There Is More Going On Here than You Ever Dared to Dream

I found it to be too long,drawn out. I thought it would be more about The Shacks insite and not dry history. Disappointed as I was I continued to read and did learn from his book. It just was not what I expected when I bought the book, and the many pages in the end I felt was not necessary. His title is misleading. It should be "The Shack Revisited" by reading the pages over and over again until you can connect it with the shack. Then read all the pages of the humans I give credit to for my research. I'm sorry Mr. Kruger I will not be reading your book four times and sending copies to my Spiritual Group.

I misunderstood what this book was about. I expected it to be a continuation of the story, but found it's a dissection of the original story - which I absolutely loved! The "Revisited" version discusses parts of the book and what it meant to the author. It drags in places and was interested in others.

If reading The Shack left you with a lot of unanswered questions, this is the book for you. Kruger goes deeply into the heart of the book and really backs up his responses with scripture. I highly recommend this book.

This was a beautiful and emotional book that helps you put into perspectives you may have about the holy trinity. I shared it with friends and family and read it numerous times myself. It remains on my bookshelf for frequent reference

Was not what I was expecting. Absolutely loved 'The Shack' and have recommended it to many others. 'Revisited' was more of just Kruger's comparisons to other authors and the Bible. His opinions are not necessarily what I would have made.

The Shack Revisited clears up many uncertainties about why the symbols for the Triune God were used. Also it drew me closer to my compassionate forgiving and loving Savior. I felt like I was in a great Bible study. As with The Shack, I felt so energized to release stressors of my past and move forward in the Lord. The author did a great job of relating us to the Shack so we could remember; so much that I was driven to go back and read The Shack again. Both books are powerful tools to help in our understanding of the character and attributes of God.

Base on The Shack, I gave this book 4 stars because I haven't finished reading it yet. I loved "The Shack" book and the movie. When I'be finished reading the latest book, "The Shack Revisited," I may upgrade it to 5 Stars.

The first chapter or two start off as hoped giving insight and understanding into what the characters symbolized. The book than goes into a dull theological, disconnected rambling of scriptural references. To those with limited Bible knowledge it is disappointing.

"The Shack" was a wonderful book and we had a great study of it. I suspect this book is as good or better, and will be very interesting. there are other books I have to read before getting to this one.

I have not read this book yet, as I have The Shack and Crossroads, too...this will be the second one that I will read...The Shack first and Cross Roads last. I just know that these books will be everything I hope they are!!

I so enjoyed The Shack; and have reread it twice. Much to think about. I was excited to get The Shack Revisited. Boy was I disappointed!! I read part of it--boring--so read ahead hoping to find Papa and all. Nothing. A waste of time and money. I would not recommend anyone buying it!!

Happy to have this theology without being stuffy. Happy to have the support of theology behind this amazing parable. The Shack is one of the most amazing books I've ever read, and this is a great companion volume.

Sorry I thought this was a sequel of the Shack NOT a sermon - started off okay but continued and continued. Returning. Would have given it a 1 star but my fault for ordering it. The next book by the Shack author is good and I'm still listening to it.

I so enjoyed The Shack; and have reread it twice. Much to think about. I was excited to get The Shack Revisited. Boy was I disappointed!! I read part of it--boring--so read ahead hoping to find Papa and all. Nothing. A waste of time and money. I would not recommend anyone buying it!!

Happy to have this theology without being stuffy. Happy to have the support of theology behind this amazing parable. The Shack is one of the most amazing books I've ever read, and this is a great companion volume.

Sorry I thought this was a sequel of the Shack NOT a sermon - started off okay but continued and continued. Returning. Would have given it a 1 star but my fault for ordering it. The next book by the Shack author is good and I'm still listening to it.

very disappointed. I thought it was a story continuing on from The Shack which I truly enjoyed. However, it just repeats the original book The Shack, but goes into preachy details on each chapter. I stopped listening after 1st chapter. I would like to get a refund or exchange for another book.

