I read it recently and didn't expect to enjoy it. I'd read several reviews of the false doctrine in it and was ready to condemn it. I will say that he does have some unique and I believe un-Biblical teaching and if you are going to get your doctrine from a novel don't read this book.
However, he does a good job of dealing with some of the misconceptions people have about God and the Trinity.
He makes it clear that the Trinity is complete and joyful within itself and does not need us.
He brings out:
- man's obvious and sometimes subtle idea of earning relationship with God, and makes it clear that that just doesn't work
- man's arrogance, and foolishness, in thinking he understands and can judge God
- that God, the Father, is love, not just Jesus
A few quotes that I particularly liked:
Mack -"I sort of feel obliged to go in and talk to Him..."
Jesus - "...don't go because you feel obligated. ...Go because it's what you want to do."
Sophia (Wisdom) - ...He chose the way of the cross where mercy triumphs over justice because of love. Would you instead prefer He'd chosen justice for everyone? Do you want justice 'Dear Judge'?"
One of my favorites, which I can't find to quote, is when Mack said that he just didn't see how anything could justify the evil done to his child and "Papa" responded that we aren't about justifying what happens, but about being redemptive.
and the final quote that I will share is:
" Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means that I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors."
So get your doctrine and theology from the Bible, and if you want a book that does a pretty good job of depicting a God we can relate to, and be challenged by. Read this book. I will add that I would skip the chapter "Festival of Friends." I'm not sure what that was all about.
2 comments:
Linda,
Despite what many have said about this book, it has become one of my favorites. I have many passages highlighted. I didn't take it as doctrine at all, but what it did was help me think about each person of the Trinity as "someone" concerned with the most intimate details of my life, even the pain. I think seeing them portrayed "out of the box" is helping me to see them more personally. I felt as though sometimes Mack had stolen my thoughts and words as he was wrestling through his pain. Anyway, as you said, it's not doctrine, but it definitely spoke to my heart.
I'm so glad you read this! I just finished it last week, and would give just about the same review. God seems to really have something for me in this whole unveiling of his true, loving character.
I loved when they had "devotions" :-), and how they could never be pinned down to doing the same thing over again.
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