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Notes from (over) the Edge: Unmasking the Truth to End Your Suffering
Notes from (Over) the Edge began as scribbling on paper in a black spiral notebook.
Since 2005, critically acclaimed author, Jim Palmer, has been chronicling his spiritual journey out of organized religion, in search of a deeper spirituality and lasting happiness. After two near-death experiences, Palmer set his resolve to address the root cause of his own personal suffering, and to know true peace and freedom, which he had failed to find through religion. He recorded personal notes about his spiritual awakening is the basis for Notes from (over) the Edge. An excerpt from the book, �15 Things Jesus Didn’t Say,� went viral, and is indicative of Palmer’s writing, which reveals an inclusive spiritual message of Jesus for all humankind. As one reader put it, “Jim leads us out of your own self imposed prison cells into the joy, freedom, and peace that religious rhetoric promised but fails to deliver.�
Notes from (over) the Edge is divided into five main parts. Part One is a conversation with the reader about how to approach the pursuit of truth. Part Two is a direct, practical, and no-nonsense guide to addressing the root cause of personal suffering, and uncovering true peace and freedom. In Part Three, Palmer confronts the teachings of pop Christianity, and how they have hidden or corrupted the true message and meaning of Jesus. Part Four delves into the process of recovering from religious pathology. In Part Five, Palmer discusses how truth applies in the special cases of domestic violence, and depression.
Jim Palmer is considered one of the “great spiritual writers of our time.� There is a ring of authenticity and deep insight in what he writes. Some of the most significant spiritual truths are too often communicated in heady or abstract terms, making them difficult to comprehend. Palmer’s writing is profound but accessible, transformational but practical.
No matter your religious tradition, spiritual orientation, or life philosophy, Jim Palmer reveals truth that inspires love, peace, harmony, wisdom, and compassion along the everyday paths of life and living.
Since 2005, critically acclaimed author, Jim Palmer, has been chronicling his spiritual journey out of organized religion, in search of a deeper spirituality and lasting happiness. After two near-death experiences, Palmer set his resolve to address the root cause of his own personal suffering, and to know true peace and freedom, which he had failed to find through religion. He recorded personal notes about his spiritual awakening is the basis for Notes from (over) the Edge. An excerpt from the book, �15 Things Jesus Didn’t Say,� went viral, and is indicative of Palmer’s writing, which reveals an inclusive spiritual message of Jesus for all humankind. As one reader put it, “Jim leads us out of your own self imposed prison cells into the joy, freedom, and peace that religious rhetoric promised but fails to deliver.�
Notes from (over) the Edge is divided into five main parts. Part One is a conversation with the reader about how to approach the pursuit of truth. Part Two is a direct, practical, and no-nonsense guide to addressing the root cause of personal suffering, and uncovering true peace and freedom. In Part Three, Palmer confronts the teachings of pop Christianity, and how they have hidden or corrupted the true message and meaning of Jesus. Part Four delves into the process of recovering from religious pathology. In Part Five, Palmer discusses how truth applies in the special cases of domestic violence, and depression.
Jim Palmer is considered one of the “great spiritual writers of our time.� There is a ring of authenticity and deep insight in what he writes. Some of the most significant spiritual truths are too often communicated in heady or abstract terms, making them difficult to comprehend. Palmer’s writing is profound but accessible, transformational but practical.
No matter your religious tradition, spiritual orientation, or life philosophy, Jim Palmer reveals truth that inspires love, peace, harmony, wisdom, and compassion along the everyday paths of life and living.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
43 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Jim Palmer
16Ìýbooks152ÌýfollowersJim 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 11, 2013
I simply cannot recommend this book enough read it, let it soak, let the message saturate you and then go out and look at life, try to find it out there, because as great as this book is, it will not deliver you, you are already delivered, now wake up and live it!
