Exploring the Divine Feminine: A Journey into Sophia at Harvard Divinity School

By Hadi Fakhoury

Cambridge, MA—September 14, 2024
Harvard Divinity School hosted a compelling discussion on the divine feminine yesterday, focusing on the mystical figure of Sophia in Russian Orthodoxy. The event, part of the Center for the Study of World Religions' ongoing series on "The Divine Feminine and Its Discontents," was led by Professor Judith Deutsch Kornblatt, a leading expert on Russian religious thought.

This event marked the fifth installment in the series, which is part of a broader initiative on Transcendence and Transformation. Postdoctoral fellow Hadi Fakhoury moderated the discussion, providing an insightful introduction into the relevance of Sophia in Eastern Christianity, specifically through the works of Russia’s first systematic philosopher, Vladimir Solovyov.

Sophia: More Than a Personification

In her lecture, Professor Kornblatt highlighted how Solovyov, a 19th-century philosopher and theologian, approached Sophia not just as a personified figure of divine wisdom, but as a unifying energy. "Sophia is not simply a feminine deity or a fourth hypostasis," Kornblatt explained. "For Solovyov, she represents an energy that harmonizes and brings wholeness to the multiplicity of existence."

Drawing from her book Divine Sophia: The Wisdom Writings of Vladimir Solovyov, Professor Kornblatt walked the audience through Solovyov’s encounters with Sophia, which he claimed to have experienced as mystical visions. Through poetry, philosophical texts, and even automatic writing, Solovyov sought to articulate his profound experience of divine wisdom.

"He saw Sophia as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds," Kornblatt said, "an active force that unites opposites, like matter and spirit, body and soul."

The Russian Context

Solovyov's vision of Sophia is deeply rooted in Russian Orthodoxy but also reflects a synthesis of broader mystical traditions, including Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Kabbalah. Kornblatt noted the influence of Byzantine and Russian iconography on Solovyov’s visions, especially the figure of Sophia in traditional Russian religious art, where she is depicted surrounded by golden and azure light.

Throughout the talk, Kornblatt underscored how Solovyov’s interpretation of Sophia was both deeply personal and theological. His work on divine wisdom influenced not only Russian religious thought but also 20th-century theology and literature, with his ideas reverberating beyond the Russian-speaking world.

A Timely Exploration of Wisdom

Fakhoury, in his opening remarks, framed the conversation around the contemporary relevance of Sophia, emphasizing the figure's continuing influence on discussions of the divine feminine. "Sophia represents a vital theological exploration of wisdom and the feminine that transcends boundaries," Fakhoury said. He further noted that today’s event builds on themes explored by Professor Sean McGraw last semester, who connected Sophia to the philosophical traditions of Jakob Böhme and Friedrich Schelling.

Kornblatt’s lecture also touched upon how Solovyov’s legacy has been carried forward into the 20th century, particularly through the works of Russian theologians like Sergei Bulgakov and Pavel Florensky. Both were influenced by Solovyov’s concept of Sophia and expanded on it in their own theological works. However, their attempts to introduce Sophia into Orthodox dogma were met with controversy and accusations of heresy.

A Call for Reflection

Professor Kornblatt ended the session with a call to remember the rich legacy of thinkers like Solovyov, who wrestled with the contradictions and complexities of life through figures like Sophia. As today's world grapples with questions of faith, wisdom, and identity, the exploration of divine wisdom in both its masculine and feminine forms remains essential.

Before the discussion concluded, Fakhoury invited the audience to explore upcoming events in the series, which will include a conference on Henri Corbin, the French theologian and scholar of Islamic mysticism who was, in many ways, a spiritual heir to Solovyov.

For those interested in delving deeper into this ongoing exploration of divine wisdom and the feminine, recordings of past events and more information about future lectures are available on the Center for the Study of World Religions’ website.