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Wide Open Spaces: Beyond Paint-by-Number Christianity
Jim Palmer's critically acclaimed Divine Nobodies was only half the story - the deconstruction and shedding of a religious mentality that hindered his knowing God. In his next book, Jim takes the reader along into the wide open spaces of exploring and experiencing God beyond religion. Jim writes, "It is no secret that God can be lost beneath the waving banner of religion. Divine Nobodies is my story of how this happened to me. Sometimes you have to disentangle God from religion, even Christ from Christianity, to find the truth. With the help of some unsuspecting nobodies, I uncovered a new starting line with God. As I've put one foot in front of another, I've experienced God in ways that are deeply transforming."
Each chapter revolves around a central question related to knowing God on fresh Is God a belief system? Is the Bible a landing strip or launching pad? Can what we're feeling inside be God? Are we too religiously minded to be any earthly good?
Brian McLaren wrote, "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Don Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice."
The Library Reviews said of him, "Jim Palmer's casual, yet compelling writing style cuts through the religious rhetoric and gets to the real issues…readers will love this author! His sense of humor is alternately mixed with shocking sentences and poignant moments. Laced throughout is a refreshing honesty that ties his ideas together with a ribbon of reality…each turn of the page strips away a little more of the contrived mystery of Christianity until the simplicity and sincerity of it stands in realistic splendor."
More and more people seek a deeper spirituality beyond status-quo religion. Others are left empty and weary from a shallow and narrow pop-Christianity. Palmer says that God's kingdom of love, peace, and freedom can be a present reality in any person's life. He proclaims that God is indeed in the process of birthing something deep and wide among unlikely people in unconventional ways, which is changing the world...one "nobody" at a time.
Each chapter revolves around a central question related to knowing God on fresh Is God a belief system? Is the Bible a landing strip or launching pad? Can what we're feeling inside be God? Are we too religiously minded to be any earthly good?
Brian McLaren wrote, "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Don Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice."
The Library Reviews said of him, "Jim Palmer's casual, yet compelling writing style cuts through the religious rhetoric and gets to the real issues…readers will love this author! His sense of humor is alternately mixed with shocking sentences and poignant moments. Laced throughout is a refreshing honesty that ties his ideas together with a ribbon of reality…each turn of the page strips away a little more of the contrived mystery of Christianity until the simplicity and sincerity of it stands in realistic splendor."
More and more people seek a deeper spirituality beyond status-quo religion. Others are left empty and weary from a shallow and narrow pop-Christianity. Palmer says that God's kingdom of love, peace, and freedom can be a present reality in any person's life. He proclaims that God is indeed in the process of birthing something deep and wide among unlikely people in unconventional ways, which is changing the world...one "nobody" at a time.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
20 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Jim Palmer
16 books156 followersJim Palmer a contemporary spiritual teacher and critically acclaimed author. As a spiritual director, Jim often works with people who are experiencing a crisis of faith or seeking to explore spirituality beyond the parameters of organized religion. As a speaker, educator and person in his community, Jim is a catalyst for interfaith dialogue and action. Regardless of one's religious, spiritual or philosophical background, Jim believes all people can find common ground and goodwill in their shared humanity, to work together in creating a more peaceful and just world.
Jim is an ordained minister, receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Divinity School in Chicago. After serving several years as the Senior Pastor of a non-denominational church, Jim left professional ministerial life on a quest for a more authentic spirituality, and has authored five books about his journey. In addition to writing, speaking and his spiritual direction practice, Jim is an adjunct professor in the areas of Ethics and Comparative Religion. He is the Co-Founder of the Nashville Humanist Association and is a certified Humanist Chaplain with the American Humanist Association.
For a season, Jim traveled abroad with an international human rights organization, witnessing firsthand, the exploitation and abuse of children through forced child prostitution and child slave labor.
Jim is a proud father of his daughter, Jessica. He loves animals and cares for three special needs pets of his own. He is an artist in the areas of poetry, abstract painting and photography. Jim is an explorer, you might find him running a trail, hiking to a summit or snapping photos in villages and cities throughout the world.
