In Praise of Wisdom

The getting of Wisdom-the ultimate expression of joining of head and heart in search of God - is a key theme not only in biblical Wisdom literature but one of the major themes in Western literature. Lear, Ahab, Ishmael, Ivan Karamzov - all are in search of that meaningful combination of head and heart that brings a real knowledge of the world and of God tothem. Wisdom is therefore the basis of a relationship with God, and the foundation of human happiness, freedom, and fulfillment. Paffenroth examines wisdom under four broad categories: the destructiveness of folly; the feminine side of Wisdom; the folly of Christ as Wisdom; and the problem of suffering, especially as it highlights the inadequacy of reason. "This is a major contribution to the study of literature and theology." -David Jasper, Professor of Literature and Theology, University of Glasgow.