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Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God
What does a Hip-Hop artist, Waffle House waitress, tire salesman, and disabled girl have to do with discovering spiritual truth? What if embracing authentic Christianity is a journey of unlearning? Welcome to Jim Palmer's world!
Don Miller meets Anne Lamott meets Brian McLaren in this tale of shedding religion and plunging into uncharted depths of knowing God. Jim Palmer, emergent pastor, shares his compelling off-road spiritual journey and the unsuspecting people who became his guides.
"Perhaps God's reason for wanting me," writes Palmer, "is much better than my reason for wanting him. Maybe God's idea of my salvation trumps the version I am too willing to settle for. Seeing I needed a little help to get this, God sent a variety pack of characters to awaken me." For all those hoping there's more to God and Christianity than what they've heard or experienced, each chapter of Divine Nobodies gives the reader permission and freedom to discover it for themselves. Sometimes comical, other times tragic, at times shocking, always honest; Jim Palmer's story offers an inspiring and profound glimpse into life with God beyond institutional church and conventional religion.
Don Miller meets Anne Lamott meets Brian McLaren in this tale of shedding religion and plunging into uncharted depths of knowing God. Jim Palmer, emergent pastor, shares his compelling off-road spiritual journey and the unsuspecting people who became his guides.
"Perhaps God's reason for wanting me," writes Palmer, "is much better than my reason for wanting him. Maybe God's idea of my salvation trumps the version I am too willing to settle for. Seeing I needed a little help to get this, God sent a variety pack of characters to awaken me." For all those hoping there's more to God and Christianity than what they've heard or experienced, each chapter of Divine Nobodies gives the reader permission and freedom to discover it for themselves. Sometimes comical, other times tragic, at times shocking, always honest; Jim Palmer's story offers an inspiring and profound glimpse into life with God beyond institutional church and conventional religion.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2006
56 people are currently reading
480 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 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 2, 2019
Love this book, it really resonated with me.
I've had the opportunity to meet Jim and was very impressed that he practices what he preaches. In many ways this provided a succinct voice to the thoughts I had been having for some time about church.
I also follow Jim on Facebook and his frequent insights and observations are good.
I've had the opportunity to meet Jim and was very impressed that he practices what he preaches. In many ways this provided a succinct voice to the thoughts I had been having for some time about church.
I also follow Jim on Facebook and his frequent insights and observations are good.
February 28, 2013
Jim Palmer’s book Divine Nobodie: Shedding Religion to Find God has serendipitously become a timely landmark in my spiritual journey with God. An unveiling took place right before my eyes. It’s as if someone wiped away layers of tradition and opened up a world of possibilities, yet, in keeping with God’s truth.
In all honesty, when I read that the author was described as an Emergent pastor on the back cover of the book, I was holding my breath as I turned each page. Why? Well, I was expecting some sort of radical, divergent thinking. The truth is that I’m not versed on the movement. I’m actually glad I wasn’t before reading his book. My reading would have been even more biased. There’s much I need to learn but I’m from the persuasion that glare at new ideas with skepticism, as far as they concern challenging long held views of Christianity. The possibility of heretical teachings infiltrating the church is a viable concern for me and for many.
However, Palmer wasn’t bent on overhauling Christianity to push new ideas. On the contrary, he challenges each of us to seek a raw, organic knowledge of and intimacy with God. His writing style was down to earth, engaging, comical, reflective and revelatory. The book wasn’t written in a standard preachy form but more like a personal testimony of one man’s journey; the kind that says, Look what God has done in my life. Look for God everywhere He can be found. Don’t dismiss anyone that walks into your life because they don’t hold the same set of beliefs and practices you do. God is at work in each of our lives.
Reading Divine Nobodies is like putting on a fresh pair of eyeglasses while unhinging the theological box we’ve put God into. God is so much bigger than we can imagine and the manner in which He chooses to work in each of our lives is incomprehensible. Much of our thinking has alienated us from an authentic relationship with the God of the universe and each other. Caught up in the whirlwind of do’s and don’ts, you miss God’s still, small voice.
