Don't misunderstand me, I can understand how easily something like that can happen - - believe me I do! But when it's the Church itself and its so-called leaders who promote things that are blatantly and clearly blasphemous if not downright heretical that's where I have to draw the line.
It's also precisely the point where I want to reach out and try to grab them by the hand, sit them down, and make sure they truly understand what it is they are allowing to enter their heart and mind - - spiritual deception of the worst kind.
Recently, we looked at the existence of spiritual deception and spiritual warfare that is running rampant throughout so-called Christian circles today, and specifically how Satan knows his time here is short so he's attempting to deceive as many well-meaning Christians as he possibly can.
Let's face it, the greatest deceptions are those that contain some element of truth; just enough to make them sound good and believable. It only takes a very small amount of poison sprinkled over a perfectly good meal to kill a man. A full 99.9% of the meal might be fine, but that .1% cyanide sprinkled over the the food will kill you dead. Satan knows this, but sometimes we seem to forget it. Spiritual poison works just as deadly as worldly poison, the results are the same - - death.
Today's commentary will be on none other than the "Christian" bestseller called "The Shack" by William P. Young. First, it was Rick Warren's immensely popular "The Purpose Driven Life" that signaled the road we were on, and now this book takes things even further. By doing so, it leaves many Christians open to being deceived. Likewise, how many people who are truly searching for answers (and are considering Jesus Christ as the only real answer) will be led astray by this work?
This is why it's imperative for us to take a closer look at what this book teaches before we enthusiastically sign-up to be a part of that Christian Book Club that our church is sponsoring this month to read and discuss this bestseller.
A MESSAGE THAT TICKLES THE EARS!
The overriding message of this book (and others like it) is that God's Word needs to be softened in order to reach the lost and unsaved.
Unregenerate "believers" who love the ways of the world will want a church that fits that world. To make them feel at home - - and to satisfy curious seekers - - the church must now re-invent itself say these proponents of the "seeker-sensitive" movement.
Since no one can really understand God's truth unless the Holy Spirit reveals it to their hearts (1 Corinthians 2:9-16), they believe that God's Word must be simplified so that everyone - - Christian or not - - can relate to it. That's pure nonsense!
It's not surprising then that Young and Warren quote passages from "The Message" (a paraphrased "version" of the Bible by Eugene Peterson) over excessively rather than the more common Holy Bible itself in any of its respected translations/versions. Why do they do this? Because many of those simplified passages alter both the words and the meaning of the Scriptures, but they fit the points that both authors are trying to make so it's beneficial to them.
What is Peterson's Message? What does Eugene Peterson himself say? In his introduction to "The Message," he tells us that "This version of the New Testament in a contemporary idiom keeps the language of the Message and fresh and understandable in the same language in which we do our shopping, talk with our friends, worry about world affairs, and teach our children their table manners...."
This sounds like a good idea on the surface, but what if essential Biblical concepts are not part of our everyday conversation? Should we then rewrite God's holy Scriptures to fit today's more shallow and worldly communications? Remember, we are dealing with God's holy unchangeable Word - - not an ordinary book. God owns His message, we don't. Only His own, well-guarded words can be presented as absolute truth. Yet, readers who trust these authors let alone their current church leaders who are promoting these works view this book as an authentic translation of the Bible rather than as Peterson's personal, politically correct interpretation.
Throughout both Old and New Testaments, God forbids us to distort His Word. Additions and deletions are strictly forbidden in Scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Galatians 1:8-9 and Revelation 22:19. Acts 17:11 exhorts us to learn from the Bereans who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
It doesn't take a Greek scholar to recognize the appalling distortions of God's holy Word. Any Bible student willing to compare Peterson's Message with a Greek/English Interlinear Lexicon and take time to look up key words in a credible New Testament Bible dictionary will discover alarming deletions, distortions and additions to the original text. If Peterson is right, then all our other Bibles - the KJV, NASV, NIV, Greek-English interlinear Bibles - - are false.
Food for thought, but don't take my word for it. See side-by-side comparisons for yourself by clicking the "Recommended Reading" links below and make your own conclusions.
THE DANGERS OF PROMOTING "THE SHACK" AS "CHRISTIAN" ANYTHING
Matthew 24:4-5 - - "Jesus...said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.'"
Proponents of "The Shack" (or even its companion piece hawked by Oprah titled "A Course In Miracles") should be forewarned that they're being deceived by a counterfeit "Jesus" - - it's that simple.
"A Course in Miracles" is obviously occult (a dictation from a channeled spirit guide), while the more subtle message of Young's "The Shack" (a fictional testimony full of tear-jerking dialogue) has been widely accepted in postmodern churches.
Countless pastors and church leaders are delighting in its message. By ignoring (or redefining) sin and guilt, they embrace an inclusive but counterfeit "Christianity" that draws crowds, but distorts the Bible. Discounting Satan as well, they weaken God's warnings about deception. No wonder His armor for today's spiritual war became an early victim of this spreading assault on Truth.