November 6, 2021
A must read for those looking to heal from religious trauma
I will be honest and say that I came back to this book after putting it down for a while. Reading about how I am not separated from God was a difficult concept to wrap my head around given my A.M.E & Baptist upbringing. The first half of the book was a perpetual reminder that our original self is in perfect peace and not something our mind could comprehend. At first I found it difficult to see beyond this concept but as I read the second part about deconstructing religious theology/pathology, I understood why Palmer drove this point home. Modern pop culture Christianity has told us we as humans are inherently evil, bad, and worthy of eternal life in hell. However, what if we saw ourselves as inherently good, not separated from God but one with God? This blew me away and allowed me to understand that my upbringing was not something I could control, nor something I should conform to. I have to do the work to heal from my past. Great read!! Would recommend to anyone who has been raised in a religiously oppressive, repressive, and abusive environment.
I will be honest and say that I came back to this book after putting it down for a while. Reading about how I am not separated from God was a difficult concept to wrap my head around given my A.M.E & Baptist upbringing. The first half of the book was a perpetual reminder that our original self is in perfect peace and not something our mind could comprehend. At first I found it difficult to see beyond this concept but as I read the second part about deconstructing religious theology/pathology, I understood why Palmer drove this point home. Modern pop culture Christianity has told us we as humans are inherently evil, bad, and worthy of eternal life in hell. However, what if we saw ourselves as inherently good, not separated from God but one with God? This blew me away and allowed me to understand that my upbringing was not something I could control, nor something I should conform to. I have to do the work to heal from my past. Great read!! Would recommend to anyone who has been raised in a religiously oppressive, repressive, and abusive environment.
July 3, 2017
One of Jim's best.
October 18, 2014
In a way it pains me to only give this book 2 stars- it started off so wonderfully. I really appreciate a lot of what he's saying and found myself pretty encouraged in delightfully tangible ways, but the more I read the more annoyed I got.nit feels completely unorganized. I normally love books that's have lots of little sections but this just took it too far and felt kind of lazy. Like he wanted to get these thoughts out into the world but didn't want tot take the time to put together a normal book, so he just collected a bunch of journal entries or one-liners and threw them together.
Even worse, it was PAINFULLY redundant. Like I said, I really loved a lot of what he had to say, but it was often like being beat over the head by a giant wielding a semi truck- everything-EVERYTHING- was repeated 500 times, and it made the unorganized style seem all the more lazy. Honestly, if eel like this book should've been fleshed out more or they should chop about 2/3 of the book out I'm order to resolve the redundancy issues.
I don't want to say that this book was a mile wide and an inch deep, because some things he went into in great depth- or, at least, spent a lot of time talking about...I guess the simplest way to explain this is that it seems to be an issue of quality vs quantity.
A few of his ideas got a little out there for me, which surprised me as I'm someone who has always felt VERY left-of-center within the church. To say that I've had a complicated relationship with the Church(capital c intentional) is a major understatement, but some of what he was saying almost seemed like he was advocating worship of self over worship of god- following your self instead of following god. Granted, this gets incredibly complicated because I'm still not sure what/who I believe god is. Is he as literal as the popular readings of the bibles seems to suggest, or is it more of a "god is just what we call the intelligent force behind ultimate truth/beauty/love etc"?
So I think that Palmer is trying to suggest that assuming we're in a good place, when we follow our hearts we ARE following god. But the non-stop force-feeding of the idea that I am peace, I am contentment, etc. this thought that there's absolutely no gap between me and every good thing (love, happiness, peace, god, etc)... I just don't know what I think about that.
Palmer just seems to spend an uncomfortable amount of time underlining how wonderful we as humans are, and how we just need to stop beating ourselves up and we can then walk in perfect peace because we will then BECOME peace itself. Or rather, apparently we already ARE peace. ...honestly? That just sounds like something you'd hear at some crazy expensive Hollywood rehab center or something. The extremes the Palmer reaches in this field of thinking just feels a little extreme. Shame/fear-based Christianity is something that doesn't make sense to me, but it feels like Palmer let the pendulum swing a bit too far the other way. At least for me. But for all I know, Palmer is TOTALLY right and I just feel so uncomfortable with what he's saying because I'm (subconsciously) viewing all of this from a damaged point, having my vision skewed by being blasted with the views and opinions of mainstream Christianity me entire life, which, like I said. I don't really identify with...but maybe there's a Stockholm syndrome effect going on like Palmer mentioned In his book.
