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.
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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.
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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 
No Hollywood production of Biblical events have been totally correct or accurate, from Ben Hur, King of Kings, Ten Commandments, Noah etc. All have flaws. I too read the book and was very blessed and will be blessed by the movie I’m sure. If the book/movie causes just some to to ask questions that lead to Christ, then Satin looses one more soul. My God can show Himself anyway He wants. In the last days He says “that even the rocks will cry out”. He can use books, movies, that still small voice and even rocks. He’s just that big!
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Ken, please tell me your last name so that I can quote you.
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THANK YOU
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I agree that the movie was a very spiritual movie I loved it. My spirit was so moved. I will always remember it. I’m fact I went next Day and bought the book. My sister told me she had read the book. And it was great. So for those people who say it was bad. I hope you change your minds. Go’s bless you all.
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100% agree. Too many Christians get their panties in a wad. Of course, those folks always fail to realize that if THEY made a movie that was true to “their version of doctrine”, masses of other Christians would be ready to crucify them for hearsay ….
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Well said!!! Your love for Jesus shines through so brightly in this article. How refreshing! Thank you
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I shared this same thought today and also that Christians should be happy there is a movie about God in the theaters and show up in force to support the idea and ecourage more like it.
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Crystal, BRAVO!!! 😃👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank u SO MUCH 4 ur WONDERFUL post!!! Just what the negative “nay sayers” need 2 hear!! VERY well stated!! May “Papa” bless u & urs abundantly!!! ✝️🙋🏼😍😘
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Totally agree with you ! Beautiful book and movie that does give all of us Christians something to think about and examine our own lives – especially the part about being a judge of others….we are put here to witness not judge.
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Many of the people I know are condemning this movie. I won’t even tell them that I went to see it. I am going through a very difficult divorce right now. My husband is addicted to pornography and has been abusive for years. I finally had enough and filed for divorce. I needed reminded of how much God loves me. I haven’t been loved, honored, or cherished for a very long time at home. This movie truly helped bring healing to me.
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Amen Elizabeth… you are beautiful and wonderfully made! Jesus will be our husband, our friend, our brother or anything we have need of! May God be near you during this hard time and I encourage you to get plugged in to a Bible believing church so you can be surrounded, encouraged, and lifted up by God’s people. Praying for you Elizabeth.
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Elizabeth, the time is now to love, honor and cherish yourself. Spend the next months being good to you. Treat yourself as God would, as something precious to his heart. There IS healing for you….and there IS life, health, and happiness after a horrible and empty marriage!! PEACE unto you!
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100% totally agree
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The book should be read as fiction. The author in no way ask you to believe it as theological truth. Read it as fiction and watch the movie as the same and grab any nuggets you can get.
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Thank you. Very well said.
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Great input! I loved the way you broke down the walls and excuses people would have used as to why this film is, ” unbiblical”. God can and will use anything and everything he wants for his Kingdom.
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I’m very interested in seeing this film, and was considering taking my 9, almost 10 year old to it. She is a Christ follower with a very soft heart and gifted in mercy. I haven’t heard from anyone who has seen it yet. What do you think is a good age to see this? Is she too young for the themes?
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Possibly- I hate to give a spoiler here, but it does show reference to his young daughter being murdered 😦 I would maybe
wait a couple of years for her to see it.
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There is a scene with a blood spattered dress that the little girl was wearing when she was killed. That might be too much for a 9-year-old. I’m sure it will be available in DVD is just a couple of years.
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I saw this movie with some moms from my small group and a couple of their kiddos. After the movie a man sitting in front of us stood and called out to the crowd that was leaving the theater. He asked for prayer for his daughter who was there who had a brain tumor. I honestly thought people were ignoring him and leaving as a few gathered and prayed over his little girl. As the prayer ended I turned and saw that the entire theatre had turned around and every person was laying hands on another all the way to this precious child. It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. The movie was amazing but our ending in theater 15 was so full of His love.
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Amen, this has me in tears! Our God is so good!
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I also quoted you in my new blog post I just released. I hope you don’t mind!!!
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Not at all!