No room for the historical Jesus? Must we re-imagine God to make Him fit the rising universal church? That seems to be the aim of "The Shack's" female "God." Here she is speaking to the main character, Mackenzie (Mack for short):
"For me to appear to you as a woman and suggest that you call me Papa is simply to mix metaphors, to help you keep from falling so easily back into your religious conditioning." [1,p.93]
"Religious conditioning?" Is that how Mr. Young views Biblical Christianity? It's easy to be persuaded by his clever arguments too. "The Shack" is written as a personal testimony that draws readers into virtual dialogues with a playful, culturally relevant "God." In contrast to the dry, occult lessons in "ACIM," "The Shack" leads readers into vicarious experiences in a world of revelations and sensations.
The only sin-like issue here is independence - - a refusal to accept universal oneness with "God" and man. Unhindered by Biblical guidelines, "The Shack" offers no standard for right or wrong, so there's no real need for Biblical repentance. It fits right into the popular vision of a unifying, non-judgmental church.
Jesus criticized the Pharisees who "searched the Scriptures," but refused to "come" to Him. Today's postmodern seekers are just as foolish. They ignore unwanted Scriptures, and then flock to the culturally attuned "Jesus" of their imaginations.
In "The Shack," readers meet a permissive "God" that "submits" to their human ways. They look through the veil between life and death, see the joy beyond, and communicate with loved ones - - subtle examples of "calling up the dead," which the Bible bans (Deuteronomy 18:11). Mack also "sees" the colorful "auras" that show spiritual maturity among the dead-but-alive. He even practices astral travel - - what "The Shack" calls "flying" -- a word popularized by Maharishi Yogi long ago.
"Such a powerful ability, the imagination!" said "The Shack's" fictional "Jesus." That power alone makes you so like us." [1,p.140]
Here the boundaries of the church are broadened to include almost everyone. The only exception seems to be "independent" folk who refuse to "come" to this universal "God." This isn't Christianity - - and this false "Jesus" would agree. When Mack asks him what it "means to be a Christian," he answers:
“'Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m not a Christian.' The idea struck Mack as odd and unexpected and he couldn’t keep himself from grinning. 'No, I suppose you aren’t.'" [1,p.182]
Of course, he's not! The word "Christian" refers to Christ's followers - - not to Jesus - - and it has always clashed with trendy cultures. Even when "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26), that word was a derogatory label used by enemies of the Church, but that didn't keep faithful Christians from joyfully claiming that name and sharing His Word!
The book also has the audacity to re-imagine the Trinity. From the opening page, Mack is immersed in spiritual re-education, for each comment contradicts his previous understanding of God. For example, this new "Jesus" never returned to Heaven. Was there no real resurrection? Not according to the female "God":
“Although by nature he is fully God, Jesus is fully human and lives as such. While never losing the innate ability to fly [which he demonstrates in the book], he chooses moment-by-moment to remain grounded. That is why his name is Immanuel, God with us...." [1,p.99-100]
But the Bible tells us that Jesus did return to His Heaven after His crucifixion. Besides, neither God our Father nor the Holy Spirit made themselves finite or visible to man. "No one has seen God at any time," said the true Jesus. (John 1:18) Yet, here we see all three in human form - - on earth! [1,p.98-99]
Denying sin, guilt, and God's authority is next on the agenda for this author. Unlike the true God, this false Trinity exercises no authority over man. That should please today's postmodern church leaders! They seem to shun words such as "sovereignty" and "authority." After all, a reigning God who sets the moral standard for all time could cause division. He could impede their main purpose: inclusive relationships and "authentic community."
No wonder Mack is confused when he asks, "Why would the God of the universe want to be submitted to me?" The answer? "Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationships," answers "Jesus." [1,p.145]
In this new story, sin no longer separates unholy people from our holy God. It fits right into postmodern churches that ignore Biblical commands such as "Do not be conformed to the world" and "Abhor evil" (Romans 12:2,9). Chipping away at the reality of sin, guilt and God's just judgments, this transformational process undermines any real understanding of our need for discernment, repentance, or the cross. Even God's amazing grace becomes meaningless!
Notice how The Shack's false "God" mocks our true God by minimizing His sovereignty and judgments:
"I'm not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation...." [1,p.126]
"You don't need me at all to create your list of good and evil. But you do need me if you have any desire to stop such an insane lust for independence...Mackenzie, evil is a word we use to describe the absence of Good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of Light...Evil and darkness can only be understood in relation to Light and Good; they do not have any actual existence." [1,p.136]
That's a lie! Though the wonders of God's love and promises are vastly beyond our comprehension, He has told us His standard for good and evil - - and He will punish those who minimize sin (and thus the need for the cross) or reject His ways and warnings. :
Jeremiah 5:4 - - "They are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord, the judgment of their God...."
Psalm 50:21 - - "You thought I was altogether like you, but I will rebuke you..."
Romans 1:18,22 - - "...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.... Professing to be wise, they became fools..."
Jeremiah 6:19 - - "Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people - - the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heeded My words...."
