Deliver Us from Me-Ville

by David A. Zimmerman

Welcome to Me-Ville, where you're surrounded by a culture that celebrates and elevates the individual. The You Utopia where your home, place of work, and even your place of worship, is customized to your discerning tastes. A super-exclusive club where Self and Pride party, and Sacrifice and Humility can't get past the velvet ropes. A place where it's all about you. But is life supposed to be this way? Author David Zimmerman takes us on a hilarious and honest trip through Me-Ville, while sharing the escape routes that lead out. David traces our self-loving lineage and examines prideful people in scripture that were changed through God's power. Throughout, you'll encounter the powerful, progressive redemption from self that only Christ can offer. So discover the freedom in shifting from Me to We, and encounter the joy found in a selfless life in pursuit of Him. Read endorsements for Deliver Us from Me-Ville .

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Amazon, Ebooks, Nonfiction, Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I didn't find it particularly deep. I found the title cute and it is what drew me to it. The book was written in an easy to read way and I liked that. All in all, it was a fine read, but I don't see myself rereading it anytime soon.

[CCCfaithathome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building on the teachings of Thomas Merton and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, David Zimmerman outlines the journey from Me-Ville to God's Kingdom that all Christians must travel (and often, re-travel). The good news is, Jesus is the one who comes to Me-Ville to lead the way out!

Each chapter includes ways that the journey changes us, practices we actively engage in as willing participants on the trip (we aren't just along for the ride, after all), and "Escape Routes" or spiritual practices to try when you find yourself back (or headed back) to Me-Ville.

As an added bonus, the book includes discussion guides for each chapter, making it suitable for both individuals and groups to read together.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

A joyfully sarcastic look at our own self-absorption from a Christian perspective. This is a great look at how to navigate the self-sacrificial mandate of our faith when we live in a society that assures us that "I'm important, yo!"

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author describes himself as edgy and that is probably why I didn't feel drawn to this book. At times I was exasperated when Zimmerman talked about biblical characters in ways I never would have imagined. He is convinced that John and Peter were at odds (jealous even) and that John revealed this clearly in his gospel, by exposing all of Peter's blunders. I think some of it was probably meant to be funny, like John making sure that everyone knew he ran faster than Peter on that Resurrection day, but I couldn't always tell. He referred to the Rich young ruler as annoying. He said that Abraham was perfectly content in Haran and had to be urged to leave. These and other insights seemed groundless.

I had a hard time following some of his arguments. Actually I don't think they were meant to be easily followed. It appeared like he wanted the line of reasoning to be cluttered with terms and ideas that made you stumble. Maybe that is what an edgy writer does.

But there were some things that I appreciated and will practice in order to stay out of "Me-ville", like before entering into a group situation, offering yourself to be used by God. Being on the look out for what He is doing and wants you to do. Plying people with numerous questions in a concerted effort to keep the focus on someone else.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to get one thinking about whether you're living in Me-Ville, or if you're truly living for God. I found the chapters to go by, always leaving me with something I could really chew on, ponder, and apply to my life. I think I discovered wonderful insight on how to always keep Christ at the center of your life, and never let the relationship stray.

"The kingdom of God is firmly established because it's the place where our God reigns. Me-Ville is not. Me-Ville is where superbia reigns; it's a place from which we must escape."
(Deliver Us from Me-Ville, Introduction)

Note: The book has several references to popular, secular media. Most instances added additional humor to the point the author is trying to illustrate. Just thought I'd mention this fact for anyone that could be offended by reading about celebrities and TV shows in a Christian guidebook.

Overall, it's a great book that I'm glad I found!

[Tami Boesiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Zimmerman spoke directly to my heart and my desire to rid myself of self-centeredness. There is no easy way to leave Me-Ville. It will hurt because it involves denying self, denying practices and wants that seem normal. But the freedom we find in Thee-ville is worth the pain.

One of my favorite quotes was this: "To the extent we compare ourselves to one another, we are still trapped in the life God is calling us out of." Ouch. And guilty.

I especially appreciated the inclusion of a passage from John Wesley's Covenant Service. I will be praying over and meditating on that in the weeks to come. I also took note of the recommended reading list. I will be visiting some of these authors.

Not an easy read, but worth digging through, Deliver Us From Me-Ville, is one of those books one needs to read a few times to glean everything from. I found it to be a good reminder of what God requires of His servants.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about how Jesus can displace us from the center of our self-involved lives. It's tough to do in America, but Zimmerman, aided by abundant quotes from the spiritually wise, especially Bonhoeffer, provides a route. It includes spiritual practice and the church and focuses centrally on Jesus. I liked his humorous, self-deprecating tone and found the "escape routes" or exercises at the end of each chapter especially useful. God knows I can use all the help I can get getting over me.

[Scott Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read yet the author does mix in some challenging words. If anything, and the reason I didn't give it a higher rating, is that he doesn't go far enough in examining the problems and complexities of cultural issues such as consumerism and individualism have on current Christianity. But perhaps I shouldn't have let my desires cloud his work.