I feel the writer jumped on the Shack band wagon to form a platform to preach from.
He spend 98 % of the time preaching and droping in names from the Shack from time to time to justify his connection.
I think William Paul Young did an excelent job of explaining the characters and there meanings to the story.

If you ever wanted to better understand trinitarian theory this is a great way. Baxter does an amazing job breaking down the relationship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in a way that is easy to understand.

As with millions of people, I was moved by Paul Young's gut wrenching story "where tragedy confronts eternity". But what really captivated me was Paul's take on the relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Though fiction, it gave us a possible glimpse at what the center of the universe is like. And in this regard, it seemed to ring true with both Scripture and my personal experience and as a result sang to my heart!

In Dr. Baxter Kruger's new book, he has invited us to revisit The Shack and examine the theology that shaped Paul Youngs' vision of the blessedness of the Trinity. But this volume is far from being a dry and boring book which tries to dissect finer points of theology. Refusing to give us "the same old, same old", Baxter writes with a simplicity that everyone can understand and yet has captured a vision of God that will take your breath away. And Baxter has done his homework. Academically astute and rigorous with history and Scripture, this southern theologian, who was schooled in Scotland, writes with wit and grace offering us stories that are both humorous and profound. Baxter aims to point us through the Scriptures toward the ideas that shaped those first followers of Jesus that so impacted their world. That is; the passionate, other-centered love of Jesus and His Father that birthed a universe. And when we "broke" bad, He refused to abandon those He had set his love on.

To be sure, there are some provocative thoughts in these pages. Enough that will cause some to think deeply about God and life. And regrettably, motivate others to critique the book with the aim of tearing down anything that doesn't square with their personal view and opinion. But the paradigm Baxter offers us is so beautiful and true that it requires all of us to consider it's words with humility and a teachable spirit.

For my part, I loved how the book challenged and engaged both my mind and my heart! Bravo Baxter! Well done my friend.

having a hard time keeping my attention. The Shake original book was Great, but can't pinpoint why I get sleepy reading this. Maybe expected a sequal to first book, don't see this here. Just my opinion.

The origianal The Shake I have read at least six times, created my own index of the book, took a workshop in the book, also taught a workshop myself. Getting ready to teach another workshop on The Shack. I've also broken down the The Shack into various points of interest that connects the entire story together.
The Shack Revised was helpful but of course to fill an entire book the author had to go way out with theory,theology, and other souces that strayed to far from the The Shack itself for me.

Unlike the original book, which provided insights in a story telling venue, this "sequel" is really an explanation, in a sermon-like style, of the points in The Shack. I had thought that I would revisit the shack and have more to read about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Again, in story fashion. I was disappointed in this one.

I have a friend who wrote: "We are all Trinitarians. But though we confess God as Triune, we may not be Trinitarian in our daily living. Theologian Karl Rahner asks this question, "If we decided to ditch the doctrine of the trinity what practical difference would it make to our lives? Rahner's answer is that it would make no difference at all. He says, "Despite their orthodox confession of the Trinity, Christians are, in their practical lives, almost mere monotheists." The point Rahner is making is that though we confess the three in One we live before God as a Monad, a single and solitary being."

This book, `The Shack Revisited' is an excellent exposition of `Trinitarian theology' which everyone would benefit from reading, but especially those Christians (particularly from the Reformed or fundamentalist wing of the church) who, whether they realize it or not, are as Rahner describes above Trinitarian in name but not in practice.

For me Baxter Kruger's writings are the most accessible of any `Trinitarian' theologian. Although a scholar of standing himself, Baxter has the ability to explain deep and complex matters simply (a rare gift in a theologian). Standing on the shoulders of giants like St Athanasius, Karl Barth, the Torrance brothers, C.S.Lewis and others, he clearly expounds the wonderful truths of our `inclusion in Christ'. Against the background of `The Shack' Baxter visits every important aspect of Trinitarian theology, including Incarnation and Atonement in a way which every one with a mind to can access and understand. Baxter's writings have revolutionised my own understanding of Christian faith, and I write as a 65 year old Christian and an ordained Church of England (Episcopalian/Anglican) minister of some 40 years standing.

