The Shack

Consider Young’s use of a female character to represent God the Father. Was this an effective way of dealing with Mack’s character arc during Papa’s dialogues with him? How would you asses it as a representation of Trinitarian theology?

Reflect on Young’s choice to present all three characters of the Trinity as people of color. Is this an important choice in the context of the story? What does it signify?

Which one of the three Trinitarian characters (Papa, Jesus, or Sarayu) did you find the most interesting or appealing? Why?

What do you think of the novel’s perspective that power-roles, authority structures, and hierarchies all represent a corruption of God’s plan for humanity?

Consider the novel’s invitation to experience life as a relationship of love. Do you find this vision of life a compelling one? Why or why not?

Reflect on Papa’s explanation of forgiveness in Chapter 16, when Mack accepts the need to take a first step in forgiving Missy’s murderer. Did this challenge your understanding of forgiveness, and if so, in what way?

Having read all of Mack’s questions to God in The Shack, are there any other questions that you would ask God (assuming a higher power’s existence) if you had the chance? Explain why you would want an answer for the particular issue or issues you mention.

Research the theological debate sparked by The Shack’s portrayal of Christian theology. Are there any critiques of the novel that strike you as particularly important in the context of Christian belief?