I just returned from spending about two hours (along with about 2,000 others) listening to William P. Young, author of The Shack. The book had a profound impact on me and yet I do understand there are many who are challenged by its theology. However, if nothing else this book is testimony to the power of a story. And the story between the covers is only a part of the amazing story which is the life of Mr. Young.
The book was simply a manuscript he wrote for his children while working three jobs to support his family. The first printing was 15 spiral-bound copies at Office Depot (cheaper than Kinko's). Eventually friends chipped in some money and 5,000 books were delivered to a home garage. In less than two years, the book has sold over 6 million copies in English. A remarkable story which has spawned thousands of stories of lives changed.
I'm not going to debate the theology of the book here. My main point is this - great impact comes from great stories. You can preach and teach principles, write endless lists of rules to live by, be the champion of explaining "how to", but nothing has the power of an imaginative story.
I once had a college professor ask me the main point I had learned in his classes. He was a great teacher, and I got A's in his management classes, but when he asked that question years later I told him the main lesson I learned from him was about being a good father. He always included his children in his life and just seemed to enjoy hanging out with them, even dragging them into classes on occasion. Henry taught me a lot of great principles and knowledge, but the strongest lasting impression I retain is from watching the story of his life with his wife and children.
Paul (as he likes to be called) Young is like the rest of us in that he is a compelling story. Unlike most of us, he has effectively communicated his story as a compelling metaphor that is challenging people's perception of God and offering relationship as an antidote for religion.
You can find more of his stuff over at WindRumors.com.
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