Elizabeth Johnson, a legendary Catholic theologian known for her impactful writings, joins the discussion to explore the evolution of contemporary theology. She shares her journey as a female theologian navigating a male-dominated field and the transformative effect of the Second Vatican Council. The conversation dives into redefining God through diverse experiences, especially from marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth, compassion, and a response to apathy in modern church culture.
Elizabeth Johnson's journey into theology highlights the crucial role of women's voices and experiences in enriching theological discourse.
Through her book, Johnson advocates for a dynamic understanding of God that transcends traditional male-centric definitions and embraces diverse perspectives.
Deep dives
Elizabeth Johnson's Theological Journey
Elizabeth A. Johnson outlines her journey into theology, influenced by her upbringing in an Irish Catholic family in Brooklyn. As a young girl, she developed a deep fascination with the catechism, appreciating the beauty and mystery associated with theological study. The Second Vatican Council marked a pivotal moment, as it opened the field of theology to laypeople, allowing women for the first time to pursue advanced degrees. Johnson herself became the first woman to receive a PhD in theology from Catholic University of America, a significant milestone that prompts her to reflect on her experiences and the gradual emergence of women theologians.
The Quest for the Living God
In her book, 'Quest for the Living God,' Johnson addresses her frustration with the naïve public discourse surrounding God, especially amid debates like intelligent design. She emphasizes the need for a broader theological conversation that includes diverse voices and contemporary experiences, suggesting that true understanding of God emerges from shared stories around a metaphorical campfire. Each chapter seeks to connect lived experiences with theological insights while urging readers to consider the implications of these understandings in their lives. Johnson posits that encountering varied perspectives can enrich one’s spiritual journey and even incite actions beneficial to humanity and the planet.
Integration of Feminism and Theology
Johnson discusses the inherent tension between feminist thought and traditional theological perspectives, emphasizing the necessity of including women's experiences in theological discourse. She reflects on the challenge of articulating God in feminine language, striving for a balance between feminist ideals and genuine Christian faith. Her work showcases how emerging female perspectives can reveal deeper insights about the divine that have historically been overlooked. This endeavor highlights the richness that diverse gendered experiences bring to the understanding of God and the necessity of broadening theological frameworks to include these dimensions.
Trinitarian Theology and its Relevance
Johnson advocates for a dynamic understanding of God as a Trinitarian being, underscoring the necessity of considering God beyond just a singular definition. She argues that limiting the concept of God to traditional male-centric representations constrains the understanding of divinity and its manifestations across different contexts. By viewing God as both transcendent and immanent, Johnson encourages believers to expand their theological vocabulary and embrace a pluralistic approach to divine understanding. Her challenge is for individuals to grasp the expansive nature of God by considering how God interacts within human history and continues to dwell among us, prompting a deeper spiritual engagement in a diverse world.
The 20th century was an amazing time for the doctrine of God. All of a sudden the church unleashed a bunch of voices previously silenced to hear their testimony, explorations & experiences of God... and theology got so much better. Legendary Catholic Theologian - Elizabeth Johnson - is on this episode of the Barrel Aged Homebrewed Podcast. We discuss her book Quest for the Living God which is simply one of the best introductions to theology I know. It is super readable, intellectually honest, and energizing for the theo-nerd brain. I have given this book as a gift to a bunch of my friends and constantly get told "wow that was way too clear for a theology book!"
With over 5 years of interviews under out belt – having gone from just friends listening to 50k – realizing that there are a ton of people who can’t get the best interviews from the past – let us introduce you to Homebrewed Christianity Barrel Aged podcast. I will be re-releasing the best interviews from the early days, super-short new intros, and hopefully doctored audio. In order to keep getting these podcasts you will need to go subscribe to the Barrel Aged podcast stream HERE. While you are there review us and share the word.