Abstract
At the heart of this volume is a noteworthy recognition of Elizabeth A. Johnson’s unique capacity to inspire and challenge her beloved community of theologians, when boldly, she reminded her colleagues of their vocational responsibility to infuse into every theological endeavor an environmental consciousness. Exploring the mysteries of God’s unfolding Creation and grasping the apocalyptic gravity of the ecological crisis, was not the task of a few, but of the many. Cosmological conversion was an imperative.
Creating a “web of relationality,” Brumbaugh and Imperatori-Lee have edited a compilation of essays written in Johnson’s honor that includes the voices of theologians who span generations, continents, cultures and traditions. Holding in common a profound appreciation, indeed admiration, for Johnson’s ground-breaking contributions, they give expression to how Johnson’s works and witness have informed and influenced their own.
Following a foreword by Mary Catherine Hilkert, a prologue by Kathy Coffey and an introduction to Johnson’s writings and accomplishments by the editors, the inclusion of Johnson’s 1996 Catholic Theological Society of America Presidential Address “Turn to the Heavens and the Earth: Retrieval of the Cosmos in Theology,” makes available to readers the visionary power and appeal of Johnson’s prophetic words and sagacious insights. Capturing the dynamics of Johnson’s method of doing theology in a manner that always involves the courage and creativity to “turn toward” unexplored theological horizons, the editors have grouped the thought-provoking essays in accord with three such turns: “Turning to the Wild(erness)” (McFague, Edwards, Meyer, Carpenter and Dempsey), “Turning to Ethical Action” (Gebara, Saracino, Ahern, Cloutier and French) and “Turning to a New Creation” (Haught, Biviano, Cahill, Rodriguez, Miller and Moltmann).
From beginning to end, this book is a formidable example of what theology—done in relationship and en conjunto—can contribute to cosmological consciousness, conscience and conversion. Indeed, it is a timely testament to the compelling reasons why, as Elizabeth Johnson says, “You just have to keep doing theology!”