Thanks Sherman for putting this together and sharing it. Good stuff.

So cool seeing Paul Young in this interview you did. I heard him in the podcast at thegodjourney.com that he mentions but it's great seeing the video face with the voice. Wonderful seeing The Shack taking off and impacting so many folks.

Dave, thanks for swinging by and adding your feedback. Yes, Paul just emailed me and shared how they had just shipped 20K more of The Shack over this past weekend - awesome! That's 20K more conversations, 20K more journeys started, and 20K more hearts and spirits lifted!

Awesome, Sherman. Just thinking of your interview/conversation with Paul and how all he shared could be taken and attempted to live out as some formula, some series of steps to get closer to God (or worse yet, to become "better christians!") This is an awakening for sure but not by our might and wisdom but by this crying out to know this Papa and Jesus which is truly way beyond ourselves. What a joy to have our eyes opened like this!

Blessings to you

Dave

This book is a must-read and it will change your preconceived notions, even those notions entrenched from your youth, placed there by well meaning teachers and preachers. Here is a novel, reading more like an autobiography, and you will find yourself easily able to identify with geographic locations and the private thoughts of the heart. Last night ten of us had opportunity to spend two hours with the author to listen, ask questions and to observe the man. Paul Young is genuine in every respect, a perfect example of one living in the moment. Thank you for reinforcing the need for everyone to be in the present in each conversation, each encounter, as each hour in the day is redeemed for His glory.

Blessings,
Bill

I haven't even read the book and I'm touched. Since I live in the UK, I can only get it via Amazon and I want to read it TODAY!!

I Love what William P Young said that he would never ask God to bless anything he did again, but he asked God to let him hang around what He has blessed. This is my mantra now and fits in with what God has been showing me lately about "Seeking First His Kingdom … and ALL these things will be added beside."

Thank you for sharing this Sherman. Fantastic!

Blessings
Trish

Hey Trish, I wish you were closer - I would've sent you an autographed copy from Paul. But shipping is still going to be slow this Christmas.

Do share your experience with me once you read it ok?

God bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Thanks for thinking of me Sherman!

Two of the books are still coming from the US because believe it or not, there was a limit on how many Amazon.co.uk would allow me to buy … ONE!!

I sure will share my experience with you and, I've already put the videos on my blog at theinfluentialwoman.com.

You and your family have a blessed Christmas too Sherman.

Trish

We were given the Shack by a friend in September. I read it over a week end and of course passed it to my wife. We given dozens of copies away. The Shack has had a trememdous impact on our lives and those around us.

Your interview was incredible. To be able to hear Paul Young is wonderful. Thank you.

Art

Hi, Sherman!

Enjoyed your interview with Paul Young, and I will follow up on The Shack — sounds intriguing. I have a book release, What Did Jesus Say? The Master's Instructions, so I paid close attention to his blog page.

Two questions, please:
1 - How did you set up that interview in what seemed to be a restaurant?
2 - What's the difference between a permalink and a trackback?

Thanks!
Jean

How thankful we all are that Mr. Young would take the time to share with us God's awesome love - so clearly, so intimately, so real. The book is touching so many lives and what a breath of fresh air it has been to those who have never had a loving father or a father at all to whom they could relate.
The description of the fields and flowers were so magnificent that you knew it could only come from heaven, and what a joy to be able to picture it and enjoy the splendor of it all.
Praise to our Father!!!!!!!!!!
Linda Denham

@ Art and Linda, thanks to both of you for stopping by and checking out this interview. Appreciate your feedback too.

@ Jean, congrats on your book release! To answer your questions:

1. We were at a local cafe, and though it was busy and somewhat noisy in there, my RODE shotgun mic on my Panasonic camcorder captured Paul quite well. The mic and camcorder was pointed directly at Paul. Plus I had setup the camcorder on a mini-tripod and it was sitting on the table with us. Hope this helps.

2. A permalink is short for 'permanent link', like an absolute URL (or web address).

A trackback is the practice of commenting on a blog, like mine as an example, from within your own blog.

You would simply write your comment like you would write a new blog post in your blog. Then you would use the trackback URL provided by my blog (as seen below my entry above) and input it in your 'trackback url field' and publish that blog entry.

When I approve the trackback, it'll show up in my blog comments with a link back to your blog's entry. This provides your audience and mine exposure to the conversation between us.

Hope this helps.

I think this book was one of the best books I have ever read and I am only fourteen! I loved how it took you in the story and would stir your emotions to the point I actually cried! I am just amazed by your work William and I, as an aspiring author hope I can write as well as you did in this magnificent book. Hope you keep it up. Thanks!

