu refers to a conversation that Mack had with Papa as though it was with not just with Papa.  Seeing Mack’s confusion, Sarayu points out that “You can’t share with one and not share with us all,” (108).  This is a perfect description of the unity of the Trinity. 

            Scripture makes clear that Trinity also works in different functions.  Jesus took the purpose of redeeming humanity to God.  The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power after the time of Christ according to Acts 1.  In The Shack, the three persons of the Trinity are divided and have very distinct personalities.  Papa is a loving parental figure.  Sarayu is still very much a spirit being but works in Mack’s life in a more figurative manner.  For example, she teaches Mack about his life by using the comparison of her chaotic garden.  Jesus is a much more relatable character for Mack, which makes sense.  Jesus is the part of the Trinity that took on human traits. Although Jesus being careless enough to drop a bowl is a bit of a stretch, it does demonstrate his humanity. 

            The problem in this fantastic novel is that there are glaring issues that do not uphold as truth in Scripture.  The most obvious problem to most readers is that God is presented as female.  Scripture is very clear to always and consistently present God as the Father.  Interestingly, though, in Genesis 1:26 and 27,  God says, “Let Us make man in Our image, . . . and God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Readers can take from this passage that God is more than one as are humans represented in the male and female genders.  God certainly has the characteristics of nurturing and gentleness often associated with females, but even so, God has revealed Himself to humanity using the masculine pronouns. 

            Another issue is that Papa reveals that she too has the scars of the cross on her wrists.  Papa tells Mack, “Regardless of what he felt at that moment, I never left him,” (98).  However, in Matthew 27: 46, Christ says that God has abandoned him. This is a confusing point for some to understand how God could divide and leave a part of Himself.  It certainly is inconsistent with Scripture for God to have the same scars because it was Jesus on the cross.  Conversely, if the scars are symbolic, perhaps placement on the heart might be more appropriate. 

Next, Sophia is a strange representation of God.  Her purpose is clear in the book so as to allow Mack the freedom to blame God if he decided.  Mack needed to be prompted to go through a series of questions and accusations that included God.   However, Hebrews12:23 names God as the judge.  Mack is confused by Sophia and how she its into the Trinity because she doesn’t.  The illustration is clear in the story, but the connection to Scripture is lacking. 

In conclusion, believers and nonbelievers can enjoy this wonderful novel about the extremes to which God will go in order to reach humanity and share love.  However, a truly grounded Christian will either get angry about the misrepresentations of Scripture or will be able to look beyond them to enjoy what truths can be found.  Truth can certainly be found in such fantastic stories, but readers must be careful to recognize where the author takes liberties and for what purpose he takes them.