My concern is that those who most need to read this book won't do so. They may consider it to be `lightweight' which it certainly isn't (witness the footnotes and recommendations for further reading); and because it is an exposition of the theology which undergirds `The Shack', there are those who having an inbuilt prejudice against that book won't be inclined to read this one. It will be their loss. This book demands a wide readership. To my mind it deserves as wide a readership as `The Shack' itself. My personal hope is that `The Shack Revisited' will bring the writings of C. Baxter Kruger to the attention of readers in the U.K. and therefore expose him to a much wider readership in what he calls `the Motherland'. May this book advance the `Trinitarian' revival in the church and beyond, and may eyes be opened to see how great and good is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" (John 14:21 TNIV).

The origianal The Shake I have read at least six times, created my own index of the book, took a workshop in the book, also taught a workshop myself. Getting ready to teach another workshop on The Shack. I've also broken down the The Shack into various points of interest that connects the entire story together.
The Shack Revised was helpful but of course to fill an entire book the author had to go way out with theory,theology, and other souces that strayed to far from the The Shack itself for me.

Unlike the original book, which provided insights in a story telling venue, this "sequel" is really an explanation, in a sermon-like style, of the points in The Shack. I had thought that I would revisit the shack and have more to read about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Again, in story fashion. I was disappointed in this one.

I have a friend who wrote: "We are all Trinitarians. But though we confess God as Triune, we may not be Trinitarian in our daily living. Theologian Karl Rahner asks this question, "If we decided to ditch the doctrine of the trinity what practical difference would it make to our lives? Rahner's answer is that it would make no difference at all. He says, "Despite their orthodox confession of the Trinity, Christians are, in their practical lives, almost mere monotheists." The point Rahner is making is that though we confess the three in One we live before God as a Monad, a single and solitary being."

This book, `The Shack Revisited' is an excellent exposition of `Trinitarian theology' which everyone would benefit from reading, but especially those Christians (particularly from the Reformed or fundamentalist wing of the church) who, whether they realize it or not, are as Rahner describes above Trinitarian in name but not in practice.

For me Baxter Kruger's writings are the most accessible of any `Trinitarian' theologian. Although a scholar of standing himself, Baxter has the ability to explain deep and complex matters simply (a rare gift in a theologian). Standing on the shoulders of giants like St Athanasius, Karl Barth, the Torrance brothers, C.S.Lewis and others, he clearly expounds the wonderful truths of our `inclusion in Christ'. Against the background of `The Shack' Baxter visits every important aspect of Trinitarian theology, including Incarnation and Atonement in a way which every one with a mind to can access and understand. Baxter's writings have revolutionised my own understanding of Christian faith, and I write as a 65 year old Christian and an ordained Church of England (Episcopalian/Anglican) minister of some 40 years standing.

My concern is that those who most need to read this book won't do so. They may consider it to be `lightweight' which it certainly isn't (witness the footnotes and recommendations for further reading); and because it is an exposition of the theology which undergirds `The Shack', there are those who having an inbuilt prejudice against that book won't be inclined to read this one. It will be their loss. This book demands a wide readership. To my mind it deserves as wide a readership as `The Shack' itself. My personal hope is that `The Shack Revisited' will bring the writings of C. Baxter Kruger to the attention of readers in the U.K. and therefore expose him to a much wider readership in what he calls `the Motherland'. May this book advance the `Trinitarian' revival in the church and beyond, and may eyes be opened to see how great and good is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" (John 14:21 TNIV).

Dr.Kruger is no Wm. Paul Young. I so enjoyed The Shack and read it numerous times. I loved the closeness with Jesus immensley that Mack was priviledged to have. I was more than dissappointed with The Shack Revisited. Expecting to read a heartfelt story. Not a lot of psycho babble, a repetitious rambling. I read it hoping to find some interest, but found very few things that made me feel "with one in Jesus."

