Restoring The Shack: a documentary review
For The 75% of You Who Have Experienced Trauma or Profound Loss
I "accidentally" came across a resource that was extremely encouraging to me (link below). It is a video documentary from William Paul Young, the author of a best-selling book and movie, The Shack. In all honesty, I had avoided this movie for a long time because I didn't know how it might trigger my own memories of trauma, and also because of the controversy surrounding the film. Eventually, I did watch it, and was rather surprised at its sensitivity (I thought it would be worse), and recognized the artistic license for what it was. All in all, it was a story of redemption that encouraged my faith.
In 2018, Paul Young made a documentary film explaining the storyline of the original book, including why he wrote it, how his own experiences were reflected, and his journey of personal and spiritual growth. The entire documentary, divided into several episodes, lasts about an hour and forty minutes. It stands alone even if you have not seen or read (or desire to see or read) The Shack. I was transfixed by Young's ability to communicate the grace of God so clearly, and his relatableness as a human who experienced trauma.
While I would like to have seen a clearer exposition of the doctrine of election at the end (e.g., not all people receive Christ as savior), there is a solid gospel presentation of Christ's intercessory work, and His desire to restore His people to fellowship with the Father.
If you choose to watch this documentary, please use your own discretion, particularly with children. The "warnings" at the beginning of the film reference Baroque works of art, in case they are off-putting.
I'm simply sharing this resource; it is not a directive or recommendation. :-)
I "accidentally" came across a resource that was extremely encouraging to me (link below). It is a video documentary from William Paul Young, the author of a best-selling book and movie, The Shack. In all honesty, I had avoided this movie for a long time because I didn't know how it might trigger my own memories of trauma, and also because of the controversy surrounding the film. Eventually, I did watch it, and was rather surprised at its sensitivity (I thought it would be worse), and recognized the artistic license for what it was. All in all, it was a story of redemption that encouraged my faith.
In 2018, Paul Young made a documentary film explaining the storyline of the original book, including why he wrote it, how his own experiences were reflected, and his journey of personal and spiritual growth. The entire documentary, divided into several episodes, lasts about an hour and forty minutes. It stands alone even if you have not seen or read (or desire to see or read) The Shack. I was transfixed by Young's ability to communicate the grace of God so clearly, and his relatableness as a human who experienced trauma.
While I would like to have seen a clearer exposition of the doctrine of election at the end (e.g., not all people receive Christ as savior), there is a solid gospel presentation of Christ's intercessory work, and His desire to restore His people to fellowship with the Father.
If you choose to watch this documentary, please use your own discretion, particularly with children. The "warnings" at the beginning of the film reference Baroque works of art, in case they are off-putting.
I'm simply sharing this resource; it is not a directive or recommendation. :-)
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)