A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

The Shack -- I'm almost all the way through this book and

Posted: Jul 14, 2010

was wondering if anyone else has read and what they thought. Heresy or enlightening?

For a while now, I've been looking for a deeper, more personal relationship with God, but haven't been able to find it. I hear testimony from fellow Christians about this wonderful relationship they have with God. How they talk to Him and they can feel His presence and He responds maybe not verbally, but they "hear" Him.

So a friend, who isn't a churchgoer but spiritual nonetheless, gives me this book and tells me I HAVE to read it. So I did and I have to say I'm intrigued. The picture this author paints of the Trinity -- specifically God resonates within me. In the book God is personified as a motherly black woman and spends a weekend with the main character, Mack ministering to him in amidst the tragedies Mack has experienced and the resentments he has amassed towards God. However, the author seems to insinuate that God is fully male and female and yearns to have deeper and more meaninful relationships with all His/Her children.

Still at the end of the day, I am left with this one question, "HOW?" How do we find or achieve such a relationship? I'm simply not satisfied with the one-sided relationship that I've been told by the church is a "relationship" with God. I've been told that God hears me when I pray and that praying is essentially conversating with God. But in my mind there needs to be two sides in a conversation. When I talk to my husband and he is simply staring at the TV, I need verbal cues from him so that I know he is listening or I at least need him to make eye contact. Why should I expect anything less in a conversation with God? I want to know God is there. I want to know God is listening. I want to feel God's presence, hear His voice maybe not a big booming voice that everyone else can hear, but His voice whispering in my ear. That's what a relationship is, right?

It's been a long time since I've even felt the presence of God, so long in fact I question whether I ever really felt it or did I just get caught up in some really good preaching. So what do y'all think?

;

a couple thoughts - sm - bbb

[ In Reply To ..]
Big topic ... but just would like to share a thought or two. I'm a faithful church-goer and yet I understand when others speak of problems with attending church. There are no "perfect" ones. I've seen (and been through) my share of controversies and disputes in churches that leaves one feeling "is this what it's all about?!!" but have learned that I need to go to church to "HEAR" from God -- that the problems in churches are from our human nature. This only reinforces that we humans are not perfect, will disappoint (even when we try to do our best). but the GOOD NEWS is that God will NEVER disappoint.

I believe that the Holy Spirit uses pastors/preachers to "speak" to us. So attending church for fellowship with other believers and listening for God's voice in the service never disappoints.

This is the same at home. If you pray, you will find God speak to you in days/weeks ahead. Some "coincidence" or event or words spoken to you that feels like a lightbulb going off -- "oh, there's my answer" kind of thing.

So this is long. I love other seekers of the truth. Faith is a mystery but one thing I know for sure -- God will reveal himself to us if we seek him.

As far as the Shack, many folk I know loved it but for me ... don't know ... just couldn't really get into it. I have a long list of GREAT books on faith that I could recommend if you're interested.

Thanks for reading all this. Keep up the search !! :-)

I've read the Shack within the past few months - lindawordlady

[ In Reply To ..]
Ya know, I was just getting ready for bed and thought I would check the board as I had been gone all day and now extremely tired. I could go on and on about that wonderful book, about religion and spirituality. I have many thougts and would like to share them with you, but need to get to bed and up for work tomorrow. You say you are halfway through, well, just wait until you finish it. I tell you, I have cried so much reading a book, but tears of joy, not sorrow. I will try to write more tomorrow or send you an email, if you accept them. I know some people don't and I am never quite sure why they don't, but nevertheless, I will share more with you tomorrow time permitting. Hope you enjoy the Shack and shows you some light!

I read on in the Bible until ... - The way God communicates

[ In Reply To ..]
God isn't restricted to any one mode of communication, but He usually speaks through His Word, The Bible. I've learned 2 things that may or may not be helpful.

If I am consistently doing all the talking and not doing any listening, I don't get much out of the conversation other than venting. There's a place for that, but it isn't a two-way conversation.

If I read the Bible for the purpose of hearing what God has to say to me, and keep reading until the words almost leap off the page, I learn things I didn't know.

There's a scripture that says, "American King James Version
Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not. Jeremiah 33:3"

God's communicates - GoldenMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Hello:

I want to thank you for that posted message. I am "haggling" over an ordeal and needed to have that message given to me today.

Have a great day!

