Promotional calls The Shack “cultural phenomenon” in “same realm as the Twilight novels and the Harry Potter series”

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:4) 

Is The Shack the third part of an unholy entertainment trinity?

According to a promotional piece for the onstage show, Stories From The Shack, “The Shack is now one of the 70 bestselling books of all time, and has become a cultural phenomenon in the same realm as the Twilight novels and the Harry Potter series.” [1] (Bold mine)

There is much spiritual truth in this statement, however unintentional. The false church is mixing with the Body of Christ, and much of this is being done through our love of entertainment. A grieved missionary recently reported how a missions group from a Christian college brought Harry Potter movies as gifts for orphans in Africa.

We now see numerous Christians defending Twilight, Harry Potter and yes, The Shack. One pastor made Paul Young his guest of honor, and devoted three full services to The Shack. Despite understanding the novel is theologically errant, he nevertheless allowed Paul Young to share his “theology of healing.” That was two years ago. Although informed after the service of Paul Young’s rejection of the penal substitutionary atonement–and provided documentation–the church bookstore is still selling  copies of The Shack today.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.” (John 21:17)

Do we love Christ enough to defend Him? Enough to protect His people?

Paul Young has had a rough life. But so have many of us. My dad died of AIDS. My wife and I have both repented of homosexual sin. I have been a homeless heroin addict and alcoholic in a number of cities. I have had skin cancer, and heart failure, struggle with the sin of gluttony, and Christ is my Salvation. Should I have chosen to align with a re-made “god” because that is easier and more pleasing? 

I am sorry, but this is what is being offered to hurting people. Paul Young in 2004 wrote a paper advocating “Christian Universalism,” the belief that all go to heaven, whether they accept Jesus as Savior or not. [2] This is why The Shack refers to Jesus as the “best way” but not the only way. [3] This is why the Father-goddess character states she does not punish sin–that it is its own punishment. [4]

The spirit behind The Shack no longer needs to fight for entrance into the Body of Christ. That is a done deal. In fact, according to the promotional for Stories From The Shack, “Paul Young is setting up his own pulpit–not in a church but in a show that takes The Shack live. It’s called Stories From The Shack: a theatrical presentation that combines elements of Cirque de Soleil and Charlie Rose-like interviews.” [5]

The Shack is “higher power” theology meets goddess worship meets universalism. The Shack brings the rising false gospel–and it is settling into our chuches with silken, sibilant smoothness.

Endnotes:

1.  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/4/prweb8315878.htm

2. James De Young, Burning Down The Shack, http://www.amazon.com/Burning-Down-Shack-Christian-bestseller/dp/193507184X 

3. Paul Young, The Shack, pg. 110

4. Ibid., pg. 120

5.  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/4/prweb8315878.htm

Bonus:

According to the event’s promoter, “The mysterious star of the [Stories From The Shack] show is Papa, Paul Young’s African American woman as God character. Papa makes random appearances sometimes simply taking a seat in the audience. She likes to hug so if you don’t, make sure you wear a button saying please do not hug me. Otherwise at Stories From The Shack you’re considered fair game for Papa. And it’s beautiful.” [1]

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:4) 

“A fable means ‘fiction,’ doesn’t it?” –Pastor Larry DeBruyn, applying 2 Timothy 4:4 to the rising popularity of The Shack. [2]

Endnotes:

1. http://jimhendersonpresents.com/what-does-the-show-look-like/

2. Pastor DeBruyn’s comment while a guest on Jan Markell’s show about The Shack.  http://www.olivetreeviews.org/

Related: Christian radio station promotes Stories From The Shack stage event (HERE)