tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post2559760661764298012..comments2023-10-14T08:43:43.986-05:00Comments on Hear God Speak-Bible Commentary: The Shack-Heresy At Its FinestJoe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-61440164957842277792011-11-25T11:59:35.669-06:002011-11-25T11:59:35.669-06:00Hmm - to read, or not to read. It probably depend...Hmm - to read, or not to read. It probably depends on individual circumstances.<br /><br />I felt obliged to read "Memnoch the Devil" by Ann Rice because my lovely daughter told me it "answered all the issues" about God for her!<br /><br />It is the only book that has EVER deeply shocked me - not because of the obvious sex, profanity etc., etc., but because the author skillfully wove a plausible alternative interpretation of the "facts", and my daughter was sucked in. Rather than try to counter each argument she put up, I read it and was able to enter a proper conversation with her.<br /><br />I haven't felt the need to read "The Shack" (like you, I have plenty of more useful things to do), but would certainly do so if the need arose.<br /><br />I much appreciate the effort in, AND openess of your site. GerardGerardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-14141647756835088772011-07-26T06:19:48.268-05:002011-07-26T06:19:48.268-05:00i read the book and found it to be quite entertain...i read the book and found it to be quite entertaining and i enjoyed it very much. i also felt that it paints a picture of a loving god. i find it very funny how many people are freaking out about it. the foundations of your religiosity are being uprooted and it kills you. i laugh. jesus is my lord and savior and he is all i need. i'll let his spirit guide me in my life. the main idea here is grace. god punished sin on the cross. enjoy your freedom in christ and the desires of your heart will change. his spirit will change you from the inside. its all in the bible. read it.mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-45227612802855450692011-05-10T19:56:21.930-05:002011-05-10T19:56:21.930-05:00My friend (snicker) Corrie decided to leave a comm...My friend (snicker) Corrie decided to leave a comment. However, she also decided to included profanity so I had to delete the comment, copy and paste it, and repost it to edit out the profanity. She writes:<br /><i><br />I find the author of this blog incredibly ignorant and closed minded. I'd rather take my chances with the sinners than be stuck in heaven with the likes of him. This type of idiotic rambling is exactly why most nonbelievers refuse to even attempt to get to know Jesus. Jesus enjoyed people from all walks of life. His best friends were some of the worst sinners. And he happened to severely criticize sanctimonious ******** such as yourself. You probably won't even have the [guts] to approve this comment since I see you have made it to where only pre-approved opinions are allowed out, however I hope you one day get a wake up call. People like you are a detriment to the Christian faith. </i><br /><br /><br />Um, yeah. Your command of the English language is prosaic. Really, it is. You should consider a career as a poet. Or perhaps journalism is more your bag.<br /><br />Anywhoo, Jesus ate with sinners but He told them the truth. He ate with sinners but He didn't join them in their sin.<br /><br />You know, it would be much more interesting if you'd just try to offer an argument from scripture as to why any point I've made in this review is wrong.<br /><br />:-)Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-78970290856964022232011-05-10T19:21:47.810-05:002011-05-10T19:21:47.810-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Corrienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-69381556246539576802011-04-10T08:46:04.959-05:002011-04-10T08:46:04.959-05:00Rich,
Your last, longer comment showed up as &quo...Rich,<br /><br />Your last, longer comment showed up as "spam". I don't know why. Anyway, when I clicked "Not Spam" so I could publish it, the comment went poof. Sorry about that.<br /><br />Anywhoo, as interesting as this whole exchange has been and even though I've really grown as a person because of it (/sarcasm), I think I'll just give you the last word simply because convincing you or anyone else is really not all that important to me. <br /><br />In all seriousness, though, thank you for disagreeing without being disagreeable. I appreciate that very much.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-36957041477226777422011-04-10T07:17:14.889-05:002011-04-10T07:17:14.889-05:00Just to expand my point a bit.
