- B.A., Theology, University of Notre Dame, 1986, Summa cum laude
- M.A., Liturgical Studies, University of Notre Dame, 1987, with honors
- Ph.D., Theology and Ethics, Duke University, 2001
Kelly Johnson
Associate Professor; Fr. Ferree Chair of Social Justice
Full-Time Faculty
College of Arts and Sciences:
Religious Studies
Kelly Johnson
Associate Professor; Fr. Ferree Chair of Social Justice
Full-Time Faculty
College of Arts and Sciences:
Religious Studies
Degrees
Profile
Dr. Johnson works at the intersections of theology, history and ethics, exploring ways the ecclesial Body of Christ has read revelation and practiced discipleship in the modern West. Catholic social thought, she argues, should be engaged as historical action, rather than as abstract principles. Her approach to social justice is rooted in John XXIII's statement, "We must think of society as being primarily a spiritual reality."
Dr. Johnson has been immersed from childhood in an ecumenical context. Much of her current work is in conversation with Catholic and Reformation traditions, particularly those that see themselves called to congregational discipleship in ways that challenge nationalism, racism and systems that sustain economic inequality.
Faculty perspective
"Given my history of combining activism and scholarship, I was attracted to UD by this community's deep commitment to practical engagement informed and fed by Catholic faith. Catholic tradition is a matter of ongoing lived experiments in faithfulness, some better than others. We have to study the past to know who and where we are, but we also have to take the risk of speaking and acting in the uncertainty of the present, trusting in God's mercy."
Research interests
- Theological virtues and social ethics
- Gendered virtues
- Ecclesial ethics
- Theology and economics
- Voluntary poverty and mendicancy
- Religious communities as forces in social change
- Peacebuilding
- The Catholic Worker
- Catholic social tradition
Selected publications
- Annual Ferree Lecture 2021, Being Where We Are: The Land, Catholic Scholarship, and Anti-Racism
- Reflections for 2019-20 academic year, Blessed Beginnings: A Reflection on Courage and Hope
- Installation talk, Thinking together in a time of fear
- Author page at Catholic Moral Theology
- Contributions to the Ekklesia Project
- Book, The Fear of Beggars: Stewardship and Poverty in Christian Ethics