Scott quipped, “Yes, I did read more than one this year.” :-)
The Shack
by William Young
[Brigada Today Editor’s Note: Please note that we here at Brigada have not read “The Shack.” We are presenting Scott’s reading list ‘as is.’ Please carefully note that Scott isn’t advocating that we utilize this fictional novel to formulate doctrine, nor even to establish our image of God. It sounds to me like he’s advising us to read it so we will have read it, in case the discussion arises around a lunch table sometime. “Be ready to defend the word of God at any time…” Feel free to note your feelings, however, in the comment immediately following this item. Thanks! Doug, Brigada Today.]
You have heard of this one. It is polarizing, and is number one on Amazon! The author is an MK (grew up a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea). My sense to the reason of its popularity is that he penetrates the mystery that is Trinity and traumatic human pain in an engaging, creative way. These are truly tough topics to address. Yes, I know many are offended at some of his images of God, but it is fiction after all, not a theology. This is not an argument for its content, but I’d read it for sure.
The Fisherman’s Testament
by Cesar Vidal (Spain)
One of two foreign novels I read. This is a well written account of the Apostle Peter’s life leading up to his death – the telling of his life at his trial before execution.
Out Stealing Horses: A Novel
by Per Peterson (Norway)
I did not like this story. It is very, very well written and you may love it. It is the telling of a man’s story – mainly his childhood and the impact on his present state that has come from those experiences. As an American, I hated the ending – no resolution! But much of life is like that…..
Hey Doug!
I am one embarrassed reader of Brigada!
If you are really for world evangelism and helping missionaries and Christians around the world, then, how can you list or even encourage people to read such a book as The Shack?! I know it’s a big seller and just fiction, but still Christians are influenced by and form their theology and worldview from stuff like this.
William Young writes about the Trinity, but it is definitely not the Trinity of the Bible. He depicts the Trinity is a way that is totally foreign to the Bible.
One long time missionary and reader serving in Russia.
David Henry
Hi David. Honestly, the truth is, I haven’t read it. My wife did though… and when I told her it made Scott’s reading list for novels, she, too, questioned me on it. Said I was crazy for leaving it on there. The only thing I could think to tell her was to go back and look again at what Scott said — “These are truly tough topics to address. Yes, I know many are offended at some of his images of God, but it is fiction after all, not a theology. This is not an argument for its content, but I’d read it for sure.” So please keep in mind, he isn’t advocating that this fictional novel portrays any doctrinal truths. Sounds to me that he’s advocating Christians should be aware of it in much the same way some argued we should read DaVinci Code.
Nevertheless, note that he recognizes many will be offended… and sounds like you are, David… and for that, I apologize. I’ll add a disclaimer that we (Brigada) haven’t read it.
Thanks.
Doug