I understand that there is alot of controversy over the book "The Shack". In the Christian community there seems to be some debate over the "theological" elements the writer referances through  FICTION.  I guess I just have this to say about that book.  I read it through a steady stream of tears and when I finished that book I felt that God loved me and was truly interested in me.  I guess you might say I feel Papa is "especially fond of me"!  If that is bad theology we need to sincerely re-think our intellectual genius.  I dont think the author had in mind a theological statement when he wrote this wonderful account, although we Christians love those sorts of books (they make us think we are better for having read them).  I think he wanted people to simply understand they are truly and wonderfully loved.  But, we - as Christians, do what we  always do best ---critique!  As to the questions of "universalism" and other elements of concern - I would add this:  there are alot of ways to peel an onion but everyone of those ways leads to tears.  I mean to say that it would be presumptive to assume the authors intentions based on your bend in life.  I read the same book everyone else did and didn't come away with any sort of a universalist world view.  I also found a great explanation of the Trinity within the context of relationship, which by the way, is what people can relate to most!!  I've seen this book move everyone I know to another place in their relationship with God and people.  Kudos for that.  We need to learn to feel a little more and think a little less when it comes to these types of things.  By the way, I think I mentioned once before but I'll close with reiterating = = FICTION.