Reflections on The Shack

Note from Randy Alcorn: Most of this paper was written four and a half years ago, when The Shack had sold less than a half million copies. It has gone on to sell about eighteen million. 

I’ve had no desire to step into controversy in a public discussion of The Shack. However, after years of silence, time has demonstrated that many people are indeed basing their theology on The Shack, and I am told the author has a forthcoming book about its underlying theology. For a variety of reasons, including my hope for further interaction with the author and my desire to not be part of another controversy (I’ve been in my share), I originally decided not to publish this or post it online. When people asked me about it, I told them they could request this unpublished paper.

It now seems appropriate to finally post an updated version of what I wrote years ago, since I still receive so many questions about the book.