Hi William I have somthing God has givinen me that I fell belongs to you to take care of. If this word means any thing to you E-mail me. ( Fuzzels )It stands for food for your soul

Hello, Paul…
I have just finished The Shack. My tears have dried enough for me to write. I lost three of my six children to a killer disease (called Batten's Disease, a slow killer). So I was in that meadow and behind that waterfall, watching my kids playing together with Jesus. You have helped me see that Papa is loving and laughing with them. We saw that when they were alive, when they were dying, and now we see that He is still with them and their life is better than it ever was in this world. What a gift you have given me.
My wife and also spent some retirement years in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, which links me also to your childhood in some mysterious way. This is not the end, but the beginning of more good things in my life and family. I love you. Steve

I have never finished a book in one day, I could not put it down. It has totally opened my eyes to be able to see how much God loves me. How God is good ALL the Time. That He has a purpose for Everything and Everyone. This book has helped me give up the need to control things or the need to be right. It has helped me to walk more in Grace. It has given me a better understanding about good and evil and choices that we make. It has also give me a better view of the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you for writing this book for your kids but sharing with all of us.

Really, really liked the book. Glad to see this interview of the author, would enjoy it more if there weren't all that background noise. :-/ Hearing problems. :-p

His preserved word is in the KJV? Well, I guess if the KJV was good enough for the Jesus and apostles than it's good enough for us.

WARNING: Attempting to comment on a book before actually reading it it could contribute to your stupidity.

Sorry… couldn't help myself. Feel free to delete my reply Sherman.

I am on my second time reading the book. And again it is the best book besides the bible that I have ever read. It breaks things down and helps me understand better. God is a spirit and can appear as anyone He disires to be, He is so loving that He makes it about us, what we need to see. I have recommeded this book to everyone I come across. But I do tell them to be prepared. It blows every sterotype and it knocks off every religious spirit you may have. It shows what a wonderful, loving, awesome, incredible God we serve. I love my Papa…… again Thank you for writing this book…..

2 TIMOTHY 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Author—-God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob!
It appears to me that there have been some thoughtful comments that have been erased on this site.
Lets see if these "people of God" will delete God's words???

Berean,

Explain? I've yet to read the book, but are you putting this book down to nothing more than a fable that lacks truth? If indeed you have something to say, speak up!

Again, I make it clear, I haven't read the book but found truth in the interview William P Young had with Sherman and, I'm also intrigued to know, were the parables of Jesus fables too?

May I tell you how many people have finally understood who our Heavenly Father really is!! How many times I have heard their comments that they always pictured this God in Heaven with a ruler in His hand and a stern face, just waiting for His children to mess us - oh what a lie - and thousands have believed this lie from childhood - it's what they had been taught in their churches. Thank you Paul Young for taking the time to share with us this magnificent, awesome loving Father we have whose arms are always open to us to receive us and forgive us and teach us and love us!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Linda Williams

Fasinating book but it left me with a question for the author. At the end in the section titled "After Words", you wrote a question; "So the question I am faced with as I pen these words is how to end a tale like this? This question in and of itself calls into question the whole book. Can you help me out here.

Dear all,

Is there anyone out there who can help me find contact details of The Castors (Mr (Steve)& Mrs Castor). I have been trying for a long time now trying to get in touch with them. They spent some years teaching in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and were like parents to me.

Please help me find them!

Tavota Yaboro

Hello to Tavota Yaboro!
What a surprise to read your name today in the blogs of Sherman Hu! I remember you so very well — like yesterday — even though 16 years have slipped away. I would love to learn about what you have been doing since your high school days. And to hear more about some of your classmates who touched my life so profoundly. My e-mail address is scastor@frontiernet.net. My mail address is 2535 Nunda-Byersville Road, in Nunda, NY 14517 USA.
God bless you richly with His love, Steve Castor

Just reading these comments, touches my very soul with all the love everyone expresses.. Sounds like I will be picking this book up before my roadtrip from PA->California or shortly there-after. thanks every1

I was brought up in a very legalistic environment. It has taken me years to heal from the spiritual abuse. My Papa has been walking me down a road to Himself. He has pointed me toward Authors like Steven Brown in "Approaching God how to pray". Phillip Yancey's "What's so Amazing About Grace. Brennan Manning's "Ragamuffin Gospel". What a WONDERFUL PAPPA he is. I asked God a few years ago to show me HIMSELF. I asked Him to show me His face, His nature. He has been faithful. Some people I guess must live their Christian lives by rules and regulations but there are a few who have found TRUE freedom in Jesus Christ. It IS all about HIM anyway isnt it. As I read some of the blogs I see that some are still bound up in legalism while others are finding TRUE freedom in the work that Christ did on Calvary. The debt is PAID IN FULL. Thank you William P Young. The Shack has changed my life in only the way one human soul can be changed, through the revelation of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. This book is truly Inspired and one more take on GRACE and LOVE.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I'M READING IT AGAIN (AND I NEVER READ BOOKS TWICE) AND UNDERLINING THE PARTS THAT SPEAK TO ME PERSONALLY. I'M PASSING IT ON TO OTHERS TOO. HOW I WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF A BOOKCLUB TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THIS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY COMMENTS.

