Jim Palmer (3)

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.

I planned to read a chapter per day, and found myself often reading two or more. 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.… (más)

The first few chapters recount some of Palmer’s background. He describes an incident where he is trapped in an overturned car, convinced he cannot possibly escape alive. He talks about his great relationship with his daughter. And he also explains the idea behind the book, which was inspired by re-reading the classic Christian novel ‘In his steps’, from which the popular ‘What would Jesus do?’ slogan originated.

Palmer decides to write an up-to-date account of what it means to be like Jesus in Nashville in the 21st century. He makes the point that Jesus as a man was fully human and also fully divine; yet, in a human body was obviously not transcendent, nor did he know everything. He also points out that there’s more than one reference in Scripture to Christ living in us, and to his being our ‘brother’. Yet I couldn't help a twinge of discomfort in the way it was written.

Palmer decides to live his life as if he were Jesus for a year. He then ponders what that means. He tells his story in a self-deprecating and very readable way, as he tries some things which don’t work - and finds surprising hints of what it means to ‘be Jesus’ in other encounters.

I found the book compelling and inspiring, on the whole despite one or two reservations. Jim Palmer has gone further than I’m comfortable with in casting off his religious shackles and renouncing anything to do with the church. However he makes the important point that God made us as unique individuals, with our own strengths and weaknesses, and that our call is to ‘be Jesus’ in whatever situation we’re in.

Much to ponder, and a book I shall probably return to in future. Definitely recommended, both to Christians and those who are fed up with the church - but that doesn’t mean I agree with every word.… (más)

The book is a bit different from the author’s earlier ones; it’s not so much a coherent account but a mixture of notes, based on his journals during a period of intense reflection on his life and faith. I found the first section annoying; not only was it repetitive, but it read like one of those scam adverts that keep insisting that we need to know (or buy, or do…) the One Thing that will change our lives without saying what that thing is. And it kept telling me I think this or believe that, about things that had never even occurred to me.

But I reminded myself that the author had a damaging childhood, and some bad experiences with fundamentalist Christianity. So I kept reading. I was a little disturbed by what seemed almost Buddhist thinking in places, but Palmer still returns to Scripture and to the words and actions of Jesus. And while the writing continues to be bitty and repetitive, and often not relevant to my background, I thought he made some good points.

I’d recommend this to anyone brought up in an angry or coercive religious environment; but don’t expect great coherence or profound thoughts. It essentially tells us to live in the moment, to look out for God in all situations, to respond as needs arise, and not to worry. It focuses on God as love, in all people and things, but I'd be worried about a Christian message that did not include this as a basis.

For the first section of the book I’d barely allocate two stars, but the rest was four-star material, even four-and-a-half in places. So I’ll compromise on a four.… (más)