Palmer’s thoughts were resonating with something deep within me that knows everything isn’t as it should be in Christendom. Traditions of men creep their way into church. It takes people who are willing to stand up and speak up to help extract the religious thoughts and impositions that stifle a vibrant, flowing, power-induced walk with Jesus. Following the Master and loving His heart is key. To love what He loves and walk like He walked is true religion. Loving the orphans, the widows, and if I may add, the homeless, the aids patient, the divorcee, isn’t something we do Sunday mornings. It’s a lifestyle. Living our life to its fullest extent and embracing who we were created to be in Christ is the journey.
I recently changed my Facebook religious view from Christian to Jesus Follower. Not because I’m rebelling against the descriptor but because the former is a label of what I am, while the latter describes what I do. I want to be a doer of the Word of God. I’m following. I may stumble, I may fall but at least I’m moving forward and trying my best to follow in Jesus’ footsteps; to be a divine nobody.
We don’t have to agree on everything but each of us should be receptive to learning from another. Of the utmost significance for me was that the contents of Palmer’s book challenged my walk with Jesus. That’s more than good enough for me. That’s life transforming. Even though we haven’t met in person, I consider Jim Palmer a friend I’ve met on the journey.
In all honesty, when I read that the author was described as an Emergent pastor on the back cover of the book, I was holding my breath as I turned each page. Why? Well, I was expecting some sort of radical, divergent thinking. The truth is that I’m not versed on the movement. I’m actually glad I wasn’t before reading his book. My reading would have been even more biased. There’s much I need to learn but I’m from the persuasion that glare at new ideas with skepticism, as far as they concern challenging long held views of Christianity. The possibility of heretical teachings infiltrating the church is a viable concern for me and for many.
However, Palmer wasn’t bent on overhauling Christianity to push new ideas. On the contrary, he challenges each of us to seek a raw, organic knowledge of and intimacy with God. His writing style was down to earth, engaging, comical, reflective and revelatory. The book wasn’t written in a standard preachy form but more like a personal testimony of one man’s journey; the kind that says, Look what God has done in my life. Look for God everywhere He can be found. Don’t dismiss anyone that walks into your life because they don’t hold the same set of beliefs and practices you do. God is at work in each of our lives.
Reading Divine Nobodies is like putting on a fresh pair of eyeglasses while unhinging the theological box we’ve put God into. God is so much bigger than we can imagine and the manner in which He chooses to work in each of our lives is incomprehensible. Much of our thinking has alienated us from an authentic relationship with the God of the universe and each other. Caught up in the whirlwind of do’s and don’ts, you miss God’s still, small voice.
Palmer’s thoughts were resonating with something deep within me that knows everything isn’t as it should be in Christendom. Traditions of men creep their way into church. It takes people who are willing to stand up and speak up to help extract the religious thoughts and impositions that stifle a vibrant, flowing, power-induced walk with Jesus. Following the Master and loving His heart is key. To love what He loves and walk like He walked is true religion. Loving the orphans, the widows, and if I may add, the homeless, the aids patient, the divorcee, isn’t something we do Sunday mornings. It’s a lifestyle. Living our life to its fullest extent and embracing who we were created to be in Christ is the journey.
I recently changed my Facebook religious view from Christian to Jesus Follower. Not because I’m rebelling against the descriptor but because the former is a label of what I am, while the latter describes what I do. I want to be a doer of the Word of God. I’m following. I may stumble, I may fall but at least I’m moving forward and trying my best to follow in Jesus’ footsteps; to be a divine nobody.
We don’t have to agree on everything but each of us should be receptive to learning from another. Of the utmost significance for me was that the contents of Palmer’s book challenged my walk with Jesus. That’s more than good enough for me. That’s life transforming. Even though we haven’t met in person, I consider Jim Palmer a friend I’ve met on the journey.
May 17, 2007
The main premise of this book is that God works through "common" people and not exlusively the ordained. In fact, the author suggests that those working outside of the church have the greatest impact for Christ. He uses lots of examples and includes his own story (Mega-church and all) to help illustrate his thoughts. His desire to love others for Christ is very inspiring. I read a lot of pseudo-Christian life books and I rate this near the top.
