John Mark Hicks

My wife and I, with some friends, saw “The Shack” last night. Paul Young telescoped his 10 year journey of spiritual recovery into a parabolic weekend experience with the Trinity. The movie pictures this weekend in 2 hours. What I appreciate is the joyous interaction among the participants in this loving dance, the serious dialogue […]

One of the most striking features of Paul Young’s parable entitled The Shack is his depiction of the Father. This has occasioned criticism at several levels. [This post is chapter 15 in my book Meeting God at the Shack: A Journey into Spiritual Recovery.] Is it idolatry to portray the Father in such a manner? […]

While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, the title page identifies the piece as a “novel.” This is a fictional story. But…it is nevertheless true. The movie, too, is fictional…but true. Read The Shack, watch the movie, and walk with me into the world of spiritual recovery, a journey into my […]

My new book, Meeting God at the Shack: A Journey into Spiritual Recovery, is now available. _________ Chapter One What Kind of Book is the Shack? I will open my mouth with a parable, I will teach you lessons from the past. Psalm 78:2 (TNIV) While some have perhaps read The Shack as an actual account, […]

Now available on Amazon. Over the years I have reflected on William Young’s book The Shack in the light of my own personal journey into the world of spiritual recovery.  I found much in Young’s novel that paralleled my own experience. Previously, I posted on some significant themes I found in the the book–both in […]

My wife and I returned refreshed and renewed from our lengthy vacation. We visited family and then cruised the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. The generous folk of the Sycamore View Church of Christ had given us a travel voucher from AAA in appreciation for our ministry with the church in 2007. We finally used it, […]

My earlier attempts at blogging, before this past twelve months, were rather meager though I did post a considerable amount of material at my first site begun in September 2000.  I appreciate how the blog has been received by old friends and new ones. Thank you for your patronage. I hope our dialogue can continue […]

One of the most vivid scenes in Luke is Peter’s 3x denial, particularly “the look.”          “The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter” (Luke 22:61, GNB). The verbs are intensive, descriptive, and full of significance.  “Turned around,” which is actually a participle in the Greek text, involves twisting or reversing; it is turning the back 180% […]

[My book on the Shack is now available on Kindle.] The term kenosis comes from the classic Christological text in Philippians 2:7. The Greek verb kenoo is translated “made himself nothing” by the NIV and “emptied himself” by the NRSV. The term’s literal meaning is “empty or pour out” but the metaphorical meaning is “humbled.” […]

[My book on the Shack is now available on Kindle.] The portrayal of the Trinity in The Shack has come under two assaults from critics.  Some suggest The Shack teaches modalism while others believe it teaches tritheism. The fact that such polar opposite accusations are present in the blog-o-sphere indicates….well, it is interesting to say the least.  […]