Study Notes for the Shack

About a month ago a couple people from Covenant suggested that I read the Shack. As I mentioned on an earlier blog, I happened to read "The Shack" while I was on vacation in Oregon, which just happens to be the setting for the story. I was struck by the story as a way to start to discuss the mystery of the Trinity and the value of understanding the Triune God at work in our lives. After I got back from Vacation several people asked that we have a conversation around this book. We started the conversation on August 3rd and would like to invite you into the conversation as well. The following are study notes from our class that provide the conversation starters. We would love for you to be internet partners in the conversation around this parable of faith.

Conversation around the book “The Shack”August 3, 2008 Read pages 1-66 “The Great Sadness”
Forward: Type of story- Parable written for his children.
“Mack is not very religious. He seems to have a love/hate relationship with Religion, and maybe even with the God that he suspects is brooding distant, and aloof” (page 10) What words would you use to describe God?
“He wanted a narrative to help him express to them (his wife and children) understand what has been going on in his inside world. You know that place: where there is just you alone- and maybe God, if you believe in him. Of course, God might be there even if you don’t believe in him. That would be just like him. He hasn’t been called the Grand Interferer for nothing.” (page 12) What are names that you use to describe God? What are names or images that are comfortable for you in expressing who God is? Have you ever heard of or thought of God as the “Grand Interferer”? What are the implications of that name for God?
Chapter 1 A Confluence of Paths
“There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine. Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from expectations, performance demands, and the tyranny of appointments and schedules.” (page 15) What about interruptions in your life? Mack receives a note signed Papa (God) but he doesn’t tell anyone. Why not? Have you ever received a message that you suspected might be from God and not told anyone?