The Shack

It's not often my parents recommend a book to me, so I was intrigued when they mentioned this one. It's not a long or difficult read, though it tackles a difficult subject--perhaps the difficult subject: if God is good, why do we suffer unspeakable evils? The temptation, of course, is to blame God. There were two passages in the book I found to be the crux of the issue. The first takes place between the wounded central character, and a personification of Wisdom:

"This was not His doing."
"But He didn't stop it."
"No, he didn't. He doesn't stop a lot of things that cause Him pain. Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you. Nothing is as it should be, as Papa desires it to be, and as it will be one day. Right now your world is lost in darkness and chaos, and horrible things happen to those He is especially fond of."
"Then why doesn't He do something about it?"
"He already has..."

The second passage is between the same character... and God Himself:

"Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors."

As I read the book, I couldn't help but be reminded of Vox's discussions of "omniderigence," and C.S. Lewis' take on the subject of free will and God's Will. Those who prefer an aloof, legalistic and control-freak view of God will not like the tale. But those who can, in the midst of their awe, relax and enjoy God will find that relationship reaffirmed.

"The Shack" has a cover blurb comparing it to Pilgrim's Progress--that may be a bit much. But it was worth the investment of time and thought.