Since 2005 he has been chronicling his journey beginning with: Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you), and then Wide Open Spaces: Beyond Paint-by-Number Christianity. Jim has also written: Being Jesus in Nashville: Finding the Courage to Live Your Life (whoever and wherever you are); Notes from (Over) the Edge: Unmasking the Truth to End Your Suffering; and Inner Anarchy: Dethroning God and Jesus to Save Ourselves and the World.
Jim is an ordained minister, receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Divinity School in Chicago. After serving several years as the Senior Pastor of a non-denominational church, Jim left professional ministerial life on a quest for a more authentic spirituality, and has authored five books about his journey. In addition to writing, speaking and his spiritual direction practice, Jim is an adjunct professor in the areas of Ethics and Comparative Religion. He is the Co-Founder of the Nashville Humanist Association and is a certified Humanist Chaplain with the American Humanist Association.
For a season, Jim traveled abroad with an international human rights organization, witnessing firsthand, the exploitation and abuse of children through forced child prostitution and child slave labor.
Jim is a proud father of his daughter, Jessica. He loves animals and cares for three special needs pets of his own. He is an artist in the areas of poetry, abstract painting and photography. Jim is an explorer, you might find him running a trail, hiking to a summit or snapping photos in villages and cities throughout the world.
Since 2005 he has been chronicling his journey beginning with: Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you), and then Wide Open Spaces: Beyond Paint-by-Number Christianity. Jim has also written: Being Jesus in Nashville: Finding the Courage to Live Your Life (whoever and wherever you are); Notes from (Over) the Edge: Unmasking the Truth to End Your Suffering; and Inner Anarchy: Dethroning God and Jesus to Save Ourselves and the World.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 3, 2011
The main point is that God is love, and as Christians we have God in us, along with His love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and all others as ourselves. Rather than trying to find fulfillment through organized church services, we can be the church and show love to a hurting world and be Jesus to everyone we meet
April 4, 2017
Another great book by Jim Palmer. I feel I have traveled down a very similar path and it was refreshing to find that others are on this path too. If you are finding the religious institutions, traditions, etc. are weighing you down and confusing you about who God really is, this book will give you the courage to be free of those things and experience God in a real way.
August 18, 2009
A sort of sequel to 'Divine Nobodies', but it stands alone. Reflections on God, the wider church, reasons for no longer attending a formal church, and more. Well-written, with interesting anecdotes and an open, honest approach to life and God that I found very refreshing. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2011
Jim challenges his readers to consider if their concepts of God have prevented them from really experiencing God. Jim focuses intently on love, and on being an expression of God rather than pointing people to God.
July 7, 2012
I read this book shortly after leaving the institutional church. It really helped me feel the permission to take a break from the Bible (I know how that sounds) and just affirmed some things I was feeling.
August 18, 2012
Meeting god outside the organised religion, Love the part about the Bible! Awesome as always @Jimpalmer
August 4, 2011
So I recently finished reading Jim Palmer's Wide Open Spaces and I have to be honest. I did not like it. Palmer offers a unique take on just about every aspect of the Christian life. Some of these views are challenging and eye opening. Others are so unique that I have never heard them before...anywhere...like the Bible.
Palmer is a former pastor who has left organized church and is starting to meet with people in his home for worship. I have nothing against this per say, however in the midst of his "Different Strokes for Different Folks" approach he definitely shares the positives of his approach and the negatives of organized church. He is saying that we can worship how we want...but his way is best.
Of course he also believes that "the devil" is simply being negative and believing your negative thoughts. Which means that Jesus had split personality and was talking with himself in the desert.
He also has an interesting take on what the world would look like if everyone loved. He thinks that there would be no crime (I would agree), no courts (I kind of agree), and of course no hospitals (I do not agree). It is a far fetched idea that there will be peace before the return of Christ, but even if it happened...we would still need hospitals. Palmer's basis is that sickness is based on not being loved. My opinion is that when someone loses control of their car and wraps it around a tree it is not because they are not loved.
