I was recently contacted by a precious woman from a marketing firm that works for Lionsgate films. She liked my mommy/lifestyle blog and also saw I was a Christ follower. She gave me VIP seats to attend the advance screening of The Shack and also allowed any of my followers to come for free as well!
I was really excited about this opportunity as I read the book years ago and really loved it. Unfortunately, my excitement was put at bay a little once I started seeing articles circulating around about how “anti-Christian” and “blasphemous” the book, and now film, was, in some Christians’ opinions.
Friends, can I just tell you… can I please just tell you… how wrong these people are.
How to make income from your blog!
I am a person who takes blaspheme against God and reverence towards Him VERY seriously. I will walk out of a theater with actors who are cursing His name every other sentence. I don’t like jokes that are made about God or Jesus and won’t be around someone who is trying to tell them. It would be like me just standing there listening while someone is talking bad about my mama, my husband, my kids, or my family. Not gonna happen.
So believe me when I tell you I had my eyes, ears, and senses PEELED when I went to watch The Shack last night.
I didn’t hear the film say there was no hell. I didn’t hear the film say that sin is not judged and there are no consequences for sin. I did not hear the film say that God is a woman or a man. In fact, God revealed himself as a man in one scene and a woman in another. I did not see idolatry and blasphemy and “universalism” themes. Many things these articles accused the film of, I simply did not find.
What I DID see is the film give a beautiful, beautiful REPRESENTATION of the absolute LOVE and ADORATION that Jesus has for us. How the Holy Spirit is so tender and comforts us in a way only He can. And how God is His infinite wisdom and mercy knows just what we need and when and how to give it to us. And that’s right, I saw a REPRESENTATION. Just like going to see a Christmas play where actors are representing Jesus, angels, and Biblical characters. We all know those characters aren’t God and aren’t pretending to actually BE God in their hearts. Likewise, the author of The Shack was not intending for you to think these characters are actually God, but was rather showing the love and characteristics of God through human terms which is in a way we can understand the most. I could go on and on, but would like to refrain from too many spoilers for those who will be seeing it so instead will give you this to ponder.
Fellow Christ followers, did you ever think that maybe the film and book’s main goal WASN’T to reach you who are apparently seasoned, discipled, and on your way to heaven?? Maybe it was meant for the movie goer who shows up at the theater unsure of what they want to see, picks this film, and ends up wrecked by God. Maybe it’s for the atheist who has questions about God and will stumble in to see this film just to *see* if there’s anything real to this Jesus business they’ve heard about. Maybe it’s for the suicidal teen who has cried out to God one last time and said “God, if you’re real and you want me to stay on this earth… SHOW ME!”
Or maybe… it IS for you. Maybe it is for the seasoned Christian who has been dealing with a pain they’ve tucked deep into their core and haven’t dealt with yet because it just hurts too bad.
Maybe it IS for the Christian who just feels he is in a spiritual rut and can’t seem to “feel” the love of God anymore and needs a reminder.
Maybe it IS for the Christian who hasn’t really forgiven the person who stole her innocence when she was just a child and she bears that ball and chain everyday.
Maybe this film IS for you.
Please please realize friend, The Shack IS NOT the Bible. This film IS NOT the Bible. BUT it has so many Biblical truths that show who my Jesus is and how our God is a GOOD God despite every tragedy we face in this life. And while we are on the subject, I found nothing said or done in the film that did not line up with God’s word. This is a wonderful film that I, along with most of the audience, cried through as the presence and love of God filled the theater.
I’ll leave you with this beautiful testimony. I had the absolute pleasure last night of meeting the beautiful Christine D’Clario. She’s a Latina, Christian music artist who worships in English and Spanish and has such a heart after God. Last night she shared how she picked up a copy of this book while on a plane one day…. and couldn’t put it down. She shares how God used this book as a tool to work through the healing she so desperately needed in her life. As a victim of sexual abuse and losing her father at the tender age of 6, she had unbearable grief and anger tucked deep inside of her. Christine told me God used The Shack to begin the healing and forgiveness process in her life and she has never been the same.
My sister Charity Santibanez, Christine D’Clario, Me, sweet friend Kristi Patel.