Haven't read "The Shack" but can HIGHLY recommend - Angry Conversations with God

[ In Reply To ..]
by Susan Isaacs, subtitled "A snarky but authentic spiritual memoir." The general premise is that the Christian is supposed to be the Bride of Christ--but Susan decided it wasn't working, so she dragged God to couples counseling. And yes, somehow she makes it work, in the telling. It's a fascinating read, entertaining and enlightening.

Also... agree with the other poster who said learning to LISTEN is the key.... But even when one isn't listening, God can break through if he wants to. One day after listening to the recording of one of the musical events at church where I was participating, I was feeling just a little bit sorry for myself because it was pretty obvious my microphone either wasn't on, or it was on such low volume, nobody heard me.

Clear as anything, in my head, came, "I heard you."

And that was the entire point.

Have you read - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Purpose Driven Life? I actually should probably read this again but it was incredibly enlightening to me the first time I read it.

Presence of God - Tink

[ In Reply To ..]
I know what you mean. I seriously think this is where faith comes in. Right now, you don't feel Him or hear Him, but faith still tells you He's there. Everybody goes through dry periods in their walk with God. Personally, the thing that has helped me get through the dry, quiet times has been just plowing through on daily Bible reading (just a chapter, not a whole ton of reading), being honest in your prayers to Him (like telling Him that you don't feel Him, etc.), and I started listening to some of the pastors on our local Calvary Radio Network if I have to drive in the car (which is about the only time I have where I can listen to the radio). They are really good and are very Bible-based and practical. My husband and kids started listening several years ago as well, and it really helped us stay focused through some rough times, especially when my Dad died.

I hope some of that helped. It can be a rough road down here...don't lose heart!

Similar Messages:

Feb 06, 2012
...

Jan 22, 2015
On the Main Board, someone mentioned the book "2030" by Albert Brooks. It sounds really interesting and I'm wondering if anyone else has read it? ...

May 05, 2011
I am thinking about going to the library today and picking up a book or two. Anyone have any recommendations for a good book? Thanks! ...

Jan 08, 2010
It if wasn't so sad, it would be funny. 45% of Americans think that random people from the phone book would do a better job than the current Congress! http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2010/45_say_random_group_from_phone_book_better_than_current_congress ...

Jan 31, 2010
1) Do you still have it?2) Are the pages yellowed and stained like mine?3) What's the name of it?4) Do you still use it most of the time?5) Have you added more to your collection over the years? ...

Apr 26, 2010
in about 20 yrs or so... by Madelyn Gosselin on what kind of devoted mother Kate really was. ...

Sep 13, 2012
I'm reading Becoming Dr. Q by Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa. He tells of his journey from migrant farm worker from Mexico to becoming a professor of neurosurgery and oncology at Johns Hopkins. His continued optimism in the face of many hurdles is really inspiring. ...

Mar 25, 2013
I've gotten hooked on Kristin Hannah's books, especially Winter Garden and Home Front, but I'm afraid I'm running out on the ones available for ebook and audiobook. Any suggestions for similar authors? ...

Jun 09, 2013
Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. Since so many of us, of course, can no longer afford to buy luxuries like books, it's worth mentioning that your public library almost certainly will have it (though there's likely to be a waiting list, even though it was first published in 2001). For those who persist in blaming others here on MTStars who are struggling with our new working-poor reality, saying that the problem is their "attitude," another Ehrenreich book, Bright-Sided, also w ...

Nov 16, 2009
With Sarah Palin out there getting so much exposure with unscripted answers, the conservatives may realize what a ditz she is and not nominate her for el presidente. ...

Jan 14, 2011
I just got a Nook and I have no idea what to read. I got into the Janet Evanovich "Stephanie Plum Series" which I thought were so funny, but now I am lost... Any suggestions? ...

Dec 03, 2010
Open season on Bristol Palin. Just not right. I think her response was pretty adult, more so than KO. When will he grow up? I can't listen to his tirade as my speakers died yesterday, but both the Palin/Situation video and Olberman's crap is here: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/12/bristol-palin-responds-to-keit.html ...

Oct 11, 2010
This is the astonishing moment a book was apparently hurled at the head of President Barack Obama during a campaign rally in Philadelphia. The flying missile narrowly missed hitting the President yesterday. It is not clear what the book was, where it came from in the crowd, or why it was thrown at Mr Obama - who did not appear to notice the danger. Duck, Mr President! A book narrowly misses Barack Obama's head after it is thrown on stage during a rally in Philadelphia today ...

