Memories of God: Theological Reflections on a Life

by Roberta C. Bondi

When the hearing and telling of stories captures our imaginations, we are enabled at the deepest level to take our lives seriously. By envisioning other worlds, we are rendered capable of listening to God and to ourselves, and of growing in God's image. This is how Roberta Bondi comes to tell stories in this book, stories that were formed in a life of prayer. They reflect on life's turning points and how these are made both more difficult and more open to grace by the Christian understandings of naming God as father and mother; the significance of rationality; and the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Bondi discovered that what she had regarded as her personal, private stories were not really so private or idiosyncratic after all when they were seen in the intersection of her beliefs, family experience, and cultural expectations. We are drawn into thelogical reflection on the stories of one woman only to discover there our own stories, our own memories, all stored in the memory of God.

Genres: Spirituality, Memoir, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Faith, Theology

205 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Roberta Bondi narrates her own experience in the Church and in academia in order and reflects upon her theological beliefs. This is a provocative book. Bondi is thoughtful about the images of God which were distortions and about how sexism in the Church made it difficult for her to love God and herself. This book tells of her journey of discovery of the God of love (that she has while teaching theology). This isn't a linear tale, but a thematic inquiry where Bondi explore different spiritual themes. As such, she does return to some instances several times to reflect on it from a different angle. Whether or not you buy all of Bondi's conclusions, she is thoughtful and worth a read.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir in which Roberta Bondi reflects on events in her own life and spirituality, while connecting them to larger Christian theological themes. This book is heartfelt and clearly presents her own development in establishing a prayers life. The book is reflective theology that relies on narrative to explain her interaction with the Chritian faith. She begins by discussing several of her childhood experiences in a home that was not particularly religious, her struggle with notions of fatherhood (and God as a Father) because of her own father's perfectionism. She also discusses how she learned to understand God in feminine terms. Overall, this is a satisfying work that inspires and challenges readers to examine their own spiritual roots.

[Alyssa Foll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured "Memories of God" this afternoon/evening. I so appreciated Roberta Bondi's theological reflection on her life, her experiences as a young woman growing up and as a woman in ministry and academic scholarship.
A truly lovely read that explores the intersection of theology, spirituality, and feminism. Highly recommended.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of wrestling with God going on here, and with the Church's (and American society's) problems of misogyny, discrimination against women, sexism, and mad fundamentalist 'theology'.

[Mary]

see private notes

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Just to hear their stories filled me in a new way with a holy wonder and gratitude both for the reality of each separate human life and the mystery of God’s presence in it.”

One of my Facebook groups did an experiment for the month of January. Our moderator asked us to only post things that we had written, no copy and paste, no websites, no memes. People really struggled with this idea. I don’t post often in this space – I mostly read so I had no trouble with the group request.

I actually took the opportunity to post a question. I asked the group for reading suggestions. I wanted to know what books were helping them on their spiritual journeys. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people responded to my inquiry. One of the authors that were suggested was Bondi so I looked to see if my public library owned anything by her.

This was the only title. For me, it has been a good start on her writing. Bondi is very generous with her life in this book. She tackles six theological areas of Christianity that have been difficult or important in her life. Bondi uses her life, her issues and prayers to show the reader how she dealt with conflicts between her professed belief and her own heart. For example, Bondi talks about her issues with God’s ability to love. She had absorbed some conflicting beliefs. I am impressed that she would share so freely. Often faithful people keep their private concerns to themselves.

Interestingly, after I started to read this book, I learned that Bondi will be speaking in March at a local college. I am going to read some more and then listen to what she has to say. I am grateful for this opportunity.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading these honest and profound reflections on Bondi's evolving theology moved me deeply for several reasons. Her account of growing up in a similar time and place to the one I grew up in, emphasized the very different cultural expectations that were impressed upon girls and boys until quite recently. She also inspired my to reexamine my attitudes toward women and to reflect on my images and expectations of God.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Narnia chronicles adapted for autobiography. These are stories of Bondi's life interpreted for the theological lessons of living. Bondi's a terrific writer who knows how to find the sublime in the banal and make it sound profound.

[Rod White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have told so many people about this book. It is so honest and wise! A woman comes to the fullness of her faith after years of abuse and struggle in the church. How refreshing and encouraging. Thanks God. My women friends who struggle with depression and denigration -- read this.

[Mary Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a theologian giving a personal history of the dimensions of her faith in God. She is a woman born in the 40s, and her concept of God was shaped to a male image. The cracking of this concept and others (crucifixon, resurrection) are wonderously related.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, theological, and reflective look at the context which shapes her theology. Her willingness to engage the context and integrate most fully teachings with beliefs and experience is most moving.

[Di · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was confessional, but it was like she couldn't commit to that, so she skirted around some depth and growth that would have really enriched her story.

[Olive Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb exploration of how one person came to know God through reflecting on the events in her life. I especially enjoyed her chapters on the meaning of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this very very much. It's about connecting being a woman with one's theology and spirituality.

[Gwen]

A journey of faith often leads us to redefine the 'god' of our childhood. This, Roberta Bondi has done beautifully.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really wonderful sections of this memoir, but some really dry and wandering ones too. Worth picking up though especially if you have dealt with gender discrimination in the church.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely reflection on a woman's journey with prayer and feminism.