June 7, 2012
I don't know that I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did had I picked it up at any other point in my life. It's funny how some books find YOU at just the right time. I've been rather disenchanted with the conventional, bureaucracy of the modern day church (I'm talking Presbyterian) encouraged greatly because of the inner strife within the denomination about the ordination of LGBTQ pastors. *side note- I firmly believe that should be ordained*
Palmer's experience of hitting rock bottom in his life and beginning to understand that you don't need the church (as in structure) to find God really hit home. While I know I'm not the only to feel this way, it is refreshing and comforting that even seminary trained, 'higher up's' like Palmer also have the same questions. Like Palmer, it's also a touchy subject for me considering I work IN the church- to me this is a no-no conversation.
Since Palmer comes from a evangelistic background and seems to still holds some of those beliefs, there were points where I disagree with his him but that didn't take anything away from my wonderful experience with this book. I'll certainly be reading his others. Jim Palmer
Palmer's experience of hitting rock bottom in his life and beginning to understand that you don't need the church (as in structure) to find God really hit home. While I know I'm not the only to feel this way, it is refreshing and comforting that even seminary trained, 'higher up's' like Palmer also have the same questions. Like Palmer, it's also a touchy subject for me considering I work IN the church- to me this is a no-no conversation.
Since Palmer comes from a evangelistic background and seems to still holds some of those beliefs, there were points where I disagree with his him but that didn't take anything away from my wonderful experience with this book. I'll certainly be reading his others. Jim Palmer
December 18, 2008
Divine Nobodies was just what I needed, a great follow up to "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore".
I have found Jim Palmer very relatable and better at asking questions than giving answers. He offers a fresh approach that leaves my previous involvement in organized religion as a limitation in my ability to have a relation with God.
I have found Jim Palmer very relatable and better at asking questions than giving answers. He offers a fresh approach that leaves my previous involvement in organized religion as a limitation in my ability to have a relation with God.
August 4, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It is not the best-written book I have ever read, but it makes up for it by honestly talking about many issues that trouble people who love Christ but not religion. That is what made it a shining star in my opinion.
January 1, 2013
I loved, loved, loved this book. One of my favorite books of all time.
December 16, 2019
This book was instrumental in my spiritual journey. Highly recommended!
September 18, 2015
I'll be honest with you. I came very close to ditching this book after reading the first half of it. Like a Max Lucado book, I thought it was just a random collection of sappy, feel good, warm fuzzy stories. But, something was telling me to press on. And, I'm glad I did.
Two chapters in particular struck me hard...
Chapter 12: "Sex, Lies, and Paratroop Deployment", about the authors experience of rescuing young girls in Cambodia from sex trafficking and prostitution. As a father of a precious 10-year old girl this was particularly poignant and hard to read as I imagined "what if" this were my daughter. This story uncovers the evils committed by men but also shows the redemptive power of the love of Christ.
And, finally, chapter 14: "Left Behind", about Jim's encounter with the living Christ and his experience of learning to forgive (and release) those that hurt him, particularly his own family. But, how this was revealed to Jim is quite illustrious. This hit home with me too especially since it was these same people (my family) who hurt me the most too and perhaps made me into the person I am today along with all of the baggage I have.
As you're reading through this book and you feel it's just not grabbing you, I encourage you to continue on. It gets better... much better.
I highly recommend this read by author Jim Palmer. And, I look forward to reading other books by him too.
Two chapters in particular struck me hard...
Chapter 12: "Sex, Lies, and Paratroop Deployment", about the authors experience of rescuing young girls in Cambodia from sex trafficking and prostitution. As a father of a precious 10-year old girl this was particularly poignant and hard to read as I imagined "what if" this were my daughter. This story uncovers the evils committed by men but also shows the redemptive power of the love of Christ.
And, finally, chapter 14: "Left Behind", about Jim's encounter with the living Christ and his experience of learning to forgive (and release) those that hurt him, particularly his own family. But, how this was revealed to Jim is quite illustrious. This hit home with me too especially since it was these same people (my family) who hurt me the most too and perhaps made me into the person I am today along with all of the baggage I have.