I do want to make it sound like there are no redeeming qualities in the book. There are some challenging ways of looking at how we interact with people of different faiths that I think every Christian should hear. But on the whole the book is lacking.
Palmer sums up his book which I think will point to why I left the book with a bad taste in my mouth. He ends it with a quote from a band that claims that if everyone loved that nobody would die. It is as if death has become a bad thing. Paul said that to die was gain. It is not something to fear, it is not something that would go away if we all met in South Dakota for a big group hug.
Not only that but the band he quoted was...Nickleback...oh depravity.
Palmer is a former pastor who has left organized church and is starting to meet with people in his home for worship. I have nothing against this per say, however in the midst of his "Different Strokes for Different Folks" approach he definitely shares the positives of his approach and the negatives of organized church. He is saying that we can worship how we want...but his way is best.
Of course he also believes that "the devil" is simply being negative and believing your negative thoughts. Which means that Jesus had split personality and was talking with himself in the desert.
He also has an interesting take on what the world would look like if everyone loved. He thinks that there would be no crime (I would agree), no courts (I kind of agree), and of course no hospitals (I do not agree). It is a far fetched idea that there will be peace before the return of Christ, but even if it happened...we would still need hospitals. Palmer's basis is that sickness is based on not being loved. My opinion is that when someone loses control of their car and wraps it around a tree it is not because they are not loved.
I do want to make it sound like there are no redeeming qualities in the book. There are some challenging ways of looking at how we interact with people of different faiths that I think every Christian should hear. But on the whole the book is lacking.
Palmer sums up his book which I think will point to why I left the book with a bad taste in my mouth. He ends it with a quote from a band that claims that if everyone loved that nobody would die. It is as if death has become a bad thing. Paul said that to die was gain. It is not something to fear, it is not something that would go away if we all met in South Dakota for a big group hug.
Not only that but the band he quoted was...Nickleback...oh depravity.
February 14, 2013
Not for everyone. Particularly not for the fearful, sarcastic, reactionary, or those with all the answers. I might recommend this for the "right-brained," spiritually sensitive, adventurous, broken, or contemplative believer who's been in the church for over 3-4 decades ... plus those who found in their youth kindred spirits among A.W.Tozer, F.Schaeffer's True Spirituality, and the likes. It's also for those to whom "abiding in Christ" has a great significance (and sees spiritual fruits as the *natural consequence* of this abiding rather than what you work towards). Otherwise, it might be a waste of your time, possibly even hazardous or inducing critical defensiveness. For those who've liked this, I also recommend Richard Rohr's Falling Upward that has a similar ring to this. Easy read.
September 4, 2013
Rarely ever am I at a loss for words....this book blew me away. As I read this book, all I could find myself saying was "hmmm". I savor end this book. I'm on my second read of it. It's with me all the time: carry my iPad. The one thing about this book that makes it so different than anything else that I've ever read is that somehow the things that Jim talks about in this book, I know it. I cannot tell you how I know it...but I just do. It resonants within me. I'm usually rather good at expressing my thoughts and views, however my articulation of this book doesn't provide the justice due this remarkable book. It's an absolutely brilliant book that meshes with my personhood. I love it.
May 13, 2008
Palmer's former life as an executive pastor is a little bit fresh, making his outline of a new kind of orthopraxy both refreshingly freedom-focused and depressingly churchy in its expression. Still, Palmer is vulnerable (and cautious not to overstay his welcome) in sharing his changed perspective on Christ and Christ's message. The result is a challenge to orthodoxy that almost sings (especially his careful explication of American culture's sky-god). If you're fed up with traditional church, read this book.
August 9, 2011
This book will definitely stretch your theology. It is a great book and a great read for those who are worn out by Christianity and are searching for the Jesus who has said, "come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Though there are some basic concepts in this book, it was definitely an enjoyable and encouraging read. Continues in the vain of Divine Nobodies. Autobiographical yet biblical. Enjoy.
