A reader of Apprising Ministries writes an email which illustrates more evangelical churches are just discovering a book by William Paul Young called The Shack. Pastor Larry DeBruyn brings out that Young is off-course even before he begins his writing:

Writing from the standpoint of being a one time “theological buddy” of Paul Young, author of The Shack, James De Young notes that the “the most serious error is Paul’s embrace of Universal Reconciliation which lies imbedded in the book.” When applied to Christianity, Universal Reconciliation (UR) behaves like a computer virus that first invades, and then infects the whole body of biblical Truth. Contradicting distinctive Christian teachings, UR proposes a dialectic that changes biblical beliefs about God’s love and justice, Jesus’ atonement, heaven and hell, and the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. (Online source)

The following is presented with permission and for the edification of our readers. May it serve as a reminder that so often bad theology still slowly circulates long after most have forgotten about it:

  —– Original Message —–
From: AM Reader
To: apprising@hughes.net
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 12:11 AM
Subject: “The Shack” — Apprising Ministries contact form

I have heard a lot of talk in the church about this book called “the shack”…I haven’t read it, but it seems suspect. It’s a bestseller and creeping into churches, if you feel inclined could you do a review of it…

AM Reader

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From: apprising@hughes.net
To: AM Reader
Subject: Re: “The Shack” — Apprising Ministries contact form
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:49:15 -0500

Hello AM Reader,

Thank you for contacting Apprising Ministries. Below you said: “I have heard a lot of talk in the church about this book called “the shack”…I haven’t read it, but it seems suspect.”

It’s very suspect but it’s not a new book. There have been quite a few good reviews exposing its terrible theology. We have collected many of their links here in this AM piece:

STAY AWAY FROM “THE SHACK”

If you don’t mind I’d like to publish your letter and my answer because I’m sure from my traffic reports that there are others who are just finding out about The Shack as well. I pray this helps.

Blessings,

Pastor Ken Silva
President
Apprising Ministries
https://www.apprising.org/
Ezekiel 3:7-14

General Editor
Christian Research Net
http://christianresearchnetwork.com/
2 Corinthians 11:12-15

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—– Original Message —–
From: AM Reader
To: apprising@hughes.net
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 9:58 AM
Subject: RE: “The Shack” — Apprising Ministries contact form

Sure, you have permission. Thanks…these expose’s help as I take this info to church members who are caught up reading this garbage…

AM Reader

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—– Original Message —–
From: Apprising Ministries
To: AM Reader
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:02 AM
Subject: Re: “The Shack” — Apprising Ministries contact form

AM Reader,

Great! And that’s why I gathered them together so you foot soldiers can get the information into the churches. This is a great example of how God is using the Internet to further spread His Truth.

We sure do covet your prayers AM Reader for God to broaden the funding base for me because this critical work here at AM is done on a fulltime basis. Also if you’d like to be placed on the email list we’ve putting together for when I begin moving out into speaking on these issues please let us know.

Blessings,

Ken