It seems to me tha...Just to expand my point a bit.<br /><br />It seems to me that if the Bible is some kind of authority, that something must be responsible for telling us what the Bible is (e.g. which books it consists of) and how to apply it to ourselves (its purpose).<br /><br />I am of course familiar with 2 Tim 3:16 <br />"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness"<br /><br />Glossing over whether this is intended to be self-referential, this of course doesn't help define what exactly "Scripture" is - there are many adherents to other religions who will point at their Scripture and say the same things about it. And their scripture may even claim to say the same things about itself.<br /><br />So we are left with a collection of writings, and in the end we have to rely on our choice of biblical scholar to either approve or disapprove the veracity of the each part and its appropriation as "Authority".<br /><br />It seems that there are 3 (at least) approaches to "authority" in the Christian world, those who emphasise the pre-emininence of (a) The Bible (b) The Church (c) Ones own intellect and reason and (dare I say it) experience.<br /><br />Those who say the Church is the highest authority (generally Catholics and Orthodox Christians) can actually claim Christ as being the one who started off the church and vested it with authority. The problem there is that its authority is tainted by many of the actions of its past. <br /><br />Those who point to the Bible as being self-evidently its own authority always seem to have to use either the tradition of the church (in establishing canon etc) or intellectual treatise (such as the ones you listed earlier) to try to back up this assertion - so they rely on (a) or (c).<br /><br />That then leaves us with our own reason and understanding. And yes the bible does mean something to me, and you and many other people, but the reality is it means different things because we all come with our own approach, and (bringing things back to the topic of this blog) The Shack seems to be once persons own experience of how God and the Bible relates to them.richnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-80200563508134842702011-04-09T21:30:56.252-05:002011-04-09T21:30:56.252-05:00So if other scholars study the bible and related d...So if other scholars study the bible and related documents and don't come to the same conclusions, what makes you right and them wrong?richnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-36130521803805616592011-04-09T20:57:19.303-05:002011-04-09T20:57:19.303-05:00The study I've done of scripture and the resea...The study I've done of scripture and the research I've done into the history of scripture both give me confidence the Bible is what it claims to be-the inerrant word of God.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-45877899772365730032011-04-09T15:19:46.350-05:002011-04-09T15:19:46.350-05:00OK but what I'm asking is which authority can ...OK but what I'm asking is which authority can you point to that tells you that the Bible is all the things you believe it is?Richnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-70885280821024464652011-04-09T14:37:22.523-05:002011-04-09T14:37:22.523-05:00No, academic historical research and intellectual ...No, academic historical research and intellectual textual research helps shed light on and helps be better understand my higher authority--the Bible?Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-27303859392778266382011-04-09T10:42:51.272-05:002011-04-09T10:42:51.272-05:00So academic historical research and intellectual t...So academic historical research and intellectual textual research is your higher authority?richnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-87076880335751340312011-04-09T08:09:27.573-05:002011-04-09T08:09:27.573-05:00Rich,
I would suggest the following links as my a...Rich,<br /><br />I would suggest the following links as my answers:<br /><br /><a href="http://heargodspeak.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-review-heresy-of-orthodoxy-by.html" rel="nofollow">This book reivew (buy the book)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://heargodspeak.blogspot.com/2009/11/reliability-of-new-testament.html" rel="nofollow">An analysis of the canon as opposed to non-canonical books</a>Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-59241897462325612472011-04-09T04:37:25.261-05:002011-04-09T04:37:25.261-05:00One query for those in the "bible is the high...One query for those in the "bible is the highest authority" school of thought: by whose authority have you decided this? The bible is a collection of books arrived at by tradition and ratified by an ecumenical council in about the 4th or 5th century. <br /><br />For 400 years after the death of christ there wasn't a single bible, so how did those Christians avoid going off the rails, how do you know they arrived at the right bible (or even that there should be "a bible") and by what authority (higher than the bible itself) did they decide on it?richnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-71777953313294973442011-04-08T20:31:29.834-05:002011-04-08T20:31:29.834-05:00Anon (April 5),
Too true. Thank you for the comm...Anon (April 5),<br /><br />Too true. Thank you for the comment.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-18088315259376740962011-04-05T04:57:40.871-05:002011-04-05T04:57:40.871-05:00Woe to those christians that do not cling to the s...Woe to those christians that do not cling to the scriptures. If only they would read their bible and make Gods word the number one authority in their lives. The shack is from the pit and is there to soften christians into accepting new age teachings. The christian arena is been bombarded with trash like this. Jesus told us to be carefull that none deceive us, warning us that many will come and deceive and many would fall away from the faithAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-46755661017568323212011-03-25T13:49:36.311-05:002011-03-25T13:49:36.311-05:00I came across your blog today, and I appreciate yo...I came across your blog today, and I appreciate your review of "The Shack." You make many of the same points I made in my own review. Following is an excerpt:<br /><br />On page 110, “Jesus” makes a statement that is nothing short of heresy. He says, “I am the best way any human can relate to Papa or Sarayu.” What? Jesus says he is the “best” way to God, thereby implying that there are other ways. Such a statement as this is by itself enough to relegate this book to the trash can. The real Jesus of the Bible would never have said such a thing. Instead, He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6, NASB). Notice the use of the word “the” instead of “a” or “the best.” Reducing Jesus to “a” way to God or “the best” way to God robs Him of His deity, His glory, and the value of His redemptive work.