Quest for the Living God by Elizabeth Johnson
- John Scoble
- Nov 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Book review
Elizabeth A. Johnson is a Catholic feminist theologian. She is a Distinguished Professor Emerita of Theology at Fordham University, New York, and a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The National Catholic Reporter has called Johnson "one of the country's most prominent and respected theologians”.
Joseph Cunneen in American Catholic said: "This is one of the most important and provocative books on theology to have appeared in the U.S. since Vatican II.” This 2007 book caused a great deal of controversy about three years after publication. The controversy is extensively covered in Johnson’s profile on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Johnson_(theologian)
Essentially, the US Catholic Bishops took exception to some of her theological statements and deemed them theologically unacceptable. She stared them down and the controversy ultimately died. There is no suggestion that the Vatican got involved.
In “Quest”, Johnson takes us on a journey around the world as she unpacks theology from different cultures and traditions. The book contains chapters on:
Liberation theology from South America
Feminist theology from the USA and Europe
African-American theology rooted in the US slave trade
Hispanic/Latino theology from Mexico and the southern United States, and
Creation theology from the global awakening to the fragility of the planet
She then deals with inter-faith dialogue and its benefits, including the suggestion that the Great Spirit has possibly acted deliberately through different traditions and cultures. She finishes with an extensive examination of contemporary approaches to Trinitarian theology.
Unfortunately, her book did not comment on the ideas in O’Murchu's “Quantum Theology”. It would have been good to get her assessment of O’Murchu’s contribution.
Perhaps the last words of this review should belong to Johnson herself. In a slap in the face to the patriarchal, European-centric Catholic Church, Johnson writes:
“The fact that voices from around the world, including many from the periphery of established centres of power, are contributing to the idea of God indicates the end of the Constantinian era and the dawning of a truly global Christianity. No longer simply concentrated in Europe, which for centuries has been the mother continent of Christianity, theology now emerges from multiple geographic and existential centres of life and thought. The universality of the church is served precisely by these centres’ fidelity to the quest for the living God in their own particular circumstances.”
FAQs: Quest for the Living God by Elizabeth Johnson
What central question does Quest for the Living God explore?
Johnson asks who God is, where God is, and how people experience God today. It is less about doctrine and more about seeking a living presence - a God who interacts with creation, history, and human experience. Her work resonates with many because it moves from fixed formulas toward deeper questions like: Is God still speaking? How do we see God in change, suffering, culture and science?
How does Johnson connect theology with modern science and culture?
One of her strengths is weaving scientific understanding - universe, ecology, cosmology - with faith. She suggests theology cannot ignore what science reveals about creation, our interdependence, or the fragility of life. Studies show that faith traditions which engage science tend to retain younger adherents and are more likely to adapt ethical teachings to environmental and social challenges (Source: Pew Research, youth religious trends; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective).
Why does Johnson speak of God as mysterious and yet present?
Johnson often emphasizes that God’s mystery is not absence but depth. Mystery invites awe, not confusion. She argues that God’s presence can be sensed in beauty, in justice, in relationships, and in transformation. The mystery does not undermine faith - it enriches it. People who practice spiritual disciplines such as contemplative prayer or silence often report greater sense of spiritual well-being (Source: Journal of Psychology & Theology, 2018).
What does the “quest” part of Quest for the Living God mean for spiritual seekers?
A quest is a journey. Johnson encourages seekers to engage actively: to wrestle with doubt, to question inherited beliefs, and to listen for God in unexpected places. This quest involves reflection, study, community, and moral action. For many, spiritual growth comes not from certainty but from faithful searching. Research confirms that spiritual seekers who engage in questioning tend to report stronger well-being and personal growth (Source: Spiritual Formation studies; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective).
How can readers integrate Johnson’s vision into their daily spiritual life?
Integration means letting life catch up to theology. Some practices might be: noticing where God shows up in everyday moments, tending relationships with compassion, advocating for justice in your community, caring for creation. Also reading widely (scientists, mystics, theologians), praying with openness, and engaging in small groups where honest sharing is possible. Living Johnson’s vision is less about getting answers quickly and more about growing in capacity to receive them.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
Comments