August 4, 2009
While this is a good book, it does not live up to the emotional movements of Jim Palmer's first book, Divine Nobodies.
Nearing the end of Wide Open Spaces, I felt as though the author was extremely rushed. There were also portions that seemed emotionally forced. However, I feel certain excerpts have a special poignancy that make this a book that people would benefit from reading.
Nearing the end of Wide Open Spaces, I felt as though the author was extremely rushed. There were also portions that seemed emotionally forced. However, I feel certain excerpts have a special poignancy that make this a book that people would benefit from reading.
November 22, 2014
A refreshing perspective of Christianity that removes many of the burdens imposed by the modern day church. Who would've guessed a pastor of a 'thriving' church would leave and even hide his Bible(s) under the couch for a while? A recommended read for those who feel stagnant within the organized church/religious structures.
March 15, 2010
Some believe that you can not worship without a building or some other person telling you what to believe. This book encourages spiritual examination and freedom. And assurance that it is good to color outside the lines.
January 27, 2017
Namaste
The image of God in me
Honours the image of God in you
Because it’s true we two
Are equal in God’s view
I greet you in that sacred space
As I bow before you
Knowing that our God above
Loves me and adores you
The image of God in me
Honours the image of God in you
Because it’s true we two
Are equal in God’s view
I greet you in that sacred space
As I bow before you
Knowing that our God above
Loves me and adores you
March 17, 2008
Read it. A great book. Reminds me of so many of my friends.
June 24, 2008
I feel like Jim is helping me articulate things I have always had as a part of my personal theology....but I felt like I never had the language to express it.
October 11, 2019
The main point is that God is love, and as Christians we have God in us, along with His love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and all others as ourselves. Rather than trying to find fulfillment through organized church services, we can be the church and show love to a hurting world and be Jesus to everyone we meet
March 9, 2016
Not being a member of this books intended audience I found this book to be hard to get through.
That being said for members of its intended audience I can see where it has a lot of valuable things to say. Of import is that the author starting thinking of the Judeo Christian deity as being immanent rather than a man in the sky. Which is extremely important. The book does speak of his spiritual growth that occurred since Divine Nobodies. Which is to say he was slowly coming to understand that God is bigger and different than what his former denomination had taught him.
Ultimately he's discovering that his relationship with God didn't really start taking off and thus start fostering his growth as human being until he stopped allowing other people to regulate his beliefs and started taking responsibility for that relationship and that's something everyone should learn to do.
That being said for members of its intended audience I can see where it has a lot of valuable things to say. Of import is that the author starting thinking of the Judeo Christian deity as being immanent rather than a man in the sky. Which is extremely important. The book does speak of his spiritual growth that occurred since Divine Nobodies. Which is to say he was slowly coming to understand that God is bigger and different than what his former denomination had taught him.
Ultimately he's discovering that his relationship with God didn't really start taking off and thus start fostering his growth as human being until he stopped allowing other people to regulate his beliefs and started taking responsibility for that relationship and that's something everyone should learn to do.
May 28, 2008
Really different from Jim Palmer's other book, I bought this from him at his yard sale. This takes the subjects of his first book, Divine Nobodies, steps further and talks about how his life, his view of God and his thought patters in general have changed. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around some of the really emergent, almost relative themes, but it opened my mind to a lot. Much of this book met me in what I've been fleshing out on my own.
April 3, 2019
Love love and more Love
I was no longer being Fead in a male dominated religion. My low self esteem tied to how they viewed women. A book about Mary Magdalene , I read was the final straw. I am Woman I am Worthy
God ....Jesus loved and values women How did the Religions Twist it so??
I am a little Christian in my own little way. I matter...we all matter
I was no longer being Fead in a male dominated religion. My low self esteem tied to how they viewed women. A book about Mary Magdalene , I read was the final straw. I am Woman I am Worthy
God ....Jesus loved and values women How did the Religions Twist it so??
I am a little Christian in my own little way. I matter...we all matter
February 25, 2012
See http://www.BillDahl.net for the review
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews