The Shack, by William Young

Is it too early to label The Shack as an all-time classic, a top fifty Christian novel? Yes. Does the literary quality of The Shack merit classic status? No. Is the theology insightful, noteworthy, or provocative? Not really.

Why then, do we include the novel on our list?

Part of the answer is the cultural phenomenon that the novel has become, a Horatio Alger success story of self-publishing that serves as inspiration to wannabe writers. But, it is more than that. We have seen clear evidence that the novel has genuinely touched its readers ... long lines at book signings where the reader asks the author for a hug ... churches filled to overflowing to hear the author tell the story behind the story ... book club participants moved to tears when telling how the novel has helped heal their own grief.

So, we include the book now, knowing well that time may someday relegate it to the heap of passing fads.

Certainly, the novel helps break down stale imagery. Think of God the Father as a sassy, black woman. Think of a Rocky Mountain lakeshore as Eden - or, heaven. The novel is critical of the tendency of organized religion to put God in a box with rigid formulas and definitions. What is critical for the author is the loving, uplifting, healing aspects of a relationship with the Divine, and creeds are less important.

Without question, the novel is optimistic and inspirational. Does it deal adequately with the reality of human pain and suffering? Probably not. From the starting point of the horrific murder of a child, the anger of the father is too easily washed away as they all live happily ever after, including, seemingly, the murdered child. But for all the criticisms that may be raised, it is still the case that the novel touches people where they are vulnerable.