Memories of God

I would recommend Ms. Bondi's book, Memories of God, to anyone who has struggled with disconnections between their experiences and the accepted wisdom of society and traditional Christianity's view of God. This book will be especially meaningful to women who grew up in the 1950's and 60's, when women's dependence on men was no longer biological, i.e. due to physical strength or the need for a strong defender of the home, but was necessary for societal order. During this time in American society, it was the "natural" order of society to redirect women's gifts to the home, lady's social clubs and volunteer work. Underlying this societal necessity of the authority of men were culturally supportive messages not only from society, but also from churches in the way God was portrayed. Ms. Bondi heard these societal messages and tried to live them but never was at ease with them. This book investigates how one can take off society's and traditional Christianity's "lens" of what it means to be a woman in the late 20th century and find a healthy way to connect women's experiences and belief in God. Ms. Bondi explores sin, prayer, God as Father, the cross, sacrifice, and salvation and creates a paradigm shift in her faith life through theological reflection, by connecting her experiences with great Christine doctrines. Her courage in writing this memoir is evident considering her career as a professor in areas connected to religious thought. I am thankful for her courage and for what her book offers to all who have faced similar issues and have searched for healing.

Roberta Bondi has obvious roots in the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers and Mothers. Yet, her engagement of Saints through the centuries is matched only by an equally deep engagement with her life story. She speaks of ordinary times with an extraordinary vision that uncovers the sacred. Her story invites the reader to look with respect at their own journey. Some authors use profound theoretical constructs, some use personal stories: Dr Bondi is one who does both seamlessly and conveys a conviction that we can do the same.

I have read few books that touched me as strongly as this book did. Ms. Bondi is both a skillful storyteller and a courageous woman, willing to share her own deeply personal experiences with the public. I am very grateful for her willingness to take this kind of risk on behalf of others. I can't speak for the author's intent, but my reading of her book gave me a sense of God that enriched my life. In my opinion, these writings have the same feel to them that scripture does - at least, the kind of scripture that brings us closer to God.

Memories of God by Roberta Bondi is a rare book of personal honesty about religious experience. There are many people who talk about doing narrative theology, but she actually does it, mixing intimate stories of her personal life with clear and accessible theologial reflection. This book has changed my life, and the lives of many people I have given it to. It has given me words to talk about my own experiences in ways I never thought I'd be able to do. Beautifully written, it speaks from the heart. I appreciate the author's courage in sharing her story.

Systematic theology or memoir? Yes. The organization and intent is theological leading us from our existence in God, our humanity, our desire for the good, crucifixion, resurrection, and beyond. The method is to use her own life to lead us through the topics. Bondi suffered from traumatic childhood experiences including bad revival preaching. She was maimed by an image of a wrathful God that demands our sacrifice. Through study, prayer, and revelation, she learns that God, as God and as a human being, came among us to bring us healing....Read Chapter 4 before going to hear any Good Friday or Easter sermons.