The Shack - Page 2

[crystalalene]

Originally Posted by BarefootScientist

Another point that I think the book made though, which I agree with, is that we DO have free will and so everything that happens will not always be God's will or really under God's control, because He allows us to do things that are against His will. So that's a little scary, but it also made the point that He can bring about good through anything bad that people do. I am coming from a very Calvinist, sovereign God, "God is in CONTROL" type background, so although I've thought about this stuff before, I'm still working through it. Maybe God's control is more gentle guidance than the rigid idea we usually have when we speak of control.

ETA: Which is perhaps a good description of one way we can demonstrate God's love to our kids.

Oh, I like this idea. I am also coming from a similar background, where I thought that God was in control, as in things that happen are because he is orchestrating it all. But loving us enough to give us free will, that is big. AND using what we do to make good, that is another big idea. These are the parts that are hard for me to grasp/balance. I am looking for the gentle guidance, that is what you feel when you let go and let God communicate with you and show you. You have to actively seek it, I think, for it to work right-according to His plan.

[christianmomof3]

i just finished reading the book and i LOVED it!
I am going to go back through it and underline my favorite parts and then i will share them.
i like his portrayal of the new jerusalem and that God did not create institutions among many other things.

[christianmomof3]

Some of the things that I really enjoy include:
The explanation of the New Jerusalem on p. 177 where he says that our final destiny is not "heaven with pearly gates", but that the new heavens and new earth will be a new cleansing of the univers and that the New Jerusalem is the Church, the bride - individuals who together form a spiritual city.
I also like on p 179 where he rejects religion and innstitutions and on p. 203 where he explains that the purpose of the law was to show us that we needed Christ and that to try to keep the law is being independant and is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty (p. 202-203).

[mammal_mama]

Originally Posted by christianmomof3

... he explains that the purpose of the law was to show us that we needed Christ and that to try to keep the law is being independant and is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty (p. 202-203).

I'm glad you reminded me of that. I really need to spend more time re-reading The Shack ... there's so much great stuff that it's impossible to take it all in the first time.

[crystalalene]

Originally Posted by christianmomof3

Some of the things that I really enjoy include:
I also like on p 179 where he rejects religion and innstitutions and on p. 203 where he explains that the purpose of the law was to show us that we needed Christ and that to try to keep the law is being independant and is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty (p. 202-203).

The other part I like is when they explain that you can be a part of the institutions as needed when you are connected. I am working on how to explain the idea that the fact that you are not in control (certain) does not mean that you are less powerful. In fact, being a part of the connection, being, "in relationship," is EMpowering. Being in touch with the holy spirit, knowing that Jesus is with you: that all gives you the most certainty and power that you could have, you just won't 'know' (be certain) how it will all work out.

[savvybabygrace]

I read it while my MIL was visiting in early Dec. - she left it here at night twice after she went to her hotel.
I have to say, I really did not like this book at all.
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Okay, little one up, saving this spot to continue after putting her back to bed!!!