Elisabeth T. Vasko, Ph.D.

Elisabeth T. Vasko's research and teaching interests are in the area of Christian systematic theology, with a focus on feminist studies. In particular, she is concerned with the way in which theologies of sin and redemption frame attention to suffering in view of systematic injustices, especially gender-based violence.  Her most recent project, Bullying and the Interruptive Power of Grace: A Theology for Bystanders, constructs a theology of redemption in view of bullying violence directed toward marginalized persons and communities. 

Prior to pursing doctoral studies, Dr. Vasko spent several years working in youth and young adult ministries.

• Undergraduate:Theological Views of the Person; Women and Christianity. 
• Graduate: Dr. Vasko teaches Ph.D. seminars in her fields of specialization

Dr. Vasko is a faculty member in the Personae Learning Community. 

Publications:

"The Difference Gender Makes: Nuptiality, Analogy, and the Limits of Appropriating Hans Urs von Balthasar's Theology in the Context of Sexual Violence, Journal of Religion, forthcoming 2013.

"Redeeming Beauty? Christa and the Displacement of Women's Bodies in Theological Aesthetic Discourses," Feminist Theology, forthcoming January, 2013.

"Listening & Speaking as Two Sides of the Same Coin: Reflections on Intercultural Feminist Learning," co-authored with Eunice Karanja Kamaara and Jeanine Viau, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 28.2, forthcoming.

"LGBT Bullying at the Crossroads of Christian Theology: Girard, Surrogate Victimage, and Sexual Scapegoating," in Violence, Transformation, and the Sacred: They Shall Be Called Children of God, College Theology Society Annual Volume, edited by Margaret R. Pfeil and Tobias L. Winright, pp 38-53, Maryknoll: Orbis Press, 2012.

Review of Frontiers in Catholic Feminist Theology: Shoulder to Shoulder. Edited by Susan Abraham and Elena Procario-Foley. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press, 2009. Anglican Theological Review 93 (2011): 327-328.

Review of Christ Our Companion: Toward a Theological Aesthetics of Liberation. By Roberto S. Goizueta. Maryknoll, N.Y. : Orbis, 2009. Anglican Theological Review 93 (2011): 340, 342-343.

"Feminist Theologies, Catholicity & Mission in a Global Context," CTSA Proceedings 65 (2010): 101-102.

"Listening to Experience, Looking Towards Flourishing: Ethnography as a Global Feminist Theo/ethical Praxix," co-authored with Melissa Browning et al, Practical Matters 3 (2010): 1-25.

"The Goods and Evils of a Globalized Context: African and American Women Doing Theology," co-authored with Susan A. Ross and Melissa Browning, Concilium 2009/1: 44-51.

Recent Presentations:

"Generations Reflect on Sacrosanctum Concilium: Questions from a Young Catholic Feminist."  Paper presented at the Catholic Theological Society of American Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO. June 9, 2012.

"Critical Reflection: Lessons Learned from Teaching Racism and White Privilege in the Theology Classroom." Paper presented with Anna Floerke Scheid at College Theology Society Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. June 2, 2012.

"Sacrifice, Scapegoats, and Bullying: Rethinking Passivity and Violence in Christian Atonement Theology." Paper presented at College Theology Society Annual Convention, New Rochelle, NY. June 4, 2011.

"Passivity and Violence: A Theological Reflection on the Problem of Bullying." Paper given as a part of the panel "Movements Toward Flourishing: Theological Responses to Violence" at Journey Towards Healing: An International Dialogue, sponsored by NIAMH and Office of First Minister and Deputy Minister, Belfast, UK. March 11, 2011.

"Navigating Feminist Space(s): Interdisciplinary Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Catholic Higher Education." Paper presented at National Women's Studies Association Annual Convention, Denver, CO. November 11, 2010.

"Beauty and the Cross: The Framing of Attention to Suffering in Hans Urs von Balthasar's Theology." Paper given at American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. November 1, 2010.

"Prophetic Vision and Mzungu Listening in Postcolonial Space: Lessons from a US-Kenya Immersion Project." Paper given as a part of the session "Feminist Theologies, Catholicity, and Mission in a Global Context" at Catholic Theological Society of America Annual Convention, Cleveland, OH. June 12, 2010.