The Shack

When I read The Shack by William P Young a few months back, I was touched by the insight into the personal view of God which this author expressed. Definitely outside the usual images and concepts that we associate with the Divine, this book expresses a reality that I found both challenging and comforting. The author has captured a very personal and relational vision of the inner workings of the Godhead, while also picturing that same intimacy as available to us.

This book has at the same time caused quite a stir and fury among some believers who consider it blasphemy, heresy and unbiblical. They tend to harangue about this book with a ferocity that certainly calls into question their real fears and motives. What is it that really bothers them? Why is it that they feel a need to attack?

I have found that this group of people is made up of individuals who have a rather rigid and narrow concept of God. Somehow God is defined by their language, their concepts, their images, ideas and theology. Anything that varies from that paradigm somehow is not true, but even seen as evil.

Yet as I read the Bible, I am struck by verses such as Is 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

God is not confined to our limited understanding, nor hemmed in by our narrow vision. I don't care which religion or faith we profess, whether Christian, Buddhist, Jewish or Muslim, as soon as we think that we have a corner on and control of the Divine, we have set ourselves outside the Reality. Whether Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist or Evangelical -- or any other denomination -- our finite grasp of the Infinite is more unlike the Truth than it is like it. We have more inaccuracies in our personal view than certainties. God is totally Other. When we think that we have solved the Mystery, we are just plain wrong.

In the Old Testament, the Lord said: "I am the Lord your God...You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:2-3). Yet the Israelite people were constantly being warned and punished for making images of God which they would then worship. These were in the form of a golden calf or one of the other neighboring gods. Continually God called them to abandon this limited image of God.

In our own lives, God from time to time also calls us to let go of our encrusted image of the Divine and expand, stretch our understanding. Maybe we are not making actual physical idols. However, sometimes the idol has become our own understanding of Who God is and how God works. God then challenges us to grow, to move beyond that idol.

So when I find people defending God against supposed attacks, I am led to think that they are rather defending their understanding of God. It is their own insecurity many times that pushes them to this offensive posture. Their own fear drives them to tear down what they find to be threatening.

Somehow, I believe that God is able to take care of the Divine Godhead. It is I who need to change.

So if you are looking for a book that will stir you up, give this one a try.

Routine, Rut or Grave?

When we lost our home in July, 2008, due to flooding from Hurricane Dolly, the pattern of our life was turned upside down. We had lived in our south Texas home for almost 12 years, and had just renovated the whole place 2 years before. We had totally remodeled it, putting on a new roof, new windows, gutting the interior, extending the kitchen and office, adding on an enclosed garage and in general making it just what we wanted it to be. We were comfortable and settled.

Following 12 inches of water throughout the house for one week, the new laminate wood flooring and all the walls were ruined. We decided to take this opportunity to move back to Iowa where both of our families are located so that we could be near them again. So we did, just in time for this cold and snowy winter.

Lately, I've been reflecting on the pattern that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

First, there is newness, chaos, upheaval present which forces me to be "on the edge of my seat" both spiritually and psychologically. At this time I am most open to the Spirit of God, and most willing to move in any new direction that that Spirit seems to be leading. This is always an exciting and very growth-producing period.

Then, as I begin to settle into the new situation and circumstances, I develop a routine to better manage and deal with the ordinary happenings of each day. This routine frees up energies from the mundane tasks for the growth opportunities that life presents. For example, if I don't have to expend energy on finding my clothes, brushing my teeth or locating my files in my office (because all these things are now routine), then I can put my energy into learning the nuances of the new job that I have begun or building new relationships or whatever the day-to-day happenings present. Routines can be very beneficial.

However, the third stage in this progression slowly insinuates itself. After a while, a routine can gradually transform itself into a rut. This rut then wears itself deeper and deeper into the fabric of life until there comes a point at which there is no longer any freedom for the Spirit to move. Herein lies the danger: the only difference between a rut and a grave is that the rut is still open on both ends. In other words, if a rut can be recognized for what it is, escape is possible. When it is not recognized, and continues, it can become a grave and kill the Spirit within.

Fortunately, in my life, God has never let me get to the grave stage before blasting me out of the rut. Sometimes it has taken a hurricane to get my attention. However, I have learned to welcome the chaos and upheaval as preludes to the growth and newness of life which is being offered. As I bring my energies to bear "on the edge of my seat", my sharpened focus leads me into the wonderful freedom, excitement and growth that God is holding out.

This pattern has repeated itself so many times in my life that it has become an old friend with whom I am very comfortable. I no longer get quite as upset or discouraged by the unexpected, the tumultuous or the tragic. They are merely the opportunities for new beginnings.

Where are you in your life at this point: "on the edge of your seat", in a routine, a rut or a grave?