Jun 27, 2011
I am not a goody two shoes or a puritan, but a Barnes & Noble I was in this weekend has the new book "Go the F to Sleep" at the very bottom of the escalator on a shelf so that when children are leaving the upstairs children's section, it is at eye level for them to see. I glanced through the book, was completely disgusted by it, asked for a manager, made my complaint and handed him the 7 books in my arms to him and asked him to please re-shelve them as I would spend my money elsew ...

Jul 16, 2012
"The Proviso" by Moriah Jovan is on sale now at Amazon (for Kindle) for only 99 cents! I have read this book and really enjoyed it. It's a pretty big book, and a steal at 99 cents! ...

Aug 21, 2012
"Obama's America." I would recommend this to everyone. Whether or not you like or dislike President Obama, this book does give you some interesting things to think about. ...

Sep 20, 2012
Ought to be interesting, to say the least. ...

Nov 18, 2012
http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/dustbowl/ The deniers can deny it, the others can be for it. Might be interesting discussion. Reminds me of the Grapes of Wrath. ...

Aug 13, 2013
"The Ghost of Dibble Hollow" It made me love ghost stories and want to follow the paranormal and I still have a love of it! ...

Dec 12, 2013
It's crossed my mind many times, but haven't actually done anything about it yet. Wondering how others may have gotten started, suggestions of how to choose a story line, etc., just any experience anyone would like to share. TIA ...

Jun 14, 2014
I'm just venting on this subject. I've seen this episode a few times but I always like to be reminded of the protocol and procedures.I do wish people (not just people on this board) would watch America's Book of Secrets...there is one episode from 2010 that explained what happens with the essential government officials and what to do in case of an attack by our enemies. I've seen so many people put Bush and Cheney down for "hiding" during 911. Those people are such idiot ...

Jan 14, 2011
I'm mid 30s and this may sound a bit juvenile, but I LOVED the Twilight series. I could not stop reading them! I read when I get on the treadmill, so it worked great that I would want to read chapter after chapter. Someone recommended the True Blood series to me, but I couldn't really get into it. Someone then recommended the Vampire Academy series and I have just started the first book, but it seems a bit TOO juvenile for me. Please help, lol, my butt is ...

Aug 30, 2011
Same lies, different day. http://swampland.time.com/2011/08/29/in-new-memoir-dick-cheney-tries-to-rewrite-history/?xid=huffpo-direct ...

Dec 13, 2010
x ...

Feb 10, 2010
Finally got my hands on a copy of Game Change. I am really enjoying the behind the scenes look at the last pres campaign. All of the candidates are presented as real human beings - flaws and all. Interesting look at conflict between Biden and Obama, the whole Edwards fiasco and Hill and Bill. And, if you are troubled by Palin's inadequacies now, you will not be comforted by reading this book. ...

Aug 01, 2011
Saturday I drove to Lancaster County here in PA to Barnes and Noble. I was walking around the bookstore just browsing when I saw a paperback book on the shelft, pink in color. Casey's picture was on the front. It's a picture of when she was at one of her court hearings with her hand raised. She was in handcuffs. The book is entitled "Mommy's Little Girl." I do not recall the name of the author, and don't even know if he speaks i ...

Mar 22, 2012
Putting our book out there free today on Amazon hoping to get feedback from children and adults - Thanks!! "Lionel's Grand Adventure - Lionel and the Golden Rule" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MYOY3W ...

Mar 15, 2012
I need some reading suggestions. I have been stuck reading the same author because I love her writing style and her stories, but she doesn't have anything new out right now and I am dying for a good read. I love mystery novels with some romance mixed in. Tami Hoag is my fave and is the one that doesn't have anything new out. So any suggestions? ...

May 28, 2012
The book is a work of fiction but based on facts. I was blown away by what I read and learned from reading this book. It does not really surprise me that the drug company has put profits in front of human safety, but to put a drug on the market that is so toxic, it has a warning label that says to wear protective clothing when handling this drug and may be harmful if swallowed! Yes this the warning on AZT and they were passing it out to people who were not even sick! Ther ...

Sep 06, 2012
It sounds like a good one. There is so much more in this report from Yahoo! on his interviews with both Obama and Boehner. Diane Sawyer is going to interview BW on September 12. That's an interview I'm definitely going to watch. An explosive mix of dysfunction, miscommunication, and misunderstandings inside and outside the White House led to the collapse of a historic spending and debt deal that President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner were on the verge ...