The Shack

Chapter 9

Summary Notes:

· Mack helps Sarayu in the garden.

· Sarayu says it’s not the work, but the purpose, that makes it special (p131).

· God created everything, including what we call bad (p131). (verse)

· God hid things in science for us to find, as a gift (p132).

· We determine what is good or bad based on our own perspective (p134). (verse in genesis about the tree)

· If our judgment clashes with someone else’s, then wars break out (p135).

· We try to acquire what we think is good, and avoid what we think is bad (p135).

· God says we must give up our right to decide what is good and evil on our own terms (p136).

· Rights are where survivors go, so that they won’t have to work out relationships (p137).

· The garden area they have been working is Mack’s soul, a mess that is wild and beautiful and perfectly in process (p138).

Splinters from “Shaq:”

1. Do you feel like your work has purpose?

2. What are some “bad” objects of creation that you could do without?

3. Can you acknowledge that science has an author?

4. Do you get ticked off when someone infringes on your rights? (verse about jesus giving up his rights)

5. When you are struggling in life, can you glimpse that you are perfectly in process as God works in your life? (verse)