I'm certainly not saying that I think this guy is totally wrong, it's just that some of what he says reads a little weird to me- some of it seems pretty questionable, but no one is ever going to agree with another persons beliefs 100%
All in all, this was just a really strange reading experience. It was encouraging and got me thinking...I just wish it was better put together so I could really reap the full benefits of that part of the experience, because I ended up dreading picking up the book- I hated the format so much that it completely distracted me from what I was reading.
Interesting. Frustrating. Bizarre. Encouraging.
Even worse, it was PAINFULLY redundant. Like I said, I really loved a lot of what he had to say, but it was often like being beat over the head by a giant wielding a semi truck- everything-EVERYTHING- was repeated 500 times, and it made the unorganized style seem all the more lazy. Honestly, if eel like this book should've been fleshed out more or they should chop about 2/3 of the book out I'm order to resolve the redundancy issues.
I don't want to say that this book was a mile wide and an inch deep, because some things he went into in great depth- or, at least, spent a lot of time talking about...I guess the simplest way to explain this is that it seems to be an issue of quality vs quantity.
A few of his ideas got a little out there for me, which surprised me as I'm someone who has always felt VERY left-of-center within the church. To say that I've had a complicated relationship with the Church(capital c intentional) is a major understatement, but some of what he was saying almost seemed like he was advocating worship of self over worship of god- following your self instead of following god. Granted, this gets incredibly complicated because I'm still not sure what/who I believe god is. Is he as literal as the popular readings of the bibles seems to suggest, or is it more of a "god is just what we call the intelligent force behind ultimate truth/beauty/love etc"?
So I think that Palmer is trying to suggest that assuming we're in a good place, when we follow our hearts we ARE following god. But the non-stop force-feeding of the idea that I am peace, I am contentment, etc. this thought that there's absolutely no gap between me and every good thing (love, happiness, peace, god, etc)... I just don't know what I think about that.
Palmer just seems to spend an uncomfortable amount of time underlining how wonderful we as humans are, and how we just need to stop beating ourselves up and we can then walk in perfect peace because we will then BECOME peace itself. Or rather, apparently we already ARE peace. ...honestly? That just sounds like something you'd hear at some crazy expensive Hollywood rehab center or something. The extremes the Palmer reaches in this field of thinking just feels a little extreme. Shame/fear-based Christianity is something that doesn't make sense to me, but it feels like Palmer let the pendulum swing a bit too far the other way. At least for me. But for all I know, Palmer is TOTALLY right and I just feel so uncomfortable with what he's saying because I'm (subconsciously) viewing all of this from a damaged point, having my vision skewed by being blasted with the views and opinions of mainstream Christianity me entire life, which, like I said. I don't really identify with...but maybe there's a Stockholm syndrome effect going on like Palmer mentioned In his book.
I'm certainly not saying that I think this guy is totally wrong, it's just that some of what he says reads a little weird to me- some of it seems pretty questionable, but no one is ever going to agree with another persons beliefs 100%
All in all, this was just a really strange reading experience. It was encouraging and got me thinking...I just wish it was better put together so I could really reap the full benefits of that part of the experience, because I ended up dreading picking up the book- I hated the format so much that it completely distracted me from what I was reading.
Interesting. Frustrating. Bizarre. Encouraging.
February 24, 2014
I've read a lot of books on spirituality and Christianity (and Buddhism). Of all of the books I've read this is quite possibly the most practical one giving me things I think about as I'm going through my day, things that really help. If I could add anything to the subtitle of the book it would be "Just Do It". Ending your suffering isn't complicated- it is maybe a little bit difficult. It's really a matter of realizing your true nature and the nature of the universe and continually reminding yourself of that.
Full disclosure- I've been Facebook friends with the author for years and while I've never met Jim, I kind of feel like I know him. We met when he sent me one of his earlier books for review. Jim is a very "down to Earth" guy who is transparent about the difficulties he has had to go through. We all experience pain. That's part of being human. But, suffering- that is optional. Jim's Christian publishing company decided not to publish his latest book. After reading it I can understand why. There is a lot in this book that will upset fundamentalist Christians. There is a lot in this book they will consider blasphemy. I don't know how much Jim has studied Buddhism, but if his spirituality fits into any one religious category, I'd say it's closer to Buddhism than to traditional Christianity.
