What does your picture of God look like?
Kathleen interviews William P. Young, whose personal challenges and journey with God are the inspiration behind his surprise best-selling book, The Shack. Using out of the box imagery (God as an African American woman) and metaphors for his own life, Young touches hearts and souls with a story that was originally written for his kids and went on to sell millions of copies.
In this candid conversation, Young discusses the pain he experienced in his own life that inspired The Shack (sexual abuse, loss, infidelity) and his process for healing with the help of God. He also touches on organized religion, spirituality and the writing/publishing process. (This #1 NYT bestseller was originally rejected by 26 publishers and comes as close to ‘self-published’ as a book can get.)
Whether you cherish your faith or you’re a complete non-believer (or somewhere in between), this fresh perspective is sure to make you think.
William P. Young (Paul) was born a Canadian, and along with three younger siblings, was raised by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was New Guinea (West Papua). The family eventually returned to Canada and Paul went on to complete his undergraduate degree in religion at Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. While in Oregon, Paul attended seminary and met and married Kim. Together they have six children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.
This book changed my life. It helped me to heal a few of my own wounds. we all have them. It’s how we deal with them that matters. God bless Wm. Paul Young. Thank you for sharing your book and your foibles.
I have been watching/listening to a number of interviews with Paul and I ran across yours. Wow, what a great interview. Very candid and down to earth. As is the book. The book allowed me to believe again and renew my faith. I was brought up to follow the RULES. I thought because I did not think the same or believe the same as the churches were preaching or the religions were guiding that I just must not believe in God. I have always been a spiritual person but just couldn’t connect with the masses. Now I know that God is in me and has always been with me. I loved the book and your interview . Thanks for sharing