I feel like I cheated, because I was abandoned by my father at about the same age as Donald was when his dad took off. As Donald Miller waxes eloquently in Father Fiction he often reflects ideas that I’ve learned through living in the pain, but then he sometimes gets me right between the eyes with an insight. He’s particularly strong at revealing his “fatherless” thoughts and comparing them to how others act; he openly shares his weaknesses, explaining them but not excusing them.

When he first begins to grasp God as a father through observing a child’s temper tantrum and how a father waits patiently knowing he has a better idea of what is good for his daughter though she writhes on the floor crying out that she is actually the one who is right. How often must God the Father patiently observe us as we throw tantrums about jobs, relationships or circumstance. I don’t know if I can ever be disgruntled again without picturing myself as a child throwing myself on the floor, kicking and screaming while my wise Father patiently waits for me to “get it”.

Kelly Ryan Dolan narrates this book so well that I presumed it was narrated by the author and the author had taken acting and speech lessons. As funny and irreverent in expression as the author is in prose, they’re a perfect match.

I give Father Fiction by Donald Miller 5 out of 5 stars.

Christian Audio provided Father Fiction (audio book) free of charge to me in exchange for writing this review as part of the Christian Audio Reviewers Program.

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• Day Eleven of the 12-Day Prodigal Prayer Mission

The Shack is a must read.

It’s a mind-bending, spirit-jolting, jaw-dropping walk through the darkest valleys of life experience that expanded my imagination of what heaven is like and why that matters right now. It also put me in the position of deciding to sacrifice myself to save my children with all the attendant emotions and transformed my head knowledge about suffering into heart-felt wisdom about it. Author William P. Young’s fictional story will push your perspective heavenward and give you glimpses of your brief life through God’s eyes, including the perspectives of our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

I am hearing the cry from theologians about doctrinal error, but it’s not a doctrinal treatise. It’s meant to be read like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Screwtape Letters of C.S. Lewis. Would you argue that Lewis’ rat Reepicheep implies Christians should see a fight in every comment? Is it relevant? The fictional story of The Shack is meant to temporarily transport you into the shoes of the Trinity as they restore a father drowning in his own grief to his full humanity.

To give this book 5 out of 5 stars is an injustice, I give it 5.5 out of 5 stars.

For a consideration of the theology of The Shack I would suggest that you check out an interview with the author where he defends himself.

For an opposing view, please see the article written my mentor, Dr. Norman L. Geisler on his site.

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• Father Fiction by Donald Miller (audio version)

I once heard a quote from a 1st century Roman skeptic and persecutor who was instructing the Roman army on how to find Christians. How? Look for groups of people who sell everything and share everything. Ouch!

I’m in love with our God. I cannot not speak that what’s happening in many church buildings may not be all there is. I don’t feel like I have time to make mistakes or get it wrong or be either of the prodigal brothers of Lk 15  that I was in my 20′s.

God is teaching me to see Him run through great writers — He is sustaining me. I finished The Prodigal God a few weeks ago, I am finishing The Shack today and I”m half done with Crazy Love. Each is shouting “It’s about the relationship, stupid!” I can’t miss it, God is BIG. I will not be pulled into mediocrity, I will serve Him as He is, big!

For now, I immerse by unemployed soul in God’s Word, books, Christian music & worship and prayer. I pray daily for God to refine my works through the perceived threat of financial loss, like so many. I like Psalms 3 for this.

I don’t feel plugged in to any group yet, I am still searching. God bless my online friends, God bless you every one.

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