The Shack is an example of what I call "encounter theology." Though in fable (or fictional) format, it teaches an unbiblical view of God, the Trinity, salvation and divine revelation itself. It's undertones are negatively oriented toward "regular" biblical theology, that is knowledge of God founded upon and derived from the written Word of God, the Bible. It's salvation plan is "muddied" and confusing and does not make clear that the death and resurrection of Jesus is the ONLY way to God the Father. The teaching of the classic biblical doctrine of the Trinity deviates violently from the Bible's and Church's teaching through the ages. It's story-like, good-feeling, experiential (existentialist?) paradigm reminds me of New Age thinking and teaching. Sorry, but it does not at all measure up to the classic Pilgrim's Progress or much of C.S. Lewis's works–all based squarely on the Scriptures.
A good read does not mean good teaching! And it may in the end simply promote increased Bible illiteracy.

for Mr. Willian P. Young,
I haven just read your "The Shack" and agreed and gavenit mnuch deep thought until until I came to the part that even when Missy was being killed the Trinity was with with her. As aloving mother I would have killed the evil and saved her, I have a very difficult time nexcepting this version of our Creators love!!! Please help???

Thank you for the love of God that saturates this book. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read it. I can't wait to just love and forgive because I now know that God is truly good and that he truly loves me. Thank you for helping me to deepen my relationship with PAPA.

Gwendi

Paul's life parallels my husband's; so therefore my life is similar to Kim's. Is there a place where either of us can go to talk on-line to others with the same background??? It helps so much to be able so share. Thank you in advance. Mary Jo

A forward written about and by the author, using pseudonyms of course. So who else could write one better???

Unlike many others, who "read it all in one day" or "night", I read it through in a period of months! Nearly each page contained "meat", i.e., "food for thought"; I would have considered it next to blasphemy to have read it in only one read! (So…let all those speed readers out there stick pins in a voodoo doll that represents me). I'm sixty-six years old and have always been pretty much of a thinker and doer, and because I am a thinker–and, hopefully, listener–I made many trips to my Bible and concordances to check on various statements made by the author, who, by the way, is a very substantial theologian.

A thought for the loving mother… I think it is in the book that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not step into lives and situations, but supports those going through, especially when they have no control over the events. Missy's Dad couldn't be there to prevent, But PAPA was, to hold her in the pain she may have felt… and maybe to bring her to them before all of the horror happened to her earthly body. Wow, to know that I would not be alone, experiencing all of the horrors …… awesome.

On the flip side, what if this brings a hunger to readers to know more and begin to study the Bible? Also, I wonder how many times you have read it…the second time is bringing many many many more Bible bases than the first read did…. Think about it a bit.

When I read the book the first time I had to stop when the dress was found. I was so upset. My daughter called just then to tell me not to stop but that there was so much good to be learned. I continued and now because I had to read it as fast as I could to find out what came next, I am reading it a second time and taking notes in my journad of things that minister to me. What an inspiration it has been to me. I praise the Lord for allowing this book to be written.

I dont read a lot,but the other day I just knew I had to go to the christian book in the town I was in,I was drawn right away to this book,
I read it in about 8 hours,for me this is a record
thankyou

After reading this book, I sent a copy to my pen pal who is incarcerated. He read it in 2 days and began sharing it with his fellow inmates. They love reading it and express the thoughts that it really opened their eyes to the nature of God's love and that they want to read it multiple times. When I saw that Paul was doing a discussion and book signing at a nearby B&N, I bought a hardback copy for him to sign for the guys at RMSI. When I told Paul what I planned to do with the copy, he looked at me, smiled and thought for a minute and wrote a special message to the guys. Way cool! I was privileged to present to book to the guys at a Sunday communion service and read the incription to them. I can hardly describe the looks on their faces - they were so touched by his words. Their response to the book is so deep and thoughtful. They want to take notes, re-read it, just like me. It has impacted their lives profoundly. Thank you, Paul, for your gift.

I would like to get in touch with Paul Young or someone who works with him. We are a ministry - "Freedom House Minisitry"
in the Chicagoland area and we would very much like to invite him to speak at one of our events Please notify me in how I could make contact with him.
www.marianne@freedomhouseministry.net

I've heard several stories as to how and why this book came to be. The one I want to know about, did Young really write this book for his son in the face of HIS great sadness over the tragic death of his sibling? Or is it just his creative way of showing his readers the depth and grace of God's love? Or both? I'd really like to know but whatever–the book makes one think deeply, crying and rejoicing. Hope to get an answer.