[Bob Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was OK. I read it over time so I am sure that helped in losing something in translation. It is a look at us. We tend to put ourselves on the throne and move Jesus off. When we do that, then we are in Me-Ville. The object of the book is to get us out of there and on the way to Thee-Ville
Part of the problem with the book is that I kept feeling that the author was trying to paraphrase what other people had written. In other words, the book, though original, was not an original thought but an explnation of what others have written. He seems to quote Bronhoffer a lot. While he was an interesting man from what I have read about him, I might just read his books and skip this one.
Last chapter I felt was the best. But what can I say.
Recomend for my Christian friends. Not sure others would want to read it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe knowing the author as a good friend made this book so relateable. The humor that David brings to the book made me smile and laugh a lot through out. The book has the most valuable lesson in life . . . be like Jesus and escape this selfish life nad "me" that we all inherently have within us. the simple things that David suggests at the end of each chapter to help me easily think of God first then others, then me is easy things that just need to be habitual in my life. A great book!!

[Darin Vogt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the time to read!

The author addresses a topic we all love--ME! In short, we are so obsessed with ourselves that we need God to rescue us. Through an extended conversation the author addresses how to seek the Lord (Thee-ville) instead of ourselves (Me-ville). Enjoy!

[Amber Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I tried to read this but I couldn't get past the introduction or the first chapter without feeling like I was being preached to in the worst of ways. And the example in the first chapter is not someone who should be preaching on this subject.

[Kevin Megill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd recommend this I suppose. Most Christians would probably like it more than I did. It was good, just not deep.

[Kyoung]

Good Read

Well-reasoned, worth the read. I gained a couple humbling insights. I needed that. Recommend this one to anyone who wants spirits growth.

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it was thought provoking.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

You could say it was the title that drew me in. Deliver us from Me-ville. Just saying it out loud makes me chuckle. It's the kind of title that makes me want to jab you with my elbow, all the while smiling and asking you if you get it.

See, it's a play on words.

Nevermind.

David Zimmerman has written a good book here on helping us move. Move? Yeah, from our current address in Me-ville. He points out, without apology, that living self-centered is not where we want to be.

It would be easy for us to assume the destination is We-ville. After all, don't we teach community? Yes, but not for the sake of us. So, We-ville should not be our forwarding address.

David continually points us outward, to a life focused and lived for God. He uses several stories from the life of Peter to draw out the truths of how we should be focused, not on ourselves or our plans, but on God and the plans He has for us.

I readily acknowledge that I am drawn to books that discuss our need to get over ourselves. But let's not make this about me. I believe everyone has a need to get over themselves. In fact, let me make it about David for a moment, and one paragraph he wrote in particular.

The highlight for me was a single line: 1CLet me be employed for you, or laid aside for you. 1D I understood immediately what the line was suggesting: If God wants to do great things with me, so be it. If God wants to ignore me so he has more time and energy to do great things with someone else, so be it. I was just fanatical enough that evening that this seemed like reasonable service, a perfectly sensible commitment to make. So I honed in on that line as I prayed silently to my God: 1CLet me be employed for you, or laid aside for you. 1D I left that service happy and blessed.

I thin that's a pretty good prayer for life.

[John Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a huge fan of Zimmerman’s style. It was too cute, or too much like he started with the title and then wrote the book. I also felt he was a little too loose with theology or precision in a few spots.

Nevertheless, I made numerous highlights throughout on some good points, but felt that the strongest content was on side-trails from the main road.

[Matt Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

With self awareness and insight, along with a sense of humor, David Zimmerman takes the reader on a journey from Me-Ville to We-Ville, then beyond that toward the City of God as we follow Christ. The honesty of our insidious self-centered tendencies, even (or especially) in worship, makes this a must read for any Christian. There are always three fingers pointing back to the author as well, seeking truth over a false sense of heroism. This would make a great companion to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship, as it expounds on much of the truths in that book. I recommend this to all Christians; the truths in Deliver Us from Me-Ville are painful at times, but ultimately transforming.

[Élizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating : 3.5

I first opened this book in search of a good laugh! I have to say that I was very surprised at the level of depth. In many parts of the book, I felt that my flesh and selfish heart were described shamefully well. I left this book more humble and with a deeper notion of God's truly amazing grace.

[A.J.]

Thought Provoking

This book will make you consider your current spiritual position and relationship with Jesus Christ. If you want to live a fuller, more satisfying life - you can have it by doing what this book suggests. Get the focus off of yourself and back to where it should be.

[Dennise Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple necessary truths

Easy to read. It feels like taking a stroll with an old friend who softly but surely talks into your heart the things you need to hear.
I needed this! It's helped me refocus.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good topic, but i wasn't captivated by it. I didn't feel like I heard anything
new. It does have a discussion guide which would make this book a nice group study.

[Vince Stegall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would challenge every teen and young adult to read this book. Very witty and fun and insightful. Love it, and the author.

[Allyson Beauharnois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! David Zimmerman somehow found a way to mix his hilarious sense of humor with a very serious challenge to our Christian faith, and it is perfect.

[Miniver Cheevy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle

[Nathan Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. One that every up and coming leader or student should read

[Paul Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read...but deep

I felt this book quickly covered the issues and offered practical tools and questions to work you through an escape from me-ville