The Shack by William Paul Young
Week 11: Chapter 11 — Here Come Da Judge
Read Chapter 11 of The Shack.
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Mack is brought before Sophia — the personification of God's wisdom — for a confrontation about judgment that cuts to the very heart of his anger.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Sophia (from the Greek word for wisdom) appears as a new character — distinct from the three persons of the Trinity but representing God's wisdom. Why do you think Young introduces this figure at this point in the story? What does wisdom have to do with judgment?
2.Sophia places Mack in the role of judge — asking him to decide the eternal fate of his own children. This is one of the most emotionally intense scenes in the book. What is Young trying to accomplish by forcing Mack into the judge's seat? What does Mack discover about himself?
3.Mack discovers that he cannot condemn any of his children — even if they are guilty of wrong — because his love overrides his judgment. Sophia then asks: "Is that what you want me to do with your father?" How does this moment reframe the question of divine judgment?
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