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Thank you so much! Here’s the new post! Thank you for letting me share your beautiful story!
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/
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The movie is a allegory of God not a biblical portrayal of Him. If you go and watch the movie with this in mind you will be blessed by it. T. S. Elliot wrote in the allegory format a lot he is considered one of the greatest Christian writers of all time.
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Do you mean C. S. Lewis?
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100% agree with you. I have not seen the movie yet, but I will soon. Another book made into movie, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, comes to mind whose characters were representations of biblical truth. God bless you.
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I too have been frustrated by the over zealous comments made by people who obviously mean well, but appear to be more like following laws than Grace.
As others have said, this book is a picture of God’s love and grace towards us. I have heard the author speak and he made it clear of that.
It hasn’t been shown here yet, but I will definitely be going to see it. I loved the book and we recently used it in homegroup to open discussion about His love. Did we use it instead of scripture? Of course not, but it made for some interesting conversations and allowed the Lord to speak through well known verses into our hearts in a new way.
Thank you for your excellent and heartfelt blog.
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Thank you for sharing this great insight into this movie. I have not seen it yet, but am now very interested in seeing it. I do know that Hollywood does not make every “Christian” movie 100% accurate to the Bible, but they can still be very good with a great message. Thanks for sharing.
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My husband and I saw it Saturday, we were both in tears. It was beautiful and loving and definitely makes me not want to judge anyone. How I saw the portrayal of the Trinity was: after Mac was first hit by his dad, the lady showed him love, which he remembered, Jesus was like most I’ve seen and the Holy Spirit was the Native American princess who sacrificed herself for her people. These were all people he associated with. Maybe I’m wrong but that was how we saw it.
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I have read that the movie depicts God and his love. Does it in anyway present the plan if salvation? Yes there are many who believe in a good god, but there is only one way to really know him and that is through his Son.
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THE SHACK: I am 61, was raised in a Christian home. I heard my Mom and Dad pray until Heaven came down and God Almighty moved the mountains of sickness and troubles from existence! I know what’s Real and what’s Not! Sad, but some ppl only have head-knowledge of our Amazing Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit (God). Anyone who comes against this movie needs to go back and dip in The River one more time! With All My Heart, I believe THE SHACK was given by divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God to awake and tremendously bless all who see it. Thank You Lord!!!!! BEST MOVIE EVER PUT OUT! …..just can’t imagine Anyone coming against this movie?????
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I appreciate your comments so much regarding The Shack. I am 60 years old and have been in church (baptist-conservative) all my life. I was a missionary kid and a preacher’s kid. I like you, loved the book and was disappointed with the criticism the film is receiving, but like you I had my eyes and ears peeled to see where this movie was in any way contrary to God’s word. I don’t see it and God is and can use it in a mighty way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Thanks for a good review! God’s Blessings be upon you. Tom
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I haven’t seen the film or read the book, but I’ve heard the author of the book explain why the father is depicted in the book with nails scars in his hands. Does that come out in the film?
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Yes it does!
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And you think that’s an accurate depiction of how the Trinity is revealed in scripture? Is that not patripassianism?
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Rather a beautiful picture of how ultimately God will never leave you nor forsake you.
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Jesus was crucified, not the Father.
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Symbolism, my friend.
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Symbolic that the father never left Him. Amen!
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It’s not symbolism according to the author. Young has said publicly that this is his understanding of 2 Corinthians 5:19. The text is teaching the doctrine of interpenetration (perechorisis) not that the Father was crucified. The latter is in fact a heresy condemned by the early church. It’s actually a serious error.
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Thank you for your post. I agree this movie is not meant to be a Bible, but like John the baptist, it points the way to God.. I think anything done to point to God in a good light is a good thing for our world. The problem is so many people do not think about God daily. Just talking about the movie has already gotten many people thinking of God. There are many who say they are Christians, that would do well to see this movie. Every Christian, before seeing the movie should pray that God uses this movie to show them what they need.
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I agree. Didn’t Jesus say thar “Whoever is not against Us is for Us.” ?
