Elizabeth a johnson biography

There were fifty Sisters in the community then and their primary apostolate was teaching in the High School attached to the convent. They spoke with pride and admiration about one of their Sisters, Elizabeth Johnson who, like the majority of Sisters in the community was Irish American. She is now one of the most significant theologians in the English-speaking world and is a former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

She has written numerous books and articles and has lectured widely. In six short chapters Elizabeth describes in painful detail the deterioration of life on earth, sea and air resulting from a mind-set that believes that our planet was created for the sole use and benefit of our species.

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She illustrates that as a consequence of this mind-set patriarchy, hierarchy, dualism and the pyramid symbol became ingrained in all cultures and of course were adopted by all major religions. Values which ran counter to interconnectedness, such as competition and individualism were valued and nurtured. In all this process women were considered inferior to men intellectually and physically and were therefore denied justice with painful consequences.

There is also an illustration in the book of the creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel. We now know that the fresco is a precious artistic creation but portrays very poor theology. In this book, in a measured and theological discourse Elizabeth traces the origins, developments and effects of a less than authentic image of God on theology.

However, despite all the advances in both society and in the Church on the importance of using inclusive language our liturgies are still in patriarchal terms. Jesus, you promised that whatever we ask for in your name will be granted. Confident in this promise, we pray for the needs of our earth and of all who share it as their home.

Evening Prayer week 4.