‘More about everything else’

The Mar. 1, 2017 edition of CCM Magazine

We have received an array of colorful statements from some of you the past few weeks regarding our coverage of the upcoming feature film, The Shack (in theaters everywhere, Mar. 3, 2017). I really wish you would read our prior cover story interview with The Shack‘s author Wm. Paul Young before blindly throwing your stones. Surely, you—the ones with rocks in hand—would begin to understand that Mr. Young is a truly devoted man of God and a little more about the story behind The Shack. I find it timely that Anthony Evans, one of our featured artists for this Mar. 1, 2017 issue of CCM Magazine, reminds us of this quote by C.S. Lewis: “We don’t need more songs by Christians about Christianity. We need more songs by Christians about everything else.” I love Lewis’ spirit behind that quote, and I would like to apply that to some of what you have been throwing at us the past few weeks and to Mr. Young for years, now. Of course, it’s easy these days to hide behind a laptop and say (or do) anything we want—veiled in a dimly lit room and cloaked by any chosen screen name. I personally get blasted by some of you for being “too uptight” and “nonsensical” when I suggest we stop watching Saturday Night Live, yet The Shack, with its foundation firmly rooted in fiction and original intent for children, is “sacrilegious” and “garbage?” The Shack is not scriptural, nor, in my opinion, was it ever meant to be—yet, we vehemently defend something like SNL with the same passionate disdain for an innocent and uplifting fictional book (and now film)? Please stay tuned to CCMmagazine.com over the next week to find out what some of our (and no doubt, yours, too) favorite contemporary Christian artists also say in support of The Shack. You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. (2 Tim. 4:3, MSG)