WELCOME TO THE PROPHESIED APOSTASY
"There is a new world emerging...." writes Tamara Hartzell, author of "In the Name of Purpose." "This new world stands against the truth, against the Lord Jesus Christ, and against God. Its rise is coming about in the power and authority and deception of the god of this world (angel of light), who will easily lure the spiritually-prepared masses into worshipping him and his Coming One."
If you know someone who has been deceived by any of this please pray for them right away. Pray that their eyes are opened, that they received discernment, and that they're freed from this spiritual deception. If you feel up to it you might even want to take them out for coffee and have a heart-to-heart over the subject.
Just be prepared for the possibility that few Christians will notice their error, and that many will most likely resist.
(FULL DISCLOSURE: I have not personally read either of these books, but instead have relied on my own research and hard work to collect the facts, and have presented the evidence for you here as you've just seen it.)
RECOMMENDED READING:
What Kind Of Message Is "The Message"?
The Twisted "Truths" Of "The Shack" And "A Course In Miracles"
Spirit-Led Or Purpose-Driven?
"Shack" Opens Doors, But Critics Call Book "Scripturally Incorrect"
6 Comments:
It saddens me to read negative reviews and commentaries from people against The Shack who in fact have not even read the book but instead have derived their opinions from other commentators.
If you read the book for yourself you would find the claims made by others are unfounded. Like with reading Scripture how easy it is to pull verses out of context and make it say what we want.
If you're interested here is an article by Wayne Jacobsen, one of the publishers and collaborators of The Shack...
http://www.windblownmedia.com/shackresponse.html
I appreciate much of what I've read thus far on your website. I wish you well and the Lord's blessings to you.
His peace to us.
Dave
Wow...I got such a different feeling from the book. For someone who takes scripture so literally, how do you not believe in the Eucharist.
Read John 6,
35Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36"But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39"This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
Words to the Jews
41Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, "I am the bread that came down out of heaven." 42They were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, 'I have come down out of heaven'?" 43Jesus answered and said to them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. 44"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45"It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. 46"Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
48"I am the bread of life. 49"Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51"I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." 52Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" 53So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55"For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58"This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever."
Words to the Disciples
59These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. 60Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?"
61But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 62"What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64"But there are some of you who do not believe " For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."
Peter's Confession of Faith
66As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"
68Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69"We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."
and the fulfillment of Jesus being the living bread in Matthew 6:26-28
26"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Notice Jesus does not call the other disciples back and say, "no no no, I don't truly mean eat of my flesh" instead he turns to the disciples that stayed, the twelve, and says "Will you also leave?"
No matter your feeling about the Catholic Church as an institution, Jesus was clear about needing to eat of his living bread, not just a symbolic bread, but truly transubstantiated bread and wine.
Now to the book, The Shack is a work of fiction, knowing that you must put it in context. This is a feel good book about forming a relationship with Christ and the Holy Trinty. Jesus as God as The Holy Spirt. Just because you are seeking a deeper relationship with God, doesn't mean you are not confronted by the devil. But the book is not about Satin, its about your relationship with God. Even though God warned us of the end, he did not want us to dwell on it. Actually the exact oppisite, he wanted us to put all our worries in him, including when the end will come, and focus on him in our lives. I know right now you are struggling with some personal issues, and I am not trying to be rude, but alot of your focus as of lately has been on Satin and his darkness to come. Don't you think Satin thrives on people who are actively searching for his works, no matter the motives. I am a avid reader of your website and respect your reasearch and insight, but you can't let writing this blog keep you from focusing on whats truly important, your RELATIONSHIP with the Lord.
I hope you find comfort in God at this time, Old habits do die hard. But just because your struggling with your promises to God, He is not struggling with his promise to you. Remember, the story always ends the same, Satin loses.
True born-again, KJV reading, biblical obedient Christians are not tangled up in any type of denominational hang-up. The Catholic hierarchy is evil from the top. Consequently, their agenda is evil, too. There is no truth taught by the Catholic system.
Todd Family Times serves a different "jesus" than the Yashuah Hameshiach of the Word, the Logos, the Mind of YHVH speaking.
"The Shack" is from the pit. Show one true biblical reference to the Son of the true G-d, Yashuah Hamashiach, from that tripe. You can't do it, cuz it aint't there.
Remember, we don't battle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in this world. The kingdom of hasastan; "The Shack" is a product of this kingdom.
wedunit
I sure struck a cord with you, and you sure feel awful secure in yourself. I didn't know that the KJV reading of the bible was the was the only way to christ. It sure is easy to be a christian when you are the one defining it by picking and choosing what you want out of the bible. If you don't understand what I mean, go back and read how the King James Version of the bible came about. By the way, isn't it ironic that a earthly King's name would place on a bible about the King of Kings. Maybe you should study up on Catholicism before you make claims on what they believe. There would be no non-denominational church without the Catholic Church.
P.S. I would love to hear about the hangups I have because I am Catholic.
Why, I would have never guessed!
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