Calling himself "an accidental author," William P. Young-whose word-of-mouth hit debut novel The Shack (Windblown Media) has topped the New York Times Paperback Trade Fiction best-seller list and seen widespread headlines for selling more than a million copies since its launch a year ago-told a crowd of approximately 300 that the controversy was “good.”

Critics have attacked The Shack for such alleged shortcomings as heresy, a lack of theological integrity and promoting unorthodox theories. Well-known author and radio commentator Charles Colson has been the most prominent detractor, warning people to avoid the book because of its low view of Scripture.

"It was not written as systematic theology," Young told author and radio host Chris Fabry during a 10-minute Q-and-A format for the "It's a New Day Live" mock radio program. "It's a parable or a metaphor. Tell Chuck Colson that it's not an allegory."

His comment drew laughs, but Young-whose novel is about a man who encounters God at the scene of a past personal tragedy-was more somber as he discussed how he was sexually abused as a child of missionaries while attending boarding school in New Guinea.

Young shared that he recently received a call from the main perpetrator of his abuse, who asked for his forgiveness after reading The Shack. "It was wonderful and (peaceful)," Young said as he fought back tears.

Nancy Ford, owner of Words of Wisdom in Swansea, Ill., said she was moved by what Young shared. "His talk brought me to tears," she told Christian Retailing, noting that the book has sold well at her store. "I read (The Shack) and loved it even though some have been talking bad about it."

Charlene Wiggs, co-owner of The Master's Mercantile in Pottstown, Pa., agreed. "I thought his talk cleared up some of the controversy," she told Christian Retailing. "I didn't know his story at all. I was touched hearing where he was and why he felt he needed to write this book. ... I can't keep it on the shelf. I've sold 25 copies in six weeks, which is good for our store."

Windblown Media, the book's publisher, recently partnered with FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group USA, in a co-publishing venture aiming to expand readership for The Shack.

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