Institutional Repository | Satya Wacana Christian University: Character Analysis In The Novel “The Shack”Based On Christian's Trinitarianism

Character Analysis in The Novel “The Shack” Based on
Christian’s Trinitarianism
Yulius Hadyanto

Abstract
This study is intended to uncover the relation of Christian’ Trinitarianism between the
definition by Stephen Tong and the one described inside the novel entitled The Shack. Not
only serve as the selling point of The Shack, the ideas of Trinity are also projected and
challenged throughout the interactive description of every character in the Trinity. Young
introduce each of Trinity characters in a unique manner, not only because he tries to
reassemble the complicated concept of Trinity, but he also tries to recreate and reshape the
image of Trinity to be more of a human in his novel. The design of relationship between
human and God in Christianity also posed a challenge in this novel. Paul Young cleverly
divided the heavenly personification of God and Holy Spirit to be interacted lively with
human (represented by Mackenzie, the main character) as they also morph the human-to-God
relationship into a more human-to-human relationship. As a comparison for the relationship
that was described in the book I will use the definition of Trinity taken from Stephen Tong;
whose thoughts and definition of Trinity became a learning foundation in many of the
Christian church in Indonesia. Furthermore, I will undergo this characters analyzing process
with a critical eye; I also try to understand what the author wants to show or teach to us and
furthermore compare it with Tong’s theory of Trinity.

Key Words : Trinity, Triune