The Shack was published in 2007. It was not very successful in the year of its publication, but suddenly became extremely popular in the summer of 2008. It took the top spot on the New York Times paperback fiction best seller list in June of 2008 and kept the spot until early 2010. Because of the novel's popularity, many Christian leaders and media figures felt called to weigh in on its depictions of God and the church.
While some theologians supported Young's images and overall message, many criticized the book's depiction of the Trinity. For example, Chuck Colson, a Christian author and radio personality, wrote of The Shack, "Too often the author slips in silly lines that, frankly, seem ridiculous in the mouth of the Godhead" and "The author fails to show that the relationship with God must be built on the truth of who He really is" (Stay Out of The Shack). Going even further, pastor Mark Driscoll said, "Regarding the Trinity, it’s actually heretical” and pastor and journalist Geoff Ashley wrote, "Due to the numerous theological inaccuracies which the book contains, I urge readers to be very cautious and critical...if they choose to read it" (Reviewing "The Shack").
There has also been controversy about Young's own experience with topics in the book, especially childhood sexual abuse. After The Shack's rise to popularity in 2008, Young opened up about the sexual abuse he experienced in childhood and the way Mack's experience grappling with the loss of his daughter and returning to a relationship with God was meant to represent his decade-long struggle for emotional and spiritual stability. Young has also publicly admitted to having an affair while married to his wife Kim.
