Fordham University theology professor Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, will present “Is God’s Charity Broad Enough for Bears?” on Tuesday, March 7, at 7:15 p.m., in Buckley Center Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Garaventa Center and is free and open to all.
Nineteenth century naturalist John Muir raised the question, “Is God’s charity broad enough for bears?” Until recently, the natural world was not a subject of formal religious interest, but this is now changing as the planet faces an ecological crisis of great magnitude. Starting with John Muir’s question about bears, Johnson will explore the meaning of creation in this dangerous new context. Drawing from evolutionary science and Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, she presents the challenge of how loving the Earth and its species as a neighbor must become an intrinsic part of faith in God.
Johnson is a former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America and has received fifteen honorary doctorates, the John Courtney Murray Award for distinguished achievement in theology, and the Fordham Teaching Award. Her numerous books and articles have been translated into 13 languages. Deeply involved in the life of the church, her public service has included participation in the national Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue, the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Women in Church and Society, the Vatican-sponsored dialogues on science and religion and on Christ and world religions, and as a core committee member of the Common Ground Initiative to reconcile polarized groups in the Catholic Church.
For ADA accommodations or further information contact the Garaventa Center at x7702 or garaventa@up.edu.