Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the Lost Wisdom of Jesus

by Lilian Calles Barger

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.

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2007

About the author

Lilian Calles Barger was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrated as a child to the United States and received her Ph.D. in Humanities/History of Idea from the University of Texas at Dallas. She pursued an early career in business and went on to become the founder of The Damaris Project a non-profit cultural initiative engaging in inter-religious dialogue and creating multiple venues for conversation on faith, feminism, and life. She developed multiple programs to address the life concerns of women by drawing on literature, the arts, religion, and history. Her various social and cultural projects resulted in two trade books on women and religion and a historical study of liberation theology. She is a frequent podcast co-host for New Books Network and works as an independent historian and cultural critic. She is available to address conferences and university groups.

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book attracted me because of it's title. Orginally I was looking for more information about modern interpretations of 2nd and 3rd Century Gnostic Wisdom. However, I discovered this book was really a "women's studies/spirituality book."

I stayed with it because the author was engaging, balanced and had a lot of insights about the feminine divine, Jesus and women as wisdom seekers.

The book is worth the time

[Connie Backus-yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected more concrete information on Sophia. What I got was subjective conversations about the relevance of women's history and lives. Many things discussed were and still are a part of my own experience. Good book for me to consider.

[Alicia Shafer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting.

[Erica Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting...thought provoking...