As you're reading through this book and you feel it's just not grabbing you, I encourage you to continue on. It gets better... much better.
I highly recommend this read by author Jim Palmer. And, I look forward to reading other books by him too.
April 19, 2018
I found some of the vignettes of people quite powerful, but I found it perplexing that a person called to God's ministry was startled by the power of humility.
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May 22, 20252025-05-22
Review 2025.04.008
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
Divine Nobodies by Jim Palmer
224 Pages
This book was recommended to me by a fellow disciple of Jesus. She said that the book was my kind of book. I looked for her exact words but it was too hard to track down. So it went on sale and I grabbed it. I put it high in the queue so I would read it quickly and let her know what I thought. And then I read it and finished it before she got to chapter 4, which of course I had to give her a hard time about.
I do not recall having heard of Jim Palmer before this book. The stories in the book were just stories from his life - the good and the bad. It was really quite encouraging. Several of the stories were people who did the work of Jesus outside of church, meaning they were not committed to a local body of believers. And while the author is not encouraging this, he does understand the difficulties and why some choose to do that. Honestly, I would love to do that myself.
After I finished chapter 10, crying the whole way through, I told her to just skip that chapter. This was the most emotional chapter for me and probably my favorite story but all of them had an impact in my life. With the biggest question I got out of the book being, who has Father placed in my life that I am missing. I try to see the people around me but like all humans, I get distracted by selfishness or flashy things. How do I slow down? It reminds me of a quote I read over a decade ago but do not know where I read it. “Busyness is moral laziness. Our excuse to be inattentive to people.” I shared that with someone earlier this week.
I would recommend this book to people who like stories about God working in and through lives. Anyone who wants to be challenged to do more with their lives all while resting with God will also be encouraged. If you are not a disciple of Jesus, then you might be encouraged by stories of people trying to follow after their Savior.
Review 2025.04.008
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
Divine Nobodies by Jim Palmer
224 Pages
This book was recommended to me by a fellow disciple of Jesus. She said that the book was my kind of book. I looked for her exact words but it was too hard to track down. So it went on sale and I grabbed it. I put it high in the queue so I would read it quickly and let her know what I thought. And then I read it and finished it before she got to chapter 4, which of course I had to give her a hard time about.
I do not recall having heard of Jim Palmer before this book. The stories in the book were just stories from his life - the good and the bad. It was really quite encouraging. Several of the stories were people who did the work of Jesus outside of church, meaning they were not committed to a local body of believers. And while the author is not encouraging this, he does understand the difficulties and why some choose to do that. Honestly, I would love to do that myself.
After I finished chapter 10, crying the whole way through, I told her to just skip that chapter. This was the most emotional chapter for me and probably my favorite story but all of them had an impact in my life. With the biggest question I got out of the book being, who has Father placed in my life that I am missing. I try to see the people around me but like all humans, I get distracted by selfishness or flashy things. How do I slow down? It reminds me of a quote I read over a decade ago but do not know where I read it. “Busyness is moral laziness. Our excuse to be inattentive to people.” I shared that with someone earlier this week.
I would recommend this book to people who like stories about God working in and through lives. Anyone who wants to be challenged to do more with their lives all while resting with God will also be encouraged. If you are not a disciple of Jesus, then you might be encouraged by stories of people trying to follow after their Savior.
January 5, 2022
Loved this book. I love when a book "finds" me. Mr. Palmer's thoughts hit spot on with thoughts and feelings deep within me. Not everything is as is should be with the title "Christian". Traditions and legalism have crept their way into church, unfortunately which has clouded the importance of God and our relationship with HIM. God is so much bigger than we can imagine and the manner in which He chooses to work in each of our lives is incomprehensible. Much of our thinking has alienated us from an authentic relationship with the God of the universe and each other. Caught up in the whirlwind of do’s and don’ts, you miss God’s still, small voice. Following the lead of the Master, we are to love as He loves. It is relatively simple - follow Jesus and love each other. We have made it complicated and it doesn't have to be. Also, following Jesus doesn't mean it is all roses and sunshine. We will have our share of trials - look at the book of Job. Appreciate Mr. Palmer's honest reflections and realness of his experiences and those that touched his life.
