'The Shack' Discussion Questions

The Shack by William P. Young is a story about Mack, a man whose daughter is kidnapped and brutally murdered. A few years after her murder, Mack receives an invitation from God to meet Him at the shack where they found his daughter's bloody clothes. Mack goes and works through the meaning of suffering as he spends the weekend with the Trinity.

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Spoiler warning: This study guide reveals important details about The Shack by William P. Young. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Were you drawn in by the plot of The Shack?
2. Why do you think Mack's encounter with God took place at the shack? If God were to invite you somewhere, where would it be? (In other words, where is the center of your doubt and pain)?
3. Do you think suffering makes people closer to God or causes them to distance themselves from Him? What has been the pattern in your life?
4. Were you satisfied with God's answers to Mack about suffering? Do you struggle with believing God is good in light of all the tragedy in the world?
5. How is Young's description of God different from your concept of God? What parts of his description did you like and what parts didn't you like?
6. Did The Shack change any of your opinions about God or Christianity?
7. What were some of the things The Shack teaches about God, faith, and life that you disagreed with?
8. Would you recommend The Shack to a friend?
9. Rate The Shack on a scale of 1 to 5.