Jesus Sophia
Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible, Practice, and Prayer
In this groundbreaking book, Sally Douglas excavates biblical and early Christian understandings of Jesus as the female divine. Drawing from her expertise as a New Testament scholar and theologian, Douglas accessibly sets out the evidence for Jesus Sophia and then explores its practical implications, both for the church--often suffocated by God-as-male imagery--and for our day-to-day lives.
Questions about discipleship, biblical interpretation, and theology are investigated in relation to Jesus Sophia's hospitality, friendship, anger, non-retaliation, and care for all things. In this process understandings of the cross are revisited, female imagery for God is reclaimed and celebrated, fresh and ancient practices of faith are offered, and inclusive, exquisite liturgies are shared. With dynamism, humor, faithfulness, and creativity, Douglas encourages, unsettles, and supports readers, as they discover Jesus Sophia for themselves.
Jesus Sophia was shortlisted for the Australian Christian Book of the Year in June 2024.
Jesus Sophia is available at Readings and all good book stores. It can also be purchased online at all the usual places, and directly from Wipf and Stock.
What people are saying.
“I was comforted, unsettled, challenged, and sustained by this beautifully written and well-researched book. I was drawn into prayer, reflected on how Jesus as Woman Wisdom guides how I live, and found myself reaching for my Bible to read it with new eyes. This book will nourish the curious and committed alike, inviting all to gather at the table of Jesus the meal-maker and find life.”
Sharon Hollis, president, Uniting Church in Australia
“With deftness, honesty, and tenderness, and with the clarity and depth of a scholar, Sally Douglas invites us to discover and experience for ourselves the ancient, neglected traditions of Jesus Sophia. In this engaging book, she guides the reader to welcome Woman Wisdom into the language of their soul and to find new ways of participating in the divine life of Holy Wisdom.”
Vicky Balabanski, Principal and Professor of New Testament, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology
“In this exciting and accessible book, Sally Douglas addresses the deep-rooted gender imbalance pervasive in our understanding of Jesus. She invites the reader to be ‘brave’ and embark on an ‘wild adventure’ of discovering Jesus anew, with her scholarly, creative, and insightful reading of biblical texts on Jesus Sophia, touching prayers, and attention to the transformative, compassionate, angry, inclusive, and renewing implications of Sophia. A must-read for all seeking to expand their theological horizons!”
Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Pilgrim Theological College
“If you are not acquainted with Jesus as Woman Wisdom, let Sally Douglas introduce you. Guiding through clues in the Old and New Testaments, she turns new light on things long overlooked and invites you to join in prayer and consider practices like keeping peace, harnessing anger, making friends, and more. For Douglas, Jesus as Woman Wisdom is one who prepares the feast and invites the vagabonds, ourselves included. I encourage you to sit down at her table!”
Stephen Burns, Professor of Liturgical and Practical Theology, Pilgrim Theological College