This book solidified my personal beliefs and the dogma ingrained in me since birth.I am Catholic, guilt is probably the first conscious concept we feel after we are able to reason around the age of first grade. I went to Catholic school and was punished when we were suppose to be praying for people in purgatory and I asked , "Why don't we pray for the people in hell, dont they need it more?"
I was always conflicted with a loving God and one who made check marks beside you name and somehow enjoy this game of checks and measures as he joyfully tossed a screaming soul into hell.
I never understood this concept of hell and never thought God would be that redundant after the struggles of life. I searched for the meaning of life through stages of atheism, agnostics, and simply not caring to put any afford into a belief system; until a nun simplifief it, "All things go to God in their own way and in their own time, because we are made up.of God and the portion of God in us will always return to itself."
This book embraced an added a definition of everything I have ever beliened; even after being shamed for it. So?, if you ever believed differently in a LOVING GOD or wanted a clear view of a FORGIVING GOD; read this book.

I remember reading The Shack many years ago and feeling God's presence throughout the read, I was amazed that it was fiction but really understood it as a beautiful combination of Truth and fiction. Now, after finishing Baxter's book, I realized the depth of Young's book was brought out even more brilliantly. One may not even have to read The Shack to glean much wisdom into the heart of God with Baxter's book but it may also lead you to want to read The Shack again.

Overall, this is an excellent book that will penetrate deep into the heart of the beauty, mystery and reality of the Trinity in our lives. It will also help people bound by religion to embrace the reality of God's love for you. Thank you Baxter for writing this.

I loved reading "The Shack" and when I heard about this book I knew I had to read it. It is not an easy read like
"The Shack." It requires some deep thinking, but it's profound truths are worth every hour spent on this book.
I now understand the Trinity and its importance in our lives and spiritual growth better than I ever have, and I ain't no youngster. I also have a Master's degree in Religion: Spiritual Formation, so that should tell you how important this book is. I read this book through my public library using the Overdrive app.

Finally, the True Gospel. This book, along with "the Shack", has brought me healing, peace, joy, and comfort beyond my wildest dreams. My wish is that all of the Christian church will see the Truth.
The book is well-written, clearly well-researched, Scriptural and detailed.

Because we distained Jesus' view of our heavenly Father, we killed him. What repeatedly reverberates within our souls is constantly being contradicted by our mental perspective of the One who has made us, yet in whom we live and move and have our being. This natural way of thinking about God is foreign to his being and to the desired purpose and life he has for us in Jesus.

At the core of our quandary is this fallen viewpoint originating the development from our angle of the nature and character of God. It is humanity's normal but also our nemesis for it comes not from God's self-revelation in Jesus but from our broken side, looking from our side at God whom we do not naturally understand and almost cannot take into ourselves, looking from our logic and not with God's logic. We therefore seek to explain God out of our mental self-awareness, not from our heavenly Father's perspective. My own passage is a continuing testimony to the darkness through which I struggle seeking to find and believe and know a God who is truly good and always loves. I long to be accepted, not for my performance but for my being, because I am. I need a loving savior who has a loving Father who takes me in and home. One who sees and knows my mess and is in it with me and is ok with it for now for He knows where I am in my journey and is not going to leave me but is going to see me through it. I cannot do that for myself. I have tried.

When I read The Shack, I was astounded, and continue to be. I was one of those who bought cases and gave them away and have taught the book several times. I am profoundly grateful to Paul Young and have told him so. I have known Baxter longer and am even more grateful to him. For those who "ask, seek, and knock," The Shack Revisited will help open eyes and ears to the underlying depths of many of the nuances in The Shack and many of the conversations that Mackensie has therein with Papa, Sarayu, and Jesus. Baxter genuinely helps in opening the Scripture, on which The Shack is based, even to one such as me with theological training. He by the Spirit has helped me have a new set of eyes.

