THEODICY, THE SHACK, AND THEOLOGIANS WHO WORRY ABOUT EVIL
So, here we are, deep within our Theodicy discussion.
It seems like you would have to travel into the desert and live in a cave to escape The Shack these days. I must admit that I've read it, and loved it. I think that the spirit of the book is intact. As for the theology of theodicy? I'm not sure.
That isn't to say that I disagree. On the contrary. I agree in almost every way. I often found myself thinking, "God, surely things MUST be this way." The book is engaging, and it keeps the reader on track. How good does it do at truly relaying a Theodicy?....hmmm...let's ask some more experts.
I wanted to point us in the direction of some critical, current theology discussion on the subject.
One of our very own Theologians, BW3 (or, Ben Witherington, as he is known to the masses) has recently posted his review of The Shack, and people all over the interweb are rejoicing at his glowing review that is also tempered with a realistic theological view.
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/
Here are some more Shack reviews and commentaries...
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/recommendation-and-review-the-shack-...
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-you...
Finally, here is a good starting resource for theodicy. I found this review of the subject online and thought that it was a good overview that incorporates much of what NT Wright and Greg Boyd say on the subject...
http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html
SEE YOU THIS FRIDAY!!!!!!!
Man, I need to read this book.
My fiance and her roommate have read it and agreed that it had a lot to say about theodicy. The Shack, and what it had to say were brought up the very first time we met for TOT. I enjoyed the review/critique by Ben Witherington and encourage everyone to read it.
Love to hear what everyone talked about.
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Submitted by knoxstanderds on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 14:05.Will provide more thoughts after we have our talk this evening. Happy pubbing, everybody!
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Submitted by bobwaycott on Fri, 08/01/2008 - 13:13.We had a great time on Friday. We were blessed to have Becca and Kathy visit us and jump right into our discussion. It simply amazes me that members or other ToT are able to visit a local ToT while traveling and fit right in.
As for our discussion it was a great one. We discussed Ben's review of the Shack and what the book spoke to each of us. It was refreshing to see how this work was able to affect so many of regardless of our social, denominational, or economic background.
On the topic of Theodicy Chris informed us that withing Greek Orthodoxy the issue of Theodicy isn't a issue. He stated that they believed that "Suffering is the pathway towards love and it is something that we experience during sanctification." This really resonated with the group and we discussed that our view of "good" is in no way God's view of "good."
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Submitted by Dustworth on Sun, 08/03/2008 - 22:50.I enjoyed Friday night very much. Getting to spend time with Becca and Cathy is always a treat, and they brought a lot to our discussion. We also had some new faces. I think that I'm going to re-attempt my goal of being at a different pub plant every month. It's not an easy goal...especially when some are across the country, but its a good goal. So, next month, I'm gonna try to be in Knoxville.
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Submitted by thewaywardsaint on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 18:21.