The Shack Facts: Everything You Need To Know About It

William Paul Young's novel 'The Shack', published in 2007, was recognized as the USA Today and New York Times bestseller in 2008.

The book has been controversial due to its depiction of God, with some Christian groups calling for a boycott of the book. It has also been banned in some libraries and schools.

'The Shack' is a story about Mackenzie Allen Phillips and his reconciliation with God and Christianity after tragic events make him lose his trust in religion and faith in God.

After receiving a mysterious note with an invitation from 'Papa', Mack returns to 'the shack' near Multnomah waterfall, where his daughter had been abducted and murdered by a serial killer four years prior.

At the shack, Mack encounters God in three forms. He has a long conversation with each one and learns from them for a couple of days, trying to understand his life in the past, the tragedies that he and his family have faced, and God's role in all of it.

He realizes the value of forgiveness for himself and others, overcomes 'The Great Sadness' he held for all these years, and can help his family heal as well.

The story ends with Mack wishing to help humanity realize the true nature of God as he had the fortune of experiencing.

If you want to know more about the book and the story, you can check out this article for a short brief on the plot of the story, get to know the characters, and get some background on the author and the novel, along with other interesting facts.

'The Shack' Characters

The main characters in the novel include the protagonist's family, friends, and the forms of God, he encounters at 'the shack'. The minor characters are a police officer, an FBI officer, two other families who get acquainted with the protagonist, and a serial killer.

Papa - a middle-aged woman of African American descent who represents 'the creator God'. She is associated with the role of 'the father' in the Holy Trinity and is also referred to as Elousia.

Sarayu - an Asian woman depicted as a representation of 'The Holy Spirit', and one of the forms of the three-part God in the novel.

Jesus - representing 'the son' in the Holy Trinity. He is depicted as a Middle Eastern man, who identifies himself as the son and human incarnation of Papa.

Sophia - a tall and serious-looking woman, personified as the wisdom of Papa.

Mackenzie Allen Phillips - is the protagonist struggling to find his way back to his faith in God. Tragic events lead to pent-up emotions, making him think God and religion have neglected him.

Nan Phillips - Mackenzie Allen's wife, is a very religious woman and has five children with him.

Missy/Melissa - Mackenzie Allen's youngest, six-year-old daughter is abducted and murdered by the serial killer named 'Little Ladykiller'.

Kate/Katherine and Josh Phillips - Mackenzie and Nan's elder daughter and youngest son, respectively.

Willie - is one of the few close friends of Mackenzie Allen, who narrates the prologue and epilogue of the novel.

Mack's father - a church elder, living in the Midwest. He is of Irish-American origin, an alcoholic, and an abusive father and husband to his family.

Tommy Dalton - a police officer in charge of the case of Missy Phillips.

Plot Of 'The Shack'

The author, William P. Young, uses fiction to build on the values of Christianity, contradictions in the practice of religion, and complexities of human nature. The story depicts the protagonist's personal journey of overcoming extreme loss and grief and realizing his relationship with God.

Four years after the tragedy, Mack receives a note in his mailbox inviting him to 'The Shack,' where he had lost his daughter, Missy.

He has many experiences at 'the shack' with the different forms of three-part God. He realizes their constant presence in his life and that of his family.

He learns about the difference between God's nature and what his religion led him to think, overcomes the grief of his past and the loss of his daughter, and can help his family heal.

Mack recovers his daughter's body and gives her a proper burial. He decides to return to his family and use his newly learned view of God and kindness to help others.

Mack is hospitalized after being injured in a car accident during his return. He discloses his experience at 'the shack' to his wife.

A month passes, and new evidence gives hope that the serial killer responsible for Missy's death can be caught. Mack is a changed person full of love, forgiveness, and a new understanding of God.

Film Adaptation

Despite contradictory views, 'The Shack' had become immensely popular, with nearly 10 million copies of the novel sold by 2010 since it was published. This fame and gritty story also inspired a film adaptation of the novel.

The film adaptation of 'The Shack' was released on March 3, 2017.

It's directed by Stuart Hazeldine and stars Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Sam Worthington, Tim McGraw, Megan Charpentier, Radha Mitchell, Gage Munroe, Sumire Matsubara, Amelie Eve, and Avraham Aviv Alush.

The movie is not a direct adaptation of the novel. Instead, it takes some elements from the book and expands on them.

The film deals with the story of the protagonist as depicted in the book but also introduces new characters and storylines which weren't present.

Although it did not receive good critical appreciation, the film was successful, making more than $ 96 million in global collections.

About Author

The New York Times bestseller from 2008-2010, 'The Shack', was the first published novel by Canadian author William P. Young. He initially wrote stories as unique gifts for his kids and friends.

William P. Young was born on May 11, 1955, in Grande Prairie, Canada. He lived in the highlands of New Guinea and the Netherlands until he was about ten.

When Young was only a year old, his parents joined the CMA (Christian and Missionary Alliance) and became missionaries in the New Guinea Highlands.

William Paul Young is married to Kim Young, with a family of six children and eight grandchildren.

Some other published works of William Paul Young are - 'Cross Roads' and 'Eve'. His latest was the 2017 religious book 'Lies We Believe About God'.

Fun Facts About 'The Shack'

William P. Young initially wrote 'The Shack' for his children as a Christmas gift after being insisted on by his wife.

Former pastors Wayne Jacobsen and Brad Cummings helped Young publish the book. Filmmaker Bobby Downes also helped with the project.

Stephen King referred to 'The Shack' in his 2010 novel 'A Good Marriage'.

Theologian Randall Rauser wrote a guide book 'Finding God In The Shack', answering the critic's comments about heresy promoted by the original.

Psychiatrist Brad Robinson wrote 'The Shack Study Guide' and used it in his practice.

FAQs

What was God called in 'The Shack'?

The book represents three forms of a complete God. Papa is the 'creator God' or 'the father', Sarayu is the 'Holy Spirit', and Jesus is the son or human apparition of Papa.

Is 'The Shack' based on a true event?

No. 'The Shack' is a work of fiction. However, the author has stated that while the story is not based on a true event, parts of it are inspired by his experiences.

Why was 'The Shack' written?

'The Shack' was written to explore the nature of suffering, how to recover from grief, and how it can lead us to a greater understanding of God.

Who was the 'Little Ladykiller' in 'The Shack'?

In the movie, Rob Compton plays the uncredited role of 'the murderer'. The book names the serial killer 'The Little Ladykiller'. In both cases, the true identity of the character is not revealed.

Who created 'The Shack'?

William Paul Young wrote 'The Shack'.

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