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I get all the good stuff, really. The only thing I want to know is since it’s drawing people toward God, HOW does it suggest people get there? If it suggests any way other than through the shed blood of Christ, the whole message is wrong. There are not many paths to God. ONLY ONE, and if the book or film doesn’t make this clear, it’s false doctrine, even if it’s fiction. Salvation is the single biggest decision a person will EVER make and that cannot be tainted in any medium.
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It’s main focus is an invitation to have a relationship with Jesus… it’s a story, not a sermon, so doesn’t touch on every point but just to spend time with God and talk to Him as a friend… the rest is up to God and us! See my latest post where I speak about this!
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/
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I read the book several years ago. When I started reading it & God was first introduced, I said “oh, heck no!”. But I continued the book & by the end, I had an epiphany that this book is like an impressionist painting. You don’t see everything in minute detail but you do see subject matter well enough to know what the painting is about. I am a Christian & I still came away from that book amazed at God’s love for me! I can’t wait to see the movie! We, as Christians, sometimes get too caught up in the “law” & forget about “grace” and forget that God can use all kinds of methods to bring us to the saving knowledge of Jesus. My goodness, how different was Jesus’ message from all the years of trying to obey the Law…totally revolutionary! We need to open our hearts & let God speak into it instead of opening our mouths & saying what WE think others need to hear! That is what is blasphemous!
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After the death of my 7 year old daughter my faith had taken a hugh hit and this book gave me a renewed sense of HOPE and restored my FAITH in a good GOD who is there for us no matter how deep the hurt. I can’t wait to see the movie!
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Katie, absolutely follow the conviction of the Holy Spirit! To me, this goes without saying! No matter what I or any theologian says, always listen to the Lord. This blog post is specifically what the Lord put on my heart to share but I do speak about following what you feel led to do in my latest post here: 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/
God bless you Katie, and yes, ALWAYS be led by God!
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Thank you for posting this. I can’t tell you how it breaks my heart that people who claim to be Christians can’t see the beauty in this film. I personally loved it and it answered so many questions for me. I intend to share it with whomever I can and encourage anyone and everyone to see it!!!
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I appreciate your evaluation. I do think some Christians get upset over little things to the point it ostracizes people. I do think what s important is that the church needs to step up and flesh out the story. Instead of boycotting we should be embracing it then explaining the gospel and truths from the Bible that fill in where the book/movie leaves off. With my kids I don’t keep them from every superhero movie that has a curse word or immoral character but I watch it with them any point out good and bad parts, real and fantasy parts.
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I read the book and couldn’t wait for the movie to come out , but then I read all the talk about blastfemy and I was torn because this was from people I truly respected but then when I read your account of the story it all came back to me that this is what I though when I read the book so I’ve decided I will see the movie after all.
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Thank you so much!!!! I have not seen the film yet but have read the book twice, and cannot put into words how God has touched my heart as a Christ follower and shown me more about himself than I had a grasp of prior to reading the book. I have been a believer for a very long time and have had wonderful biblical teaching that has grounded me in my faith and knowledge of God…The Shack has not deterred my walk in any way, but has enhanced my love for Him. Thank you for sharing…because I do believe that God has used this simple book to reach people where they are.
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Thank you for posting this!!!!! It is exactly how I felt after reading the book and watching the movie!!!!! I was so moved spiritually by both!!!! I love all of the comments about how this movie has meant something to people in different ways…..it saddens me when christians are so judgmental and most haven’t even read the book or seen the movie…..sometimes I understand why people run from the church instead of to the church……breaks my heart😔😔😔
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Thank you! My thoughts EXACTLY!!! You worded that so perfectly…..
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I thought this movie touched on so many issues . From God’s love , grace , mercy and forgiveness most of all. Stand strong , because if GOD is truly with you , no evils may come against you . My wife and I both loved the movie, and yes there are some parts in the movie make you say hummmm and gets you to thinking, but if you really know what the Bible teaches you, you know what is true to the Bible and not. It’s also can be called common sense… BE BLESSED.
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Numbers 22:28-30. Can we all agree that if God used a donkey to speak truth to another person, a human representation of Him would certainly be, at a minimum, believable?