December 11, 2025
The subtitle of former pastor Jim Palmer's Divine Nobodies is "Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you). I believe he certainly accomplished the parenthetical portion of this description, as he shares wonderful stories of folks he has encounter who are displaying the love and compassion of Christ.
However, I was a bit disappointed that he did not share more on the "Shedding Religion" part. He does talk a bit about how he left mainstream, organized religion, but he seems to attribute this more to his divorce and illness than any theological issues or differences. As one who has been on a long and agonizing faith deconstruction and reassessment, I was hoping for more insight into this process.
Still, the stories he shares are often insightful and emotional. It does offer lessons for us to be aware of the people we encounter and how we can find Christ within them.
However, I was a bit disappointed that he did not share more on the "Shedding Religion" part. He does talk a bit about how he left mainstream, organized religion, but he seems to attribute this more to his divorce and illness than any theological issues or differences. As one who has been on a long and agonizing faith deconstruction and reassessment, I was hoping for more insight into this process.
Still, the stories he shares are often insightful and emotional. It does offer lessons for us to be aware of the people we encounter and how we can find Christ within them.
April 30, 2019
Drawn in by the promised "cross between Anne Lammott and Donald Miller" - I should've known it was an unfair setup and a too-lofty claim. Although Palmer certainly has a quirky-ish voice and I certainly identified with his penchant for mental wandering, this book was a bit too all-over-the-place for me. I wasn't really positive which point he was trying to make much of the time and, what's worse, got the sense he didn't know either. I just felt this nagging lack of conviction beneath his words, this strange undertone that felt... Off somehow. I like and agree with what I think is the main idea in this book, that it doesn't take a theology degree to discover God, that God is present and working in the 'least of these' sprinkled throughout our lives, but there was just a bolt loose somewhere in this book and, despite the simpatico message between me and Jim, he just didn't reach me.
March 30, 2024
This is an interesting one for me to review. I think Palmer and I aren’t too far off with where we’ve landed spiritually, but his language still felt very “evangelical.” So even though I usually ended up agreeing with his overall point by the end of each chapter (short stories about people he encountered that changed his thinking about God), the wording he chose to get there was consistently off-putting. I get what he was doing (introducing more progressive concepts through “relatable” evangelical reasoning and questions), I just think maybe I wasn’t his target audience here.
November 3, 2024
I found Jim Palmer through his intriguing Substack posts. This book was written 20 years ago but the message remains that God can be explored outside of religious institutions. In these stories we meet the ordinary people who have divinity evident in their actions. I'm going back to Jim's Substack posts now...
April 3, 2025
Absolutely inspiring but not the way one might think. Although she is religious, her book references secular and religious philosophers. Inspiration was for general life, not religious. A book a person of any faith or non-faith can enjoy!
July 3, 2017
Gives permission to really explore God. Makes you think.
April 15, 2018
Honest. Confirming. Heartbreaking with hope.
October 11, 2019
Very good book showing that God can and does work through normal, everyday people in normal, everyday ways. We don't have to be well known, big time spiritual giants to be used by God.
May 20, 2024
God is everywhere, and this book reminds us to look around and see all the ways God shows up, especially in surprising ways.
August 23, 2024
This book opened my eyes to so much. I've read it once and am already going back to bits and pieces I've highlighted. Will definitely read this again. This book has helped me get closer to God.
July 21, 2024
Good read for all of those with Faith
Jim gives an inside look at Christianity from its core at a large church. And then he unfolds different stories of people he’s met along the way where he’s able to find the true love of Christ outside of church. Having been raised Catholic and never really finding a church to call home for myself since, I found this very enlightening as to what it truly means to be Christian. I’ll definitely be reading his other books for more insight.
Jim gives an inside look at Christianity from its core at a large church. And then he unfolds different stories of people he’s met along the way where he’s able to find the true love of Christ outside of church. Having been raised Catholic and never really finding a church to call home for myself since, I found this very enlightening as to what it truly means to be Christian. I’ll definitely be reading his other books for more insight.
