Book Reviews
”Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed.” Francis Bacon (d. 1626)
Book Reviewed
by Darold Morgan
Finding God in The Shack
Roger E. Olson
Madison, WI: IV Press, 2009.
Professor of Theology at Baylor’s Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas, Roger Olson has authored numerous books on theology. He adds to his reputation as a serious thinker and a relevant commentator in this reflection on the remarkable literary phenomenon, the novel The Shack.
Millions of copies have been sold world-wide, launching a multitude of questions about the controversial portrayals of the Christian Trinity in the book, as well as the author’s concept of evil, redemption, and consummation. Is the novel heresy? Is it Christian? Can one find an authentic approach to the philosophic enigmas of evil and redemption in the pages of this brutal, yet interesting novel?
Dr. Olson takes the view that the novel has a powerful and refreshing (and often controversial) basic Christian cast, and he writes perceptually, critically, and reasonably about the themes which emerge from this intriguing ”Great Sadness” at the heart of the novel. Overall, Olson has a positive view of the theological and philosophical issues raised and he meets head-on some of the critical problems. Olson also forces the reader to determine which approach he or she will take, rather than demand that his own conclusions be accepted.
As a guide to biblical theology, Olson contends the novel has major weaknesses. And Olson does not gloss over these issues, but discusses them forthrightly. However, the extraordinary success of The Shack and the wave of discussions it has engendered combine to make Olson’s work an important commentary.
Overall, Olson is very positive about this best-selling novel, for he contends any book that provides understanding about the presence and power of evil is worth reading.
