Unveiling the Secret Life of Bees

by Amy Lignitz Harken

In conversation with the Bible and Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees (Penguin Books, 2003), Unveiling the Secret Life of Bees explores the embodiments of women, feminine power, relationships, and the importance of women in the life of the church. It looks at the roles of women in the Bible and how those roles are defined or redefined in The Secret Life of Bees, expanding our concepts of the "Divine mother," earthly mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and the "queen bee." Along the way, we encounter remembrance, forgiveness, reconciliation, liberation, community, rituals, the feminine face of God, and the important role women play in one another's lives. This guide is a starting point for groups and individuals to find ways to bring our whole being before God and to discover new ways to connect with God. From the Popular Insights series.

100 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2005

About the author

Rev. Dr. Amy Lignitz Harken is an experienced interim minister who has served congregations across the Midwest and New England. Ordained in 2003, she holds degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Hartford Seminary. A certified spiritual director and Circles practitioner, she focuses on restorative communication practices. Pastor Amy also facilitates discussions for the Maine Humanities Council. She lives in Sabattus, Maine, with her husband, Bruce, where they enjoy gardening, hiking, and visiting local craft breweries.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and educational about how strong prejudices were, and still are in some areas. I loved the book and had a hard time putting it down. Quick read, but there was a fair amount of foul language.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at a terrific book.