Lies We Believe About God

Lies We Believe About God challenges twenty-eight common assumptions about God's nature and relationship with humanity. Author William P. Young, known for The Shack, examines these beliefs through personal stories and theological discussion. The book addresses topics like God's role in tragedy, human free will, and the nature of salvation. Young draws from his experiences as both a missionary kid and a survivor of trauma to question traditional religious teachings about divine punishment, control, and conditional love. Young structures each chapter around a specific "lie," followed by his perspective on why these beliefs may harm spiritual growth and mental health. The format allows readers to engage with individual concepts while building toward a cohesive worldview. At its core, the book presents a view of God focused on relationship rather than religion, suggesting that many Christian doctrines stem from cultural beliefs rather than biblical truth. The work stands as a critique of institutional Christianity while attempting to preserve and deepen personal faith.

Readers fall into two distinct camps on this theological book, with little middle ground in reviews. Positive reviews praise Young's accessible writing style and his challenges to traditional religious concepts. Many readers report feeling freed from guilt and shame through his perspective on God's love. Several reviewers specifically connected with the author's views on universal salvation and God's non-condemning nature. Critics strongly object to Young's theological positions, calling them unbiblical and heretical. Many negative reviews cite concerns about his rejection of traditional Christian doctrines and interpretation of scripture. Several readers warned the book could mislead Christians from orthodox beliefs. Ratings: Amazon: 3.9/5 (1,200+ reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Notable reader quotes: "Finally free from religious baggage" - 5-star Amazon review "Dangerous departure from biblical truth" - 1-star Goodreads review "Helped heal my damaged view of God" - 5-star Amazon review "Teaches universalism contrary to scripture" - 2-star Goodreads review

The Shack Revisited by C. Baxter Kruger This theological companion to Young's "The Shack" examines the Trinity through personal relationship rather than religious doctrine.

The Divine Dance by Richard Rohr, Mike Morrell The book presents the Trinity as a model for human relationships and explores God's nature through the lens of connection rather than separation.

The Sin of Certainty by Peter Enns This work challenges traditional religious assumptions by examining how faith exists in the space of doubt and questioning.

Love Wins by Rob Bell The text explores universal reconciliation and questions traditional views of heaven, hell, and salvation.

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis This allegorical tale presents heaven and hell as choices rather than imposed destinations, challenging conventional religious perspectives about the afterlife.

🔹 William Paul Young wrote "The Shack," which sold over 20 million copies worldwide, before penning "Lies We Believe About God" as a non-fiction follow-up to address theological questions raised by readers. 🔹 The book challenges 28 common beliefs about God, including the notion that "God is in control" and "God is Christian," sparking significant debate within religious communities. 🔹 Young wrote "Lies We Believe About God" while working as a janitor and hotel clerk, following his earlier career as a missionary kid and office manager. 🔹 The author's perspective was shaped by severe childhood trauma, including sexual abuse at a New Guinea boarding school where he lived as a missionary's son. 🔹 The book's controversial stance on universal reconciliation (suggesting all people will eventually be reconciled with God) led several Christian bookstores to refuse to stock it.