Area churches use controversial book 'The Shack' to reach community

At first, the Rev. Scott Moon was skeptical of the best-selling novel "The Shack."

But after his wife, Michele, urged him to read a copy of the book on a cross-country trip two months ago, he was so inspired by the themes presented by author William Paul Young he decided to offer a study based on the novel at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, where the couple serve as pastors.

"I was prepared not to appreciate the book, but after reading it I found there are some very promising and constructive approaches to some timeless themes," Moon said. "This is using one man's fictional work to get at truth in a fresh way.

"As a work of fiction and as a pointer to God, this is a profound work," he said. "We can't sum up the truth in any single image. 'The Shack' is shaking people up, and that's not all bad."

His Sunday sermon series began March 1 and continues through March 29. A four-week Wednesday Bible study at 1 p.m. at Saxony Village and 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the church that coincides with Moon's series ends March 25.

"The Shack" by William Paul Young has led to many group discussions in churches like Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Since at least January, churches throughout the area have been using the book, which has sold about 5.5 million copies, in an attempt to shed light on themes for its members, regular attenders and occasional churchgoers.

In the novel, a man named Mack encounters God during a weekend visit to the shack where his daughter was murdered. The Trinity takes on the appearance of an older black woman, a carpenter and an Indian. In several published interviews Young said the book is a metaphor of his 11-year quest to overcome painful experiences and understand God.

The Rev. Ron Watts, pastor of La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau, said some have expressed concern that God is portrayed as a woman but he emphasized that the novel is fiction and should be seen as such.

"It has its critics, but you have to understand the intent of the writer and what he's trying to accomplish," Watts said. "Let the writer take you on a journey that will take you to a certain place of healing. I've always been of the opinion that God is masculine, and this book didn't change my theology."

Watts said in his 24 years of ministry he has never seen such interest in a book. During his four-part series that concludes tonight at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. attendance has averaged about 2,000, nearly 200 more than its average 1,800 for usual weekend services, and its supply of 350 copies of "The Shack" sold out before last weekend. The church plans to offer a Bible study on the series once it concludes.

ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.comMichele Moon, right, helps lead a group discussion of the book "The Shack" by WM. Paul Young at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

"'The Shack' at its heart deals with the issue of suffering and how you can deal with a real God in a world of pain," Watts said. "That's the heart of it. Anyone who has suffered loss or gone through real difficult times asked those questions, especially a person of faith."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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Pertinent addresses:

521 Caruthers St.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

3102 Lexington Ave.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701