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I’m a bit out of touch as I didn’t even know there was a controversy. My pastor warned us not to go and see this movie this past Sunday, but my first thought (after the anger) was, “I have freedom in Christ”. Paul faced similar arguments in the early church concerning circumcision, meat offered to idols, the Sabbath. His response surprised them all. He said God was good with all their answers, and both responses towards each other (‘rigid’ and more ‘laid back’) were wrong. Truthfully, we all have great arguments to support our position, though I think my position makes more sense. 🙂 Still, I’m trying really hard to be respectful, as “we have no right to look with contempt upon people whom God loves”. (Accidental Pharisees – Larry Osborne)
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Love this!!! And for those who are still boycotting it, but want truly want people to be reached for God and to know truth: 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/
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Reblogged this on Pinwheel in a Hurricane and commented:
As a person who endeavors to walk in a manner worthy of my calling, I have been perplexed by all the “controversy” over The Shack – the title of the book, and now the movie, by William P. Young.
When I read the book several years ago, I found it cathartic. In fact, in reading it I was able to work through some hurts and hang-ups that I’d been carrying around with me for WAY too long.
I appreciate the perspective of blogger Crystal Olmos, as shared below.
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Thank you DDavault for the kind share!!! ❤️
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Forgiveness and Love are Biblical and that was this movies focus.
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Hi Jody, I don’t, nor would I, ever list out the things I do to “be righteous”, for our righteousness is as filthy rags. (All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags) Isaiah 64:6
That’s a self-righteous and Pharisee-like way of thinking. The post I wrote below is for people who say things like what you just said to me. Be blessed sister, and I pray Jesus would speak to you through His precious words. My post below is full of them. 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/
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I read this book when it 1st came out and I liked it. When I heard they were making the movie I read the book again purposefully due to the fact that it was about parents losing a child and grieving and not understanding how this could happen and how it can eat at you and destroy lives. And since I know exactly how that feels I thought when I read it the 2nd time if it could ease my pain just a little. And yes it did. And no it does not take the place of my Bible. And yes I know the book is fictional. It helps a parent that has lost a child to communicate/share/listen/talk/and even read something that is fictional, with someone else that has walked and still walking in your shoes and truly understands exactly how child loss feels and that it will turn your world upside down. Even to the point that you don’t know who you are anymore, your whole personality changes, you don’t view or see things the same anymore. Any little thing that can ease some of this heartache helps. So yes, I will definitely see the movie and I will cry, just as I did when I read the book, and yes I know I will feel better when the fictional characters of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit helps and loves this fictional father through his grieving. I know exactly how that feels too. But it is a process everyday of being reminded and comforted that only the Trio can give you. I have a lot of my own stories and different things God has showed me. One day I plan on writing Casey’s testimony. God bless.
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Not so sure you would be so quick to boycott this wonderful movie, if you had lost a child of your own. Leave people to make their own decisions, as you do not walk in their shoes, or grief.
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Well said. Really enjoyed the book and then the movie. I also found that listening to the authors tedtimony helped understand it all better too.
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Thank you for this beautifully stated comment. I agree whole heartedly.
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Thank you Elizabeth, so much! I have read the book (and loved it) but haven’t seen the movie, but will! And as a Pastor, I am reminded that if it weren’t for church people, church work would be great! (ok, not ALL church people) But, we wonder why people don’t want to have anything to do with the church and/or church people. I am a Christ follower, a believer, a Christian. And I am a part of the body of Christ, the church. If this movie/book helps people understand God and His love and grace even more…then PRAISE GOD! Great thoughts…and to the church of the uprights and uptights…LOOSEN UP! God is love. Peace.
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Sorry…had “Elizabeth” on my brain…THANK YOU CRYSTAL!
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Thank you for your insight. I have thought about seeing this movie but could not decide because of the reviews I have been seeing. Now I will give it a chance
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I saw the movie with my wife and we both loved it.
We are Christians and I after with your article 100%.
This movie left me thinking about several things. Two of which was forgiveness and how much God loved us.
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The movie was great…I too, like many other movie goers, had tears falling throughout the whole movie because I was so touched by the very human realities of what this man and his family was going through. I highly recommend it, and would go to see it again.
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