Let this film do that for someone you know. Let it do that for you. Someone may not go to church with you, but they may go see this film. And then they may go to church with you. Guess what? This film may show them that God wants a deep relationship with him or her. It will answer the question they may have of “why does a ‘good’ God allow evil things to happen to good people?”. This film may show them some deep, Biblical truths that they truly had never been taught. Trust God to use this film for His glory and to fill everything else in that that person needs to know. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. John 16:13 says “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” Let this perhaps be a door that opens hearts to our savior, Jesus.
I know that’s what I’m going to do.
Be blessed, my friends, and may this movie touch you the way it did me.
Olmos There,
Crystal Olmos.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog (below) & follow me on Instagram: @crystalolmosthere
Follow this link to learn how to make income from your blog via sponsorships and your readers.
Still against ‘The Shack’? Or have you seen it and are loving it? Either way, this next post is for you and shares a bit of my personal testimony. Link is below. Be blessed!
Crystal Olmos 
Thank you!! I couldn’t have said it any better than you did!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the book and the movie,awesome ! I am a survival of physical,mental abuse from a father which led to sexual abuse and even though I gave my heart to the Lord I could not get past God being male, when I read the book and as God revealed himself as a woman I began to relax and enjoy the story not realizing until the end how He was healing my hurt , because of this I have a Papa, what a healing journey this book and now a movie has taken me on.!
LikeLike
I grew up with a father who was an alcoholic from before my birth. My alcoholic dad died in his forties. I witnessed and experienced a great deal of rage growing up. My daughter was sexually abused by by someone who eventually served time in prison and was added to the register for sexual offenders for abusing another girl. I did not find out about my daughter’s sexual abuse until she was in high school. I cried a lot during the movie as I re-lived experiences from my own life. I truly appreciate the desire of this movie to display the grace of God. I agree that our world has a desperate need to understand the grace of Jesus Christ. But the grace and love of God cannot be properly understood apart from the justice of God. According to the testimony of most of your readers, The Shack has had a deep spiritual impact upon their lives. If The Shack has a deep impact on a person’s spiritual life, but contradicts some element of the truth about God we understand from the Scriptures, then those contradictions should not be dismissed with the wave of a hand. If so, then the god of The Shack is the god of your imagination.
Was Jesus wrong when he said, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” According to the movie, Jesus did not know what he was talking about.
Papa, when asked about the wrath of God, said, “My what? You lost me there?” Was Paul wrong when he said, “The wrath of God is being revealed against all godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” (Read Romans 1:18-23)
Was Papa right when she added, “Sin is its own punishment?” If sin is its own punishment, then why did Jesus need to be punished? If sin is its own punishment, then was Jesus foolish for going to the cross? Perhaps crime is its own punishment as well. If that’s true, then to incarcerate or to level a fine against even one person is a travesty of justice.
A. W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us… We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. This is true not only of the individual Christian, but of the company of Christians that composes the Church. Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God.”
The Shack paints a very compelling and powerful image of God by means of a moving story. What comes to your mind when you think about God as portrayed in The Shack? When the Apostle John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” saw the glorified Jesus in Revelation 1, he “fell at his feet as though dead.” This is the same man who rested his head on Jesus chest at the last supper. What comes to your mind when you think about God? Is it the God of the Bible in all of his holiness and transcendence and justice and love and grace? Is it truly a reflection of the immortal God, or is it an image “made to look like mortal man (Romans 1:23b),” an image edited just enough to bring it within our own comfort zone?
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi PJ…. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through and I want you to know that I agree with you wholeheartedly. Thank you for taking the time to share your view. Please read my next post where I speak in more detail about how the Shack is not the Bible, but rather has a very specific intent to show certain characteristics of God to hurting people. And yes, people may leave the theater with only a partial view of who our true God is. He is a God full of grace, yet there will be a time of wrath where He will pour out His judgment on those who reject Him. He, by nature, cannot accept sin or allow sin into Heaven. He is a holy God! And a good God! And we are to be held accountable for our actions. The Bible says wide is road that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life. But I don’t think that this film cannot and won’t be used by God. As concerned Christians, let us be the ones to pray for everyone who will see this film, that they’ll be encouraged to run to a Bible believing church, surrounded by strong and loving believers who can help them in their journey of salvation and relationship with Jesus. Let’s meet with people we know are seeing this and see how we can answer questions they have and pray with them! I’m getting bombarded with messages and while unfortunately I can’t respond to all, I am trying to get to as many as I can and share truth and offer prayer. I give more ideas here on how we as the Church can love on these people who are clearly hurting and may not know much about God, but whose hearts are sincerely open!
