So I’ve been reading this book called “The Shack” by William P. Young and it is really challenging my thoughts on who God is and how much I take my own definitions and let that shape who God is.”The Shack”, thus far, has illustrated God to be a warm hearted, large black woman. The Holy Spirit is a shimmering Asian woman who is often hard to see but comforting, and Jesus is an Arab carpenter. The story is fascninating and has been described as a modern day Pilgrim’s Progress. Here’s just a small, small portion of a conversation between “God”- aka large black woman and Mackenzie- the lead character.
” ‘Well, I really have no idea. I mean, you’re God and I’m not.’ He couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but she ignored it completely. ‘Yes, But not exactly. At least not in the way you’re thinking. Mackenzie, I am what some would say ‘holy, and wholly other than you.’ The problem is that many folks try to grasp some sense of who I am by taking the best version of themselves, projecting that to the nth degree, factoring in all the goodness they can perceive, which often isn’t much, and then call that God. And while it may seem like a noble effort, the truth is that it falls pitifully short of who I really am. I’m far more than that, above and beyond all that you can ask or think.’”
Due to some other circumstances I’ve been forced to think about not only how much I define God based off of my understanding, but how much I define Christianity by being an American. More thoughts on this topic to come….
Must read…
Job 38-41.
I just finished re-reading Pilgrims Progress a few weeks ago…..certainly a classic. I look forward to more thoughts on this topic on your blog.
I was sent it by a friend recently and am about halfway through. Very thought provoking to say the least.
Amy,
You’ve intrigued me now. What a thought.
Thanks