The Shack by William P. Young

Reviewed by Marty Huisjen

A father experiences a terrible family tragedy that affects his faith in God as well as his relationships with his wife and children. Years later he receives a mysterious message, apparently from God, asking him to return to the scene of the tragedy. There he literally meets God in the three persons of the Trinity in a weekend encounter. Through the encounter, he learns to look differently at the question of why God allows suffering.

This book might appeal to people who are struggling with the issue of suffering in our world and why a good God would allow such suffering to occur. It also might appeal to people who have been burned by previous experiences with Christianity but are nonetheless looking for a relationship with God.

The Shack is a short and easy read. The beginning has a lot of sadness in it. It gets quite New Agey in its description of God in the persons of the Trinity, and it should be read with some discernment. There is some “all paths lead to God” theology. On the other hand, it gave me new perspectives on the issue of suffering and on the Trinity.

Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller

Reviewed by Pat Jaeger

I love this book. It is a real look at spirituality and addresses the same kinds of questions that I ask--not the same questions that have been asked and answered in the same way over and over. These are the kind that you (me) are too embarrassed to ask in public. The humor and real approach to Christianity makes this a must read for all of us real people with a sense of humor.