This book is written without condemnation for those who may have different outlooks, seeking to assist those whose hearts are broken and whose souls long for healing. If one knew a portion of the pain of the writer's personal journey, that one would not easily throw stones, especially toward one who seeks to help the lonely, lost, and longing. Those who feel they already have all or most of the answers about God and the Scriptures and feel their identity threatened because it is rooted in their traditions may feel some temporary joy amid their anger at a Jesus that is as big and a God that is as good as described in The Shack Revisited. Those few will voice condemnation of this effort. But self-righteousness always seems to have an excluding and ornery spirit. You can probably count on that from the religiously righteous, and each of us has some of that. The Scriptures and history are filled with illustrations of the same.

While I readily admit my knowledge is limited, I see this work as a continuation of the faith and spirit expressed in the Scriptures and in Athanasius, some of the early church fathers, MacDonald, Barth, Torrance, Lewis and others, yet with an application to our place and time in history. Well written and clear, not an academic logic, but the logic of the Spirit poured out on all flesh, in whom the Spirit is working and whom the Spirit is educating that we are desired by the Father, Son, and Spirit to become like Christ. That we as created beings are wanted in the midst of the circle of the life of all the ages. That we as beings, not begotten, but created in a sense separate from God, are, in a way of saying, desired to become divine and to share and participate in the life that is truly life. That requires a change of mind, repentance, and a new birth in the Spirit begins to occur. That is Jesus' gift to us, his relationship with his Father and ours.

For those who long to know more of what our heavenly Father is like and more of who He truly is and who we are, this book is a marvelous assistance in the journey of that knowing. As we are prone to say in the South, "you will be blessed." What I would say is that you will be encouraged and stretched; and you may have one of your feelings hurt. But that's not a bad thing. And, if God is not good and loving as Baxter describes, what chance do you have?

In addition, there will be a forthcoming volume, a Participant's Study Guide, which will be one of the most penetrating aids you have ever encountered. Within it also are songs, hymns, and movies suggested for reflection. It is not for the timid. To go through this aid with a small group of souls genuinely seeking for God's heart and their own could be one of the most rewarding experiences you have ever encountered. I know. I have done it.

Be encouraged. Read this book. Then get the Guide. You too may buy extra copies to give to those you love. My bet is you will. It's that good...and helpful. Not kidding.

Julian Fagan

If you have read "The Shack" and wondered about the theology behind it, this book is for you! Dr. Kruger, with a little help from William P. Young (author of "The Shack"), fills in the story behind the story of "The Shack" and gives plenty of illustrations that help explain the theology driving the events told in "The Shack". As you read Dr. Kruger's "The Shack Revisited" you'll rediscover the heart of the Father and be pointed towards the incredible relationship of love inherent in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that continues to overflow. You'll be brought to the real God who is not distant and cold, but rather find yourself seated in the lap of Jesus in heavenly realms in the middle of the blessed Trinity. And you'll know why "The Shack" captured your heart in the first place! I believe "The Shack" and "The Shack Revisited" are meant to be read together.

Please look closely at the cover. This book is by Dr. C. Baxter Kruger, a leading trinitarian theologian. It is NOT a sequel to the shack, and is not written by Wm Paul Young. Mr Young and Dr Kruger are intimate friends who teach together and travel together. This book is a wonderful theological view of what Mr. young accomplished with the shack. It's akin to reading the septuagint to understand what paul was talking about in the majority of his letters. As it is meant to be, it is an amazing feat of theology. Dr. Kruger is a favorite author who I recommend to anyone interested in knowing more about the nature of the Godhead.

that being said - once again, don't expect a sequel to the shack. it's not one. go get crossroads if you want another magnificent work of fiction by Mr. Young.

I have not read all the way through yet but can say without a doubt that I am glad I bought it. It made me cry when it told about Paul Young's upbring and has made me think about the Shack in a different way. It has made me smile when talking about Papa, Abba, and the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful thought that God is always loving us. It is time for us all to remember that. I love it and it is a great book.