Above is my comment. How did Young come to write this amazing book? Truth and fiction combined or pure fiction? Whatever, there's much within its pages to return us to God's word.

Dear Margaret-

When you get there be prepared to start anew.

Felt like I was reading a story and a bible lesson for the day everyday after a certain point in the book. YEA:) WAS REFRESHING.

REFRESHING;)learned alot! BEAUTIFUL STORY

recommended to all my family members! (6) …great christmas gift!

My heart is truly sadden to see so many reject Gods love and base it on the Bible. Isnt that how the Jews missed out on Christ? We are so worried about living by the law, that we forget that because of Christs death and resurection, we no longer live by the law. We live in freedom through the love of the Father because we are His Children.
This book is fiction and is one mans view of God in all 3 persons. It is not a theological study on the trinity (which is also mans attempt to understand God and not even biblical) or in redemption or forgiveness.
Tthis story is about one persons experience of meeting God right where he was. It was his choice to step out in faith, but ultimately God was there even in his pain, anger and misunderstanding of who God really is.
God is using this book (as well as His living Word) to restore a faulty relationship with my dad.
I have never understood my relationship with my earthly father and thus never understood or comprehended my relationship with my heavenly father. This book brings to life His love for me as a son. I am now accepting my own dads love as a son. I want to sit in the arms of my heavenly father and fully accept His love and acceptance knowing that there is no expectations only an expectancy in the relationship!

Eric… reading what you just read reminded me of the true power behind this book (the True Power's name is PAPA!). So many are missing the point, missing the boat, really. Straining over doctrinal correctness and missing the reality of our loving, wonderful Father who desires us passionately! Thanks for what you shared.

Sherman, I continue to enjoy hearing folks that have posted here, how they have been so moved by The Shack… so moved by His grace for sure.

Dave

You know Eric, I couldn't have put it better and so nicely!

I would probably have ranted about their legalism and being the ones Jesus was referring to about "shutting up the kingdom of heaven against men…" This book is probably turning more men to Christ than all their legalism put together.

When Tommy Tenny wrote "Hadassah" God told him to get to people "through the back door" and this is the reason he made it a novel because it would get people to read it.

I don't say we should preach lies - for those of you ready to shoot me down - but if you can't get to people except via preaching scripture you have the problem, not those "NOT" listening to you.

Sherman, forgive me for "ranting" on your blog but boy, these people gotta understand what it really means to "be in the world but not of it," and for some of these folks, they are so heavenly minded, they have no earthly use!

Eric, I'm so pleased to see this book has helped with rebuilding the relationship with your dad.

Be Blessed,

Trish

Actually, I should rephrase my comment above … "they're not even heavenly minded, they just think they are!"

You know what is so awesome with Gods love? He extends it to everyone! I would ask that we pray for those who find it necessary to question how God works, rather that we would simply jump in (as Peter did in faith!) the flow of Gods love and let it just be!

You are so right Eric … this is where we measure the depth of our love.

Eric, thank you for opening up your heart and sharing your comment with all of us. I to have been blessed reading this book. It encourages me to read all the ways this books has blessed so many people. Papa is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He meets you just where you are. He reveals Himself to you the way you need Him to. Thank you for everyone who allows us to see a glimpse of Gods love through your comment.

I just love reading from all of you that are seeing God in this book. Everything Jesus said and did while on the earth shocked and appalled the smart, learned religious leaders. He came to love the lost and the broken. Thank God!

i need someone to answer this question is the shach a true story or is it fiction did this little girl really die i did love the book but i am confused

Rest assured The Shack is a work of fiction. If you look carefully on the cover/back of the book, you'll probably see it noted somewhere. A real little girl didn't die, but she represents Innocence of a Child, "murdered" by someone. So many people have something within them taken/destroyed/murdered when they are yet children (physical/sexual/mental abuse, etc). That leaves deep, deep scars and wounds that take years, if not decades, to heal. Through building trust and developing a loving relationship with Papa, we can recover from anything and heal the deepest wounds. You are loved!

Hello,
I would love to know if there are any plans to have this book translated to Spanish?
I know it would be a HUGE blessing to the hispanic community as well.
thanks!

Good evening,
I just finished reading the Shack and I am so grateful for it! The book was given to me by a fellow from church who said it was really different. I didn't start to read it right away but a few weeks later, another fellow who was ministering to me
ask me if I had ever heard of it. I said it was sitting on my kitchen table,unread,but I recognize God's voice when I hear it…copies in Spanish are available from ChristianBook.com, as I am buying one to give to a very dear woman from South America to read as she flies home for the holidays.She has no idea what she will be experiencing when she goes to"the Shack"!