https://crystalolmos.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/attention-christians-who-are-boycotting-the-shack-and-those-who-are-loving-it-heres-how-god-can-use-you/
You are right PJ… but let’s make even more good and seize an opportunity God has given us where hearts are wide open. Much love to you and God bless!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Psalm 22 has always helped when I thought Jesus was forsaken at the Cross. It helped me realize in His humanness he “felt” forsaken but wasn’t and I am not, even when I feel I am or forget His promise NEVER to forsake.
:24-For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from Him; but when He cried unto Him, He heard.
Great dialogue on this post, love it:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why I will watch it and then have my say. As a pastor I am very protective of how people reprsent my God. If this film waters down or misrepresent the Word of God then I will say so. We as Christians tend to except watered down versions of Gods word in order to make profit, is unexceptable. So yes I will check it out with an open mind and open Bible to fact check.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely Pastor Artie… and again… keep in mind the intent of this film/story. It’s audience is to hurting people who do not know the nature of our savior and may have only hear the fire and brimstone version and been turned away by it. See the part two article I wrote to this one as I explain more about how we, the Church, can be used by God to explain further truth to people as their hearts are open by this film. God bless you!
https://crystalolmos.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/attention-christians-who-are-boycotting-the-shack-and-those-who-are-loving-it-heres-how-god-can-use-you/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that many Christian leaders have had ‘issues’ with every theatrical format where Christ’s words are not quotes from scripture (especially KJV) .
Lighten up! This movie and book are not scripture. Many didn’t like “The Living Bible” because it was paraphrased, yet many came to Christ through its readability!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not seen the movie, but I did read the book and loved it. I found the message to be one that could help ones faith, or bring them to having faith. I hope when I do see the movie it is like the book correctly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t see anything wrong with
The Shack. 🤔 You’d think with all this fuss, there would be numerous glaring areas that did not line up biblically but I didn’t see any.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for saying what I was thinking! I read the book just after my son died and was totally taken by this story! The movie even more gave me clarity and strength to move forward! I praise God for this book and movie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My wife and I saw this movie just a couple of days ago and I absolutely loved it. It really made me think about the power of forgiveness, including forgiving myself which can be very difficult. Why any Christian would boycott this movie is beyond me, they are really missing out on not only a great movie but more importantly a powerful message strongly recommend it
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very well said….. I read the book at least ten times and did a study with a friend……and I loved the movie! The evil one is alive and well and attacks in many ways …..even through this awesome movie…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your words. I think you did a nice job on this. I get so sad when Christians attack things because they aren’t “Christian enough” or because they don’t follow every tiny point of theology in the same way. We often end up pushing people away because they only see people passing judgement and being holier-than-thou. Thank you for positive words.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Agree with you – the movie is entertainment that can show people a perspective of God that many secular folks may have never considered. I read the book and saw the film and believe it was beautifully done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a chance to hear the writer talk about his life and his struggles to find a relationship with God after childhood trauma. He gave people poems, songs and stories as presents instead of material gifts. The story was written, at his wife’s request ,for his children explaining his understanding of God after he regained his relationship with God. He is a honest quiet man whom I feel has given us a great story that helped me answer serious questions. I see it as a form of a parable that makes sense of Gods love for me and all mankind
LikeLiked by 3 people
I saw God work a miracle when taking my daughter to see tjis movie. A mom of 4 and struggling to feel loved and lonely. A women next to her loved on her through the movie patting her hand giving her tissue,then afterwards praying over her as only God would know. Why because Jesus wanted to show her he sees all her heartaches and tears. The next day her life was saved within a couple minutes to death by 911 mak8ng it on time when she had a sevete allergic reaction and face tongue and thoat swelled. I know it was the prayets tjis women prayed that God used to save her. My heart breaks from tje judgements made. God uses what God choses to use. Its up to us to search the scriptures for His truths. The testmony of the writer is amazing and full of tje healing power of God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A friend linked to this and I tried to read it but the advertising on your page is so intrusive that it keeps jumping to that section on the post and I can’t even keep the content of the post up to read. Between that and the autoplaying audeo that’s loud and obnoxious.. you’re post might be interesting but it’s impossible to read (Chrome Browser)
LikeLike
Oh my goodness-That is so annoying! I can’t even see the ads on my blog post- it just shows me at the very bottom that my reader may see an ad. Can you look at it on your phone?
