We all like a good story. Good stories have a way of capturing the imagination and the heart. They can ‘move’ us. They draw us in, and we become a part of the story. A good story can capture and communicate truths in meaningful ways. Currently, I am reading the Chronicles of Narnia to my five-year-old daughter Zoe.
However, in our day, there is an increasing problem. There is a tendency to elevate stories to such a high pedestal that truth becomes a secondary matter. An example of this is seen in the embrace of the best selling book “The Shack”. In spite of The Shack communicating patently false ideas about the nature of the Trinity, the role and importance of Scripture, and Salvation, many Christians I know (and many other well known Christians), have read and promoted the book.
“It’s just a good story” some have told me. Others have said, “It helped me better understand and relate to the Trinity.” To which I say, “How can something that paints a false picture help you better understand the reality?”
As I’ve said, stories are powerful. They can be powerful tools for communicating truth as well as falsehood. We must view stories, and life in general, with an eye of discernment.
“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Go here for an excellent review of The Shack by Tim Challies -
