If I mentioned Sophia to you, what memories would it evoke? Would you think of a movie called Sophie's Choice? Or perhaps you know of someone whose name is Sophia. Some of you might think of a controversy stirred up several years ago at a women's conference that was exploring feminine images for God. Some who objected to their ideas accused them of pagan worship when they used Sophia to refer to the feminine side of God.
If you are from the Eastern Orthodox branch of the church or even have good friends who are, you are aware of churches named Sophia. The Eastern Orthodox church has always been more familiar with the role of Sophia in the faith than the Western branch of the church.
For Christians, our understanding of the role of Sophia in the faith can be traced back to this passage…