December 21, 2012
This is the fastest I've ever read any non-fiction book for fun, partly because it was a biography of the author written like a story. I loved the way the author wrote about his life in a conversational manner, and really kept on talking about how he found God in the most unlikely places (opens up the dialogue about how God actually speaks to His children, I mean isn't it curious that the verse says "My sheep here my voice and they know me" and yet so much we don't hear stories of people hearing God, not in themselves but in other people? And I don't mean the kind of hearing god that Dubya did, but I mean the real kind of hearing like in the Bible.
I love the raw honesty in this book of not knowing what to say, and realizing in the end that it's not about being this famous Christian superstar that everyone wants you to be, but instead it's about realizing how all these divine "nobodies" are actual somebodies to God, and therefore to the author, and ultimately the author shows how we all are connected and how one decision has a bigger influence than just yourself.
A refreshing read that I recommend to anyone searching and learning about God from someone who "did that and been there" and is finding His way again to God. Not the idea of God....the reality of God! Praise GOD for author's like Jim Palmer, I resonated many times with his story and as I continue my journey I hope to continue growing in the honest reflection that Jim characterizes.
Refreshing
I love the raw honesty in this book of not knowing what to say, and realizing in the end that it's not about being this famous Christian superstar that everyone wants you to be, but instead it's about realizing how all these divine "nobodies" are actual somebodies to God, and therefore to the author, and ultimately the author shows how we all are connected and how one decision has a bigger influence than just yourself.
A refreshing read that I recommend to anyone searching and learning about God from someone who "did that and been there" and is finding His way again to God. Not the idea of God....the reality of God! Praise GOD for author's like Jim Palmer, I resonated many times with his story and as I continue my journey I hope to continue growing in the honest reflection that Jim characterizes.
Refreshing
February 14, 2025
This is an excellent book! I bought it on the basis of reviews at Amazon - it was recommended based on other books I had read and enjoyed.
It's basically descriptions of random people who have influenced the author's life, beginning with two introductions that outline his unhappy childhood. The various people he introduces in the book - which include a waitress, a dog, a gay friend, an Anglican minister, and his own small daughter - become metaphors for different stages in his life.
Some of these people relate to healing - or at least helping Palmer come to terms with - the many hurts in his past. Others help him see beyond the institutional evangelical right-wing religion in which he became entrapped for a while, and to see instead the reality of Jesus who loves him unconditionally.
The book has been linked with the popular 'Blue Like Jazz'. The theme is perhaps similar, and the writing style informal, although I found it less so (and thus easier to read) than Donald Miller.
Sometimes moving, sometimes amusing, mostly thought-provoking. All in all, highly recommended. Anyone with the slightest interest in God would probably benefit from reading this; those currently part of regular church congregations might find themselves thinking afresh about their faith and what it means.
Four and a half stars, really.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
It's basically descriptions of random people who have influenced the author's life, beginning with two introductions that outline his unhappy childhood. The various people he introduces in the book - which include a waitress, a dog, a gay friend, an Anglican minister, and his own small daughter - become metaphors for different stages in his life.
Some of these people relate to healing - or at least helping Palmer come to terms with - the many hurts in his past. Others help him see beyond the institutional evangelical right-wing religion in which he became entrapped for a while, and to see instead the reality of Jesus who loves him unconditionally.
The book has been linked with the popular 'Blue Like Jazz'. The theme is perhaps similar, and the writing style informal, although I found it less so (and thus easier to read) than Donald Miller.
Sometimes moving, sometimes amusing, mostly thought-provoking. All in all, highly recommended. Anyone with the slightest interest in God would probably benefit from reading this; those currently part of regular church congregations might find themselves thinking afresh about their faith and what it means.
Four and a half stars, really.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
September 19, 2012
Best book on Christianity I think I've ever read - he digs deep to the heart of Jesus and shows how religion gets in our way. Jesus' top concern was loving people. That simple. Jim Palmer does a good job of showing us where he went wrong in "worshipping" self, church, power during his stint in a "megachurch" but yet he has a way of not bashing others who are still involved in organized religion. He rips apart all his own prejudices in a way that showed me some of mine - but yet I didn't feel condemned, rather more compelled to love. Divine Nobodies is a view into a life we should all strive for, something I tell myself on a daily basis: "people over principle."