<br /><br />Jesus also said, “…unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24, NASB). There is no wiggle room in that statement. Jesus did not give people freedom to “sort of” believe in Him but to also make their own way. He is the way. He is the only way. It doesn’t make any difference what anyone thinks or feels about it. If a person believes he can get to God in any other way besides through the Lord Jesus Christ, he is very badly fooled. This truth is further underscored in the Book of Acts. "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NASB).Ron Livesayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10685550197231995860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-33601430854111778782010-08-08T14:26:34.060-05:002010-08-08T14:26:34.060-05:00Dennis left a comment. I deleted it because I did...Dennis left a comment. I deleted it because I didn't want a link to his blog on my blog. However, I wanted to make sure folks had a chance to read it so they could realize what a theological dufus he is.<br /><br /><i>If you believe God will punish people FOREVER, well, you are seeing and understanding God through human eyes and you don't have the simplest notion of what 'eternal' means and how the translators messed up the word 'aionios' when they translated it from the Greek to the English. Your God is worse than any devil or any Hitler or any Stalin. The carnal mind always sees God as The Judge. I guess Jesus' work on the cross did nothing? I guess Jesus is not the Saviour if billions will go to the fire forever. Adam was greater than Jesus. Actually, man's 'free will' is God because it is stronger than God's will for all men to be saved. You believe whatever they tell you and you read the Bible through condemnation-focused eyes. The Bible says you are under the law and the veil is over your spiritual (or lack thereof) vision. Pharisees talked like you did. GOD WILL SAVE ALL! GOD WILL BE ALL IN ALL. If He isn't then Jesus was a failure. God loves the world even if you don't and just want to escape through a rapture. I'll stay here and tell them how much He loves them. You run away to your literal heaven with gold streets. You've been bamboozled simply by your carnal mind. </i><br /><br />Dennis, I don't have the time or interest in pointing out the obvious errors in your "theology" (snicker). Anyone with a 2nd grade education who has been in any Sunday School class can tell that you have no clue what you're blathering about.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-67109681930640048772010-06-29T17:26:10.690-05:002010-06-29T17:26:10.690-05:00Chad,
What you said.
joeChad,<br /><br />What you said.<br /><br />joeJoe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-6195189045798019772010-06-29T01:22:59.109-05:002010-06-29T01:22:59.109-05:00True, it is work of fiction. However, say someone ...True, it is work of fiction. However, say someone picks it up who is not Christian or has fallen away from the faith. That person could view The Shack as true and correct Biblical Doctrine.<br /><br />This is problematic because it portrays God as a "female father", promotes God's triune nature but belittles the separateness of the Trinity (Three distinct persons yet one God). and completely avoids the topic of Salvation by repentance and faith alone. It fails to support the Bible as authoritative too.<br /><br />http://easttowestministries.blogspot.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190739631074159859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-60875551641729901302010-06-09T10:03:19.182-05:002010-06-09T10:03:19.182-05:00Hey Joe,
I posted a comment on this Blog, way bac...Hey Joe,<br /><br />I posted a comment on this Blog, way back. At that time you asked me to "hook a brother up", with my Blog, but I wasn't publishing a Blog then.<br /><br />Now I am! So here it is:<br /><br />http://timrector.blogspot.com/2010/06/tigers-trap.htmlTim Rectorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13380377652778501358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-71756001170679999712010-05-25T07:24:36.367-05:002010-05-25T07:24:36.367-05:00Richard,
Good for you. I, on the other hand, am ...Richard,<br /><br />Good for you. I, on the other hand, am just stupid enough to be willing to live with the fact that truth, all of it, is found only in one place--the Holy Bible--and that anything that contradicts that as The Shack oh so clearly does is to be rejected.<br /><br />By the way, the little hooks on the inside of the door, they were for you to check your coat, not your brain.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-84473221289062942402010-05-24T21:43:05.241-05:002010-05-24T21:43:05.241-05:00Joe,
To say that this has to do with intelligence...Joe,<br /><br />To say that this has to do with intelligence is missing the point. At one time I might have agreed with you. Have I changed? Certainly, yes. Have I got less intelligent? No, I've just learned that truth sometimes can be found in unlikely places, and not to let intellectual snobbery get the better of me.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-84183807071408213522010-05-24T19:16:15.396-05:002010-05-24T19:16:15.396-05:00Richard,
I'm not sure how else to say this......Richard,<br /><br />I'm not sure how else to say this...I question the intelligence of anyone who can or would defend this book. Anyone who has any use for such heretical drivel as the pile of tripe that is The Shack is at a VERY dangerous place theologically and needs to do some SERIOUS bible study to discern what the Bible truly and clearly teaches.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-70748092134517469442010-05-24T01:34:39.151-05:002010-05-24T01:34:39.151-05:00People just are who they are; we all have differen...People just are who they are; we all have different personalities. IMHO it's patronising, condescending and shows a lack of perspective to say "it's a shame some people need this".<br /><br />It seems to me that some posters here feel that they can decide what is right for other people to read and find useful. This kind of snobbish "oh, you liked <b>that</b>" doesn't seem helpful to me.Richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-61843526718774628362010-05-22T17:06:29.752-05:002010-05-22T17:06:29.752-05:00I had decided a while back this book was not for m...I had decided a while back this book was not for me but recently someone asked me to read it so we could discuss it. I am half through it and I doubt I will finish it. The way God is portrayed just doesn't feel right to me, the whole book doesn't feel right to me. It's a shame that people need something like this to make them feel closer to GodAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com