I grew up in a  residential missionary boarding school,  and my entire spirit was shattered by their fundamentalist teachings and lifestyle, including a terrifyingly judgemental, sadistic god.   I began healing in my 30's, and eventually was able to leave the church (the C&MA).  My life was no longer informed by religion, and I found ways to connect to the spirit within me and my external world.   But not to the god of my childhood.   The Shack provides symbolism of a god who is the antithesis to that of fundamentalist / evangelical teaching.  Although I'd be surprised if I ever embrace a biblical faith, I do know I'll use the images presented in the film to replace the residual pictures of god that I still hold from my childhood.