Burning Down "The Shack": A Reformed Christian's Response to Dangerous Theology

Few movies in recent years have caused as much spiritual confusion as The Shack (2017), based on William Paul Young’s best-selling novel. The film, wrapped in emotional storytelling and sentimentalism, presents a version of God that may soothe the modern seeker but stands in stark contrast to biblical truth. While many evangelicals have embraced The Shack as a comforting tale of divine love and forgiveness, those holding to Reformed theology recognize it as an outright assault on God’s holiness, sovereignty, and justice. Let’s tear The Shack down, plank by plank.

1. The Shack’s God is Not the God of the Bible

The most glaring issue with The Shack is its portrayal of God. In the film, God the Father (referred to as "Papa") is depicted as an African-American woman. While artistic representations of God are inherently problematic (see Exodus 20:4), the real danger here is theological. In Scripture, God consistently reveals Himself with masculine titles—Father, King, and Lord. This is not arbitrary; it reflects His authority and role within the Trinity. The movie's feminization of God is not just a creative liberty—it’s an intentional dismantling of biblical truth.

Worse yet, this version of “God” claims that He submits to humanity’s choices and refuses to punish sin. That’s not the God of the Bible; that’s a counterfeit deity crafted for an age that despises divine authority.

2. No Wrath, No Justice—Just a Fluffy, Powerless "Love"

One of the most dangerous heresies in The Shack is its rejection of God’s justice. The film paints God as a purely loving, non-judgmental being who is never angry at sin. But the God of Scripture is holy and righteous (Isaiah 6:3, Romans 1:18). He does not simply “forgive” sin without atonement—He crushed His Son on the cross as a wrath-bearing sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10).

In The Shack, however, Jesus dismisses the idea of wrath, saying, “Sin is its own punishment.” This is a soft, sentimental lie. If sin merely punishes itself, then the cross was unnecessary. The reality is that God’s wrath is real (Romans 3:5-6), and without the substitutionary atonement of Christ, sinners stand condemned (John 3:36). The Shack’s gospel is a toothless, cross-less message that undermines the very core of salvation.

3. Universalism: Everyone Gets In?

Perhaps the most damning theological flaw of The Shack is its underlying universalism. The movie hints that all people are already reconciled to God, regardless of faith in Christ. Papa even tells Mack, “I am especially fond of everyone.”

But Scripture is clear: not everyone is God’s child. Jesus Himself warned that many will be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:46). The idea that people can experience divine love without repentance and faith in Christ is a deadly lie. Universalism is not hope; it is spiritual deception that leaves sinners comfortable on the road to hell.

4. The Rejection of Biblical Authority

At its core, The Shack rejects the authority of God’s Word. In one scene, the character of “God” laughs at the idea of needing to exercise control over people, a direct contradiction of God’s sovereignty over creation (Psalm 115:3, Ephesians 1:11). Additionally, there’s little reverence for Scripture—the book and movie elevate personal experience above the Word of God.

In contrast, Reformed theology holds to sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Any “god” who contradicts the Bible is not the true God.

5. Emotion Over Truth—A Dangerous Trend

The reason The Shack has deceived so many is that it plays on emotions. It tugs at the heartstrings, using suffering and loss to draw people into a feel-good, New Age spirituality. But biblical truth isn’t determined by feelings; it’s determined by God’s revelation. The Christian faith is not about embracing whatever “feels” right—it’s about submitting to the truth of God's Word, even when it’s hard.

The gospel doesn’t offer a god who merely empathizes—it offers a God who saves through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Tear Down The Shack, Stand on the Rock

The Shack is not just a theologically flawed movie—it’s a Trojan horse of heresy, wrapped in sentimentalism and delivered to unsuspecting Christians. It denies God’s holiness, redefines His love, and removes the need for Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

True hope is not found in a God who bends to human desires but in a God who is sovereign, just, and merciful. The answer to suffering is not a weak, powerless deity who simply affirms people in their brokenness; the answer is the sovereign Lord who works all things for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).

Reformed Christians, we must reject the false gospel of The Shack and stand firm on the true gospel—the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. Don’t settle for a counterfeit when you have the real thing.