LikeLike
Hi Dorothy, I’m a former English teacher so definitely know that! Can you let me know where the typo is so I can fix? Thanks!
LikeLike
http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/what-does-the-shack-really-teach-read-lies-we-believe-about-god
LikeLike
Hi Dawn! I read this and agree on most points actually …. however, read what I said on my next blog post regarding the INTENT of Young’s work of fiction called The Shack. Also, I’ve linked a post below on why Young says God isn’t a Christian. This actually provided me a lot of insight as well on why Young says some of the things he does. Straight from the horse’s mouth too, which I like.
http://wmpaulyoung.com/god-is-a-christian/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just…….AMEN!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read the book more than once and l have already seen the movie. Like many others, l believe God used it to comfort me on a level l had never before experienced. Because someone suggested that l read THE SHACK while still in the pain of the breakup of a 38 year marriage and the subsequent crippling steps into my new identity as a single mom and grandma, l was enabled to crawl through. God is not in anybody’s box.
He will leave the 99 and go find the one. I was the one, you were , and still so many others. Ephesians 4:11-12. I believe this list includes movie producers and authors and writers and all kinds of creative people. He can handle His business . I pray this beautiful story continues to bless many.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I read the book about 5 yrs ago I believe but not sure. I loved it so much but now don’t know what happened to it. I may have to buy another one. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but certainly will!
LikeLike
I have been a Christian for many years and I loved this movie!!! I watched and listened as an older couple said they were gonna leave, but didn’t. Next thing I know this older man is getting out his handkerchief. I really believe this movie will change lives, at least I pray so! Please join me in praying and believing for hearts to be turned to our precious Savior! Blessings!!!🙏💞😇
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very good movie that all should take the time to watch. Beginning difficult for me to watch but the rest of the movie just a great sermon!
Loved the stance against legalism and not to judge others
I attend a large non legalistic church that I can and do invite anyone to attend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the book and certainly will see the movie when I can. I have been a Christian for over 40 years. Unfortunately, I see way too many Christians who want to put God in a box and reject anything that doesn’t agree with their patent view of who He is and what He is like. Through leading Bible studies, I have studied scripture deeply. I have seen the many faces that God and Jesus show to those who need him. He is certainly not static. He is certainly not bounded by just what you read in the Bible. He is present and alive in all of our lives every day. Often, we don’t see Him because we weren’t expecting the form that He reveals to us at any given time. I will continue to pray for those Christians who can’t accept that God lives outside their parameters and think they must judge. God has told us about judgement and let us know that it is His and His alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so deeply touched by this movie. If I would’ve let out one sob I dont know if it wouldve stopped! Wow. What an amazing portrayal of God meeting us where we’re at and revealing an aspect of himself that we need at that moment. Thanks for sharing your heart on this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your wonderful comments! I Met Paul Young at the First Baptist Church in Morehead. You are so correct in your comments. I loved the movie and hope everyone goes to see it. I plan to see it again! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for this article. I 100% agree with what you have said. I also was looking for all the horrible heresey everyone was talking about and didn’t see it. I was blessed by seeing this movie. I would recommend Christians go see the movie before they take the word others and boycott a beautiful story about God’s love and the importance of forgiveness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had the same reaction when I shared the book, with fellow Christians. They either LOVED it, like I did…or hated it…blasphemy!! It all depends on your view of God. Do you put Him in a box, on a throne…you go to HIM…you limit Him. The truth is, He meets you when, where and how you need to be met, anywhere, anytime….He is GOD!! I too, couldn’t put the book down. When I did, I had a fresh cup of coffee with Jesus!
LikeLiked by 2 people
this movie wrecked me a good way I walked out in tears and feeling the father’s love all over me I loved the movie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read the The Shack years ago and couldn’t put it down! The book just helped me understand that no matter what God is there for us and shows us this in many ways. As far as humanizing it – God sent the ultimate human to earth so that we “humans” could relate on our level. I haven’t seen the movie but cannot wait to! This writing from you was the most beautiful christian explanation I could have ever heard, and you are a wonderful example of the Christian we all should strive to be. Thank you !
