Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the Lost Wisdom of Jesus [Paperback]

Lilian Calles Barger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 6, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0787983802 | ISBN-13: 978-0787983802 | Edition: 1

Women are looking for new ways to know themselves and to connect with God, two forms of knowledge that are intrinsically linked. Many have left traditional religion in frustration that it didn't reflect their real lives, turning instead to alternative spiritualities that purport to honor women's experience. In this post-feminist interpretation of Christianity, Lilian Calles Barger challenges both Christian tradition and feminist trends in spirituality to provide a fresh and inspiring look at divine wisdom, opening women's awareness to the voice of God in the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Barger, founder of the Damaris Project and author of the highly regarded Eve's Revenge, tackles the tricky subject of feminine Christian spirituality. In order to make room for femininity in a seemingly patriarchal religion, she reclaims the early church's understanding of "Jesus as the Sophia of God." By affirming women's ways of knowing and describing the places where women can locate wisdom (and thus connect with Jesus), Barger simultaneously explores an ancient Christian wisdom tradition and argues that Christianity can speak to women today. Throughout, she renders complex claims about epistemology in felicitous prose, claiming that authentic Christianity encourages people to listen to their bodies and to honor the Earth as something that "displays God's wisdom." Barger also affirms Scripture as a storehouse of wisdom. She asks readers to consider biblical stories from women's points of view, but suggests that doing so doesn't reveal a radically different story: from any perspective, the Bible's "essence... remains God's redemption of humanity." Sometimes, Barger becomes a little predictable—what's new about pointing to Dorothy Day and Mary Magdalene as great Christian models of strong women? But other observations—e.g., to take Sue Monk Kidd's questions seriously, but answer them in terms that will resonate with traditional Christian readers—are novel indeed. (Apr.)
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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787983802
• ISBN-13: 978-0787983802
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,526,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Prior to my life as a writer/speaker I had a 20-year career as a certified public accountant. Now I am the founder of The Damaris Project, an organization providing women resources to start meaningful conversations in their community. I have been a frequent speaker on college campuses and conferences. My favorite part of speaking is interacting with the audience.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reclaiming Body Wisdom and More..., May 3, 2007

By 

Moira BradyRogers "Cissy" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the Lost Wisdom of Jesus (Paperback)

Lillian Barger's extensive study, deep and broad thinking, personal wrestling and Christ-centered wisdom combine to make Chasing Sophia an invaluable read for folks from many walks of life--women and men, churched and unchurched, Christian and "non". Not only am I recommending it to the women I work with in my psychotherapy practice, I'm purchasing copies for many of my colleagues and friends.

Especially important is Barger's incisive analysis and critique of how both popular culture and the church have failed to empower women in trusting the wisdom that is "in our bones." She writes, "The voice of the friendly media-based expert has become omnipresent. Entering our homes and offices, experts attempt to interpret not only the geopolitical balance but also the meaning of everything, presenting scientific-sounding information about every detail of our lives, from what we eat to how we work...While Oprah tells us what she knows 'for sure,' we're left to wonder if we know anything at all"(p.62). This is but one example of numerous eye-opening insights offered.

As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I am especially grateful for the chapter "It's In Your Bones" where Barger writes about women's disconnection from body wisdom (one of the four sources of wisdom she writes about along with nature, scripture and community). She points out that "The self-doubt we feel begins with doubt about our bodily adequacy, which is the basis for all other forms of doubt we experience"(p. 107). In a culture where surveys indicate that the majority of women struggle with negative body image, it is no wonder that we haven't claimed the wisdom of our bodies. As Barger so eloquently states, many of us have suffered so much pain in our bodies, that we "live as ambivalent tenants" in our own skin.

Chasing Sophia is an inspiring and hopeful read for all who seek to more fully inhabit our bodies and trust our own wisdom.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book for women who don't like church, May 2, 2007

By 

ssumner "sarah sumner" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the Lost Wisdom of Jesus (Paperback)

Chasing Sophia is an unusual book. I recommend it especially for women who know intuitively that it's a privilege to be female, and yet who struggle to be secure in their femininity. In these thoughtful pages, author Lilian Calles Barger gives a very sensible commentary on women's spirituality, acknowledging women's strengths, yet without rebelling against Christianity. She writes convincingly with intelligence, sensitivity, and faithfulness to the truth about Jesus.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much-Needed Read, April 9, 2007

By 

Kendis Paris "K.Paris" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the Lost Wisdom of Jesus (Paperback)

The call of Chasing Sophia is for women not merely to seek knowledge, but to embody it. Bridging the gap between the heart of feminist ideals, (the equality and worth of women), and the redeeming truth of Jesus Christ, Barger not only dispels contemporary myths that distort the truth of Christianity, but reminds women of their inherent worth and that through them God displays His wisdom. Intelligent and warm, Barger gently and persuasively invites women to explore afresh the person of Jesus Christ. For those who are thirsty and long to believe...come and drink.