"Our decision to create resources for churches to use alongside The Shack movie, just like all decisions we make, was filtered through this desire to see an ever increasing number of people place their faith and trust in Jesus as Lord." -- Outreach Inc.
And the 60 bucks don't hurt either. Once again however we see a misplaced zeal that would make the Pharisees proud. So busy asking if they could that they never bother asking if they should. This "all for Jesus" is actually just an excuse. It is the same excuse pastors use all the time when they know they are compromising the Gospel in order to draw people into their churches and fill their pews. Easter egg hunts and trunk or treats? Doing it all for Jesus! Removing all crosses from the sanctuary as to not offend the "unchurched" -- hey doing it all for Jesus! Unsaved musicians, smoke machines, disco lighting and hollow meaningless sermons about significance in this life? Just doing it all for Jesus. Except they are not doing it all for Jesus. Without the uncompromised Gospel it is a false jesus that they are selling. Crossing the land and the sea to make a single convert but only to make him twice the son of hell that you are.
The Shack is a dangerous book that presents a false god. I have heard two specious arguments in its defense. The first is this doing it all for Jesus argument. That the Shack is designed to start the conversation. We heard this same lame argument for watching the Bible and AD miniseries'. What a horrible way to start a conversation. Do you often start a conversation with a lie? Do you want to start a conversation about God with your unsaved family members and pretend their sin does not matter? That God is not coming to judge? Of course God is love but the ultimate symbol of love is the cross. The second argument is that the movie is somehow "better" than the book. That the more egregious heresies did not make it to the screen version. To which I respond -- who cares? First of all if you lead people to the movie you are also leading them to the book. Secondly, does it matter to you if the rat poison you are eating is 10% poison or 15%? Of course not because it is going to kill you either way.
Perhaps the strongest argument against needing The Shack is the Gospel. Throughout history only one thing has saved the people of this earth for eternal life and that is the Gospel. It is the exact same message that saved the sixth century serf and the 15th century philosopher. It is the same that saved the factory worker in 1892 and the computer technician in 2004. It transcends time and culture. It has no limits and no boundaries. It does not need to be made more sugary. It does not need to be made more relevant. It does not need a church kit, PowerPoint slides, or discussion questions. It does not need to ask how you feel. Just preach it pastor! You do not need to face your giants. You do not need to go into the war room. You do not need to visit The Shack. God has given you all you need. It is called the Gospel. He promises if you preach it, His Spirit will draw people to the cross. Maybe not a mega-church amounts of people because the path that leads to destruction is broad for a reason. But at least you will not need a microwaved cheap knock off of salvation to sell to goats you know full well are not really converted. Get out of the Shack beloved and get back to the Gospel.
Reverend Anthony Wade -- February 15, 2017