LikeLiked by 1 person
If anyone wants to talk to or challenge Paul Young, he’s appearing in Orlando on April 1 in a Q&A seminar with the audience. http://www.theshackseminar.com There is certainly a lot to discuss here, and I think the image of an angry old white man as God needed a much-deserved makeover.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Real Christians. .. Loving a Real God! 💞
#HomelessPastors🔥 BillyBob&SarahJean
#LovingJesusEnoughToLoveOthers 💔
#ConroeStreetOutreach 💙
LikeLike
Thanks for this blog. I have shared it. I have had such a difficult time with people boycotting the film/book just because of some articles circulating the internet. You have summed it all up, and I enjoyed reading your post. I lost a child. I am a devout Christian. My husband is a preacher. We both love the book and the movie. It provided healing for me that nothing else had so far…
LikeLiked by 2 people
SEE IT BEFORE YOU CONDEMN IT….DP
LikeLiked by 1 person
This movie is incredible. Coming from abuse physical mental and sexual i recieved even more healing and confirmation that God loves us sooo very much that he cares about our perceptions of him and represents himself to us in safe ways. I love to minister to those who have experienced what i have gone thru and to those who have never (thankfully) been exposed to such horrific circumstances. In watching Restoring the shack on TBN Paul Young stated that there is nothing that destroys and dismantles the soul of a human being than sexual abuse
Physical and mental can also be so devistating on how you relate to yourself and others. This movie reafirms that God loves you so much the very breadth of it strewn across a wooden beam. He is ever present and waiting for you to talk to him about everything. I will never forget the night he asked me to forgive him! Yes God wants you to forgive him. As much as we need to forgive the ones who have hurt us for our good it is the same with Him. I had experienced love and forgiveness towards the very people that hurt me so deeply and i thought i could never do that the rage and hatred i had in my heart towards them was all consuming but when that miracle happened he clearly asked me “when are you going to forgive me?” I was shocked and immediately responded with ” what?” And he repeated “when are you going to forgive me?” ” you are God you dont need forgiving ” ” but you have held me responsible for everything they did” There it was Truth i held a secret grudge toward God unspoken for years in prayers and conversations with him but never speaking outloud that charge. Be like Job and never charge God was my thought . True and complete healing began after that night and he revealed how none of what had happened to me was any part of his plan. Jesus stands at the door and knocks I love looking at the shack like this go to the place of ugliness face the door where the secret hides behind when you open it you will see the truth of it and HE is right there to expose its lie and facade that you fear will destroy you. He is God Almighty he is your El Shadi, he is Jehova, he is yahwe, and thru the many names and their meaning he has restored his place as Father in my life and he wants to do that for you too that word for me no longer makes me sick it now means pure love and safety and in him i can open my whole heart. I hope that you can too!
I believe God is reaching out and calling his children home to him. To walk and commune with him as Adam did. Go to the garden of your soul daily and open your heart one secret at a time and let his love envelope and speak to your spirit. I believe thru Paul Youngs writings many many people will be restored to their Heavenly Eternal Father!
LikeLike
When I read the book, it changed me, and enabled me to finally forgive two people who really hurt myself and my wife.
It also took GOD out of the box I had HIM in and realized how he could open up Himself to us in whatever way HE wanted to teach us of HIS unbounding love and desire to be close to us and for US to love HIM back!
We cried at least 3 times.
The butterflies were a special symbol for us as GOD sent a literal butterfly ( which is a symbol of NEW LIFE) after she was completely cured from her lung cancer.
Yes, an operation was needed but GOD was with her the whole time.
Loved the movie , but can’t believe the flak I get at Church from those that have an opinion but have not seen the movie!
Seriously thinking about looking for another church!
GOD is so GOOD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes God is so good and so glad He used this film to bring you to a place of forgiveness. God bless you!
LikeLike
Wow!! Thank you for all this information!! So good!! ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome!
LikeLike
Yout thoughts are my thoughts. Thank you for sharing your insight in this great movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Adriana!!!!! You’re so welcome! Can’t wait to watch it again!
LikeLike