Biography
Born in Australia, he earned a degree in chemical technology before attending Avondale College, where he met his wife Nolene Johnsson. Johnsson earned his Th.D. in theology from Vanderbilt University. His dissertation was entitled "Defilement and Purgation in the Book of Hebrews." He served as a missionary to India at Vincent Hill School and Spicer College. From 1975 to 1980 he taught at the Seventh-day Adventist theological seminary in New Testament classes.
In 1979 Johnsson was elected the first president of the Adventist Society for Religious Studies. From 1982 to 2006 he was editor of the Adventist Review. Johnsson is also a member of the Ellen G. White Estate board of trustees. He has written over 20 books and 1,000 articles. He currently is the Assistant to the President for Interfaith Relations at the church's headquarters. On May 6, 2007, Johnsson was the graduate commencement speaker at Andrews University, where he received an honorary doctorate.
In 2008, he was injured by a motorcycle when attending the church's Annual Council in Manila, Philippines.
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