If you're fed up with what you've been trying and are willing to think outside of the box, WAY outside of the box for some people. This is the the book for you. You can take the blue pill, just keep believing whatever you're believing or you can take the red pill, read this book and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Full disclosure- I've been Facebook friends with the author for years and while I've never met Jim, I kind of feel like I know him. We met when he sent me one of his earlier books for review. Jim is a very "down to Earth" guy who is transparent about the difficulties he has had to go through. We all experience pain. That's part of being human. But, suffering- that is optional. Jim's Christian publishing company decided not to publish his latest book. After reading it I can understand why. There is a lot in this book that will upset fundamentalist Christians. There is a lot in this book they will consider blasphemy. I don't know how much Jim has studied Buddhism, but if his spirituality fits into any one religious category, I'd say it's closer to Buddhism than to traditional Christianity.
If you're fed up with what you've been trying and are willing to think outside of the box, WAY outside of the box for some people. This is the the book for you. You can take the blue pill, just keep believing whatever you're believing or you can take the red pill, read this book and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
September 21, 2015
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.
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.
June 15, 2016
About finding and understanding your true Self... which is ultimately your soul containing the peace, love, and oneness with God (Truth) you have always had. However, the mind is incapable of grasping this Truth. Therefore, this can only be achieved by ridding oneself of human constructs, pre-existing systematic religious beliefs, and cognitive thinking. It appears Palmer has taken a Christian worldview and seemingly meshed it with Eastern mystical ideas. Overall, it is a decent read, but a bit repetitive, wordy, and at times... random. I had to gloss over quite a bit. Although, I thoroughly appreciated the spiritual aspect of this book very much; it hovered just outside the realm of orthodox Christian beliefs to make me feel a bit uncomfortable. Besides, it didn't do much for me but merely presented what seemed to be an alternative view on how to best live interpersonally and interactively with the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of God that dwells within each of us. But overall, not a bad read.
November 2, 2014
Honestly, THE most riveting and confirming book that I've have ever read to this date! I purchased several copies as Christmas gifts! So many members of my family, after having long traditions in religion, are feed up and tired with its limitations. My phone has been blowing up with people thanking me for this book. I simply don't have the words to express the beauty of this point.
ONE CAUTION: if you read this with your mind and not your heart, you'll never get it! This book is not an exercise oft he mind, intellect and reasoning...and while our cognitive faculties have there place, they cannot be exercised in the reading of this book.
ONE CAUTION: if you read this with your mind and not your heart, you'll never get it! This book is not an exercise oft he mind, intellect and reasoning...and while our cognitive faculties have there place, they cannot be exercised in the reading of this book.
December 11, 2014
If you are sensitive and like to 'keep the peace' and not 'rock the boat', then please stay far away from this book.
Otherwise, if you are open-minded and ...
Christian ... please read this
Atheist and think Jesus and Christians are dumbasses, please read this.
If you were Christian/are Christian, or if you're searching and checking out the church ... and if you feel a bit uneasy about things ... please read this.
If you are tired of the bullsh*t and just want to face up to your own Truth, break down your barriers and reclaim your life ... please read this.
And if you like sausage ... please read this.
But please be aware, it is written with a biblical perspective.
Otherwise, if you are open-minded and ...
Christian ... please read this
Atheist and think Jesus and Christians are dumbasses, please read this.
If you were Christian/are Christian, or if you're searching and checking out the church ... and if you feel a bit uneasy about things ... please read this.
If you are tired of the bullsh*t and just want to face up to your own Truth, break down your barriers and reclaim your life ... please read this.
And if you like sausage ... please read this.
But please be aware, it is written with a biblical perspective.
February 22, 2014
I love all of Jim Palmer's books. This one I just absolutely could not put down. It resonated deeply with my spirit. Honest, authentic, beautifully written truth about life. Are you suffering in any way? Then this book will help you understand how to free yourself from suffering. A must read!
February 16, 2014
Awesome, in every respect! I'm now signed up with Jim for a 21 day cohort group, to discuss and explore some of the ideas in this book.
February 18, 2015
Great book for christians who are questioning the validity of church and religiosity.
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