There is a particular concept in theology and eco-spirituality known as 'deep resurrection.' The renowned Catholic theologian St. Joseph Sr. Elizabeth Johnson is best known for developing the idea, first in her 2014 book Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love and later in a 2023 article titled 'Deep Resurrection' and in a chapter in her latest book, Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and Earth.
The notion of 'deep resurrection' begins with theological reflection on the significance of the incarnation of the Word for the whole of creation, and not just humanity. This line of thought traces back to the prologue of the Gospel of John and its affirmation that God did not become merely human but 'flesh' (sarx in the Greek original). It includes all creatures and affirms that what we celebrate at Christmas is not just a meaningful event for human history, but also for all of creation.
The theological term for this is known as 'deep incarnation,' first coined by the Danish theologian Niels Henrik Gregersen in a 2001 academic article. Gregersen explains, 'The incarnation of God in Christ can be understood as a radical or 'deep' incarnation, that is, an incarnation into the very tissue of biological existence and the system of nature.'
Everything in the created world—those things visible and invisible, known and yet to be discovered—is implicated in God's decision to become flesh; all of God's creatures are touched by and benefit from God's gift of love and life in the Incarnation.
By becoming flesh, the Eternal Word entered into an interdependent relationship with creation. As Johnson notes, 'Jesus Christ is at the center of Christian faith. Unless we can see that his life, death and resurrection have an intrinsic connection with the natural world, that world will remain peripheral to the good news.' Jesus of Nazareth ate food that was once other living creatures and breathed air produced by the photosynthesis of plants.
The Word's incarnation reveals divine solidarity with both the human and more-than-human world. Just as this insight changes our understanding of Christmas, it also transforms how we understand Easter and the Resurrection event.
Johnson explains: 'The logic of deep resurrection sets out from the insight that Jesus of Nazareth, the Word made flesh, was a genuine part of the community of life on Earth...'
Like the scriptural roots of deep incarnation, the idea of deep resurrection appears in the New Testament. Johnson highlights the letter to the Colossians.
She adds: 'The firstborn, yes, but not the onlyborn. Christian faith trusts that 'the power of God who raised him from the dead' will be with human beings also in our suffering and dying and speak a new word of life over our completed lives.'
Johnson reminds us that the same Christological hymn in Colossians names Christ as 'the firstborn of all creation,' highlighting a greater cosmic significance to the Resurrection.
We see this at the Easter Vigil. Fire and water anchor the experience of Christ’s triumph over death. Readings begin with the creation story from Genesis and Psalm 104 beckons the Spirit to 'renew the face of the earth.'
The Exsultet proclaims: 'Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her...'
In the Eucharist the sacramental presence of Christ continues through the 'fruit of the earth' we receive.
In spirituality expanding reflection on Christ's resurrection to the whole of creation invites us to see as God sees—connected and alive.
Pope Francis in Laudato Si' teaches: 'The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ.'
Francis adds: 'The final purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us. Rather, all creatures are moving forward, with us and through us, towards a common point of arrival, which is God.'
As we celebrate the Easter Season we are invited to see the paschal mystery not just as human hope, but the hope of all creation.
From betrayal to crucifixion to silence and then to glory let us remember all creatures. As Johnson reminds us: 'Amid a fractured world... every Easter is a celebration of the whole of creation promised transformation by the presence of the risen Christ.'
Journal and reflect on the following
How does understanding Christ's resurrection as connected to all creation change the way I view the natural world?
In what ways do I experience God’s presence not just in humanity, but in the wider earth community—plants, animals, oceans, and skies?
What does it mean for me personally that salvation is not only about human souls, but about the transformation of the whole universe?
How can my faith practices—such as prayer, Eucharist, or stewardship—reflect deeper care for creation?
When I celebrate Easter, how might I expand my gratitude to include the renewal of the earth and all living things?
What changes could I make in my lifestyle to better honor the sacredness of all creation as part of God's ongoing work of resurrection?
How does the idea of “deep resurrection” challenge my understanding of justice, especially concerning environmental and ecological concerns?
Discuss with your family and community
Song - All creatures of our God and King
Final Prayer
Loving Creator, you breathed life into all that is, seen and unseen, and through Christ’s resurrection you have promised the renewal of the whole Earth. Teach us to see with your eyes — to behold the sacredness of every creature, every stone, every blade of grass. May we live as faithful stewards of creation, honouring the deep interconnection you have woven into the fabric of life. Awaken in us the hope that the Risen Christ has already planted within the world: that transformation is possible, that justice will bloom, and that love will conquer the darkness. Strengthen us to be instruments of healing and hope, until all creation joins in the joyful song of new life. Amen.
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