If you are a churchgoing Christian, read this. If you are seeking God, but annoying right-wing, fundamentalists are getting in your way, read this. If the church has hurt you because you are divorced or gay or anything that doesn't have the smack of being accepted by church, READ THIS!! The chapter on Jim's gay friend was one of my favorites. If you suffered neglect as a child or have been depressed, read this. If you hate God or think he's not real, read this.
If you are a churchgoing Christian, read this. If you are seeking God, but annoying right-wing, fundamentalists are getting in your way, read this. If the church has hurt you because you are divorced or gay or anything that doesn't have the smack of being accepted by church, READ THIS!! The chapter on Jim's gay friend was one of my favorites. If you suffered neglect as a child or have been depressed, read this. If you hate God or think he's not real, read this.
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June 25, 2014I was pleasantly surprised by this new chronicle in postmodern Christianity, Divine Nobodies by Jim Palmer. I was expecting yet another Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller) rip-off - using different words but the same basic idea that a relationship with Christ is more important than church rules. Palmer approaches the topic relationally.
Each chapter in Divine Nobodies is based on his experience with a person. Usually this person is someone he had prejudgments about during his experience as a Protestant minister - a flaming liberal, an unchurched mechanic, an Episcopal priest, his waitress at Waffle House. Palmer uses his conversations with each person to explore the idea that perhaps his coursework in seminary did not capture all of the branches of what being a Christian means.
Divine Nobodies is thought provoking and worth the read. Palmer's writing is crisp and enjoyable. If you struggle with questioning whether Christianity is really about going to church six times a week and feeling guilty if you don't, Divine Nobodies will provide fresh insight and an opportunity to explore the true meanings of being a Christian.
March 8, 2016
On the one hand I found this book rather odd. Coming from my background the idea of worshiping Jesus and wanting to have a spiritual relationship with him in the 21st century is alien to me. Additionally the idea of a deity that micromanages my life and the world is also alien to me.
However it was an interesting look into the minds of people who do believe such things.
However, that being said, it was an excellent very human story about a man confronting his own hypocrisy, preconceived notions, history, and sense of inadequacy and growing because of that.
I did find parts of many of the stories moving, the story telling personal and succinct, and I rather liked the fact that by the author holding a mirror up to himself he pushes the reader to see themselves in him.
So I gave this book to my mom who is these days a lot like Jim Palmer used to be.
However it was an interesting look into the minds of people who do believe such things.
However, that being said, it was an excellent very human story about a man confronting his own hypocrisy, preconceived notions, history, and sense of inadequacy and growing because of that.
I did find parts of many of the stories moving, the story telling personal and succinct, and I rather liked the fact that by the author holding a mirror up to himself he pushes the reader to see themselves in him.
So I gave this book to my mom who is these days a lot like Jim Palmer used to be.
January 29, 2013
before reading this book, I don't think I had ever heard of Jim Palmer. Based on reading the book, if he heard me say that earlier in his life, it would have really bothered him....now he wouldn't care so much. That transformation of thought and attitude is part of what he conveys through glimpses of encounters he has had with various people throughout his life. He is a broken man who has discovered how whole and beautiful and fulfilling a life following Jesus can be.
I thought it was a good book with many great lessons to read and mull over, of which "expect to see Jesus in the lives of those around you, and show Jesus in return" may be the one that sticks out most to me.
I thought it was a good book with many great lessons to read and mull over, of which "expect to see Jesus in the lives of those around you, and show Jesus in return" may be the one that sticks out most to me.
January 7, 2014
I enjoyed this collection of amazing stories of 'ordinary' people that impacted the life and spiritual direction of the author. Easy to read, with some profound insights into life, looking for meaning in the inexplicable ups and downs we experience as we travel through it. It encourages me to look for the voice and the hand of God in less than obvious places -- rarely in churches, or in the voices of our 'spiritual' leaders, but in those 'common' and 'ordinary' experiences we encounter with people around us. But you must have eyes to see and ears to hear, as this author clearly does.
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