Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth

by Elizabeth A. Johnson

In her latest work, prize-winning theologian Elizabeth Johnson views planet Earth, its beauty and threatened state, through the lens of scripture. Each luminous meditation offers a snapshot of one aspect of the holy mystery who creates, indwells, redeems, vivifies, and sanctifies the whole world. Together, they offer a panoramic view of the living God who loves the earth, accompanies all its creatures in their living and their dying, and moves us to care for our uncommon common home.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2024

About the author

Johnson grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest of seven children in an "Irish Catholic family." As a young adult she joined the religious order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph whose motherhouse is in Brentwood, Long island, NY. She received a B.S. from Brentwood College in 1964, an M.A. from Manhattan College in 1964.

1981, she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in theology at the Catholic University of America (CUA). CUA is a pontifical university of the Catholic Church and is the only university in the U.S. founded and sponsored by America's bishops. Johnson recalls that her experience there was "rich, respectful, and collegial," but was also "lacking in female presence." During her studies there in the 1970s Johnson observes, "I never had a woman professor, I never read one woman author. There were none to be had. It was a totally male education." CUA attempted to remedy this when Johnson herself was hired into a tenure-track position in Christology. She became one of the first female theologians allowed to receive a doctorate by the church authorities, as a result of the "liberalization decrees that capped the Second Vatican Council." Feminism had begun impacting the thinking and dialog of female Catholic theologians, and pioneering feminist theologians Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza and Sandra M. Schneiders influenced Johnson on feminist topics, including using feminine metaphors and language for God. Inspired by their example, Johnson and other women graduate students formed a group, "Women in Theology."

She has served as head of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the American Theological Society.

While at CUA in 1980 she felt profoundly affected by events of the Salvadoran Civil War when four American women, including three nuns, working as missionaries and helping oppressed people to escape violence, were abducted and killed by a death squad. Johnson mourned the women, but she "redirected her anguish by carrying out their mission in her own field of theology."

Johnson notes that leaders of her religious community encouraged her to enter the field of theology and pushed her to continue in spite of obstacles. "When I applied for tenure at Catholic University, I received the full positive vote of the faculty. But the outcome was in doubt because some bishops were not happy with an article I had written," she says, referring to her article questioning the traditional view of Mary as "humble and obedient." Though she contemplated leaving rather than facing the "arduous process of interrogation," General Superior Sister John Raymond McGann advised her not to give up, and Johnson did receive tenure.

Johnson had taught science and religion at the elementary and high school level, then taught theology at St. Joseph's College (New York) and at CUA before moving to Fordham in 1991. At Fordham, she was named Distinguished Professor in 1997 and "Teacher of the Year" in 1998.

Reviews

[Zoe Matties · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these meditations. Johnson provides solid theological reflection on everything from the problem of evil, to the nature of salvation, all while pointing to a loving God who creates, sustains, and redeems all of creation.
It's a great book to read slowly while sipping a warm tea in the morning.

[Kate Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Elizabeth Johnson knocks it out of the park. I always enjoy her writing as theology and the earth intertwine.

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A call to be aware

Although it took me a long time to read, this book inspired so many mornings. Her writing is beautiful and the points she makes about the earth and our (human beings) place in it thought provoking. I have highlighted so much of it and plan to come back to it often.

[Margaret Oberst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so engaging as I joined a group for 3 zoom meetings who shared their reflections. I missed the last one too late from work. However I highlighted some major inspired parts. I used ps 104 and a quote from Judith as an opening prayer. The concept of a creation living and non living are equal in the love and
Devotion. All creation continues to recreate along with us and God. Yahweh is I am who is with you.

[Bob Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Thanks, Sister Beth, for providing a powerful boost to my faith. I’ll never forget the quotes about God’s desire that all be fed. Your writing is deep, but accessible in a way that too few works of theology are.

[BJ Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful meditations, rich with a life's work in theology.

[Jenina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A familiar pang of deep resonance

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reflections on God's love of Creation and humankind, with scriptural references. Engaging and easy to read but also very profound.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up-to-date short pieces to jumpstart a day.
Beautifully composed.