"The Shack", by Paul Young, has, and still does today, strike a chord in the human heart, and through fiction and beautifully crafted imagery, much like the parables of the Bible, given us the ability to have meaningful conversations about the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
C. Baxter Kruger in his book, "The Shack Revisited", has given us a great gift. Everyone who loved or liked "The Shack" needs to get a copy of Baxter's book. In "The Shack Revisited", you have a brilliant, gifted, humble theologian, that has the amazing, unique, and beautiful ability to sort of narrate in summary form "The Shack" in vivid detail and at the same time present to the world within a biblical framework the beauty of the Trinity, the existence of God revealed in 3 persons, in the Father, Son, and Spirit. In that Holy circle of eternal love and togetherness, through Jesus, we too share in the beauty and love that transforms our earthly existence, and Mr. Kruger, like no other spells this out for us. You don't have to have a Seminary degree hanging on your wall or feel threatened in the slightest that this book may be "too deep" or "too theological". The meaning of theology is simply this, it seeks to put in relevant terms how God has revealed Himself, and C. Baxter Kruger has most assuredly accomplished this in his book, "The Shack Revisited".
Thank you Baxter for allowing the love of the Father, the power of the Spirit, and the life and love of Jesus to pour out of your book and into our hearts that desparately need a fresh vision of the beauty of God.

If you found the ideas presented, the other ways of thinking posed by Wm. Paul Young in "The Shack," we highly recommend this companion book that more deeply explores the trinitarian theology that undergirds Young's writing and his approach to life in general (through his other books and efforts).

I would have given this book a zero star if possible. The whole theology this book, and the original Shack book, is spiritual deception! Any doubts, read Wm Paul Young's latest book, "The lies we believe about God' and in it he finally comes out and openly declares he is a univeralist (everything is already a part of God, no need for being born again or repentence or even the notion of sin). Those who noticed his tendencies towards universalim in the original Shack book were called over reactors and close minded. Now there's no question where his beliefs lie. He stated in this new book that God would have been barbaric to have Jesus die on the cross for us, and that we are all fine in the eyes of God. This totally goes against Scriptural doctrine that says we are all born sinners, in need of the redeemer Jesus, who was crucified, raised upon the third day and now sits at the right hand of God as intercessor for the believers. Know your Bible, friends, so you are not taken in by these crafty, feel-good, deceptive books!

This follow up to the Shack is a true gift and blessing. Thank for putting it all into perspective. My our Triune God bless you for all that you have done through this book to touch our lives and open our hearts to the work of the Spirit.

I have not read another book on the subject after The Shack that left me so content in the love of the Holy Trinity and so inspired to allow the Holy Spirit to do her work and complete the process so that I can live in my belovedness - all the time. What a work of grace.

I guess I was expecting more than what this turned out to be...I was expecting to delve deeper into the relationships within The Shack...what I got was 200 pages of Biblical footnotes....kind of disappointing

The Shack is wonderful and kind of like learning about the trinity for "dummies". I feel a part of that book when I read it. I love it!!!!
The Shack revisited is a sermon I can get at my local church. Don't need it!

Sorry to say that, after really enjoying The Shack, I found The Shack Revisited a tedious read and it is one of the few times that I have left a book before finishing it. If you are expecting the latter to be anything like the former, then prepare to be disappointed.

I haven't read this book but I highly ask that you don't read it if you believe the bible, and wouldn't take kindly to anyone distorting its truths. This book honours The Shack, which subtly promotes Universalism(In other words, there are many ways to God).
Jesus Christ never waivered about the truth, and he never lowered God's standards and that's what he expects of his people.

Here's an article from Matt Slick to buttress my point.
[...]

This book has gotten a lot of credit for its wonderful theological groundwork and interesting ideas on God. After reading this story I can see why. I will agree that the story that is presented is a compelling story that many people from all different types can understand. The problem is that the theology that is presented in the book is both immature and inaccurate for several reasons. The author takes a lot liberties in the conversations that had with God, not to mention the image that Young creates concerning God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus. Young takes several scriptural verses out of context and argues with others without and other support other than what "God" says, which only turns out to be what the author assumes God means. I would not recommend this book to anyone that is of an immature faith or little understanding of Christianity. The story that one that is intriguing to people because the emotions that the main character goes through and relatable and often thought about, the problem is that the Young lacks the proper understanding to explain the theology that he tries to present.