Jean Vanier Archives - Stephen J Bedard

Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?

January 23, 2021January 23, 2021 Stephen Bedard 2 Comments

A number of major Christian figures such as Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Bill Hybels and others have fallen. Some of these were prolific authors that were influential in their area of expertise. Should we still read their books or should we purge our personal libraries? This episode looks at these questions. Please support this podcast … Read More “Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?” »

Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes Accountable

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog, Disability and Faith Blog, Leadership and Ministry Blog

I always write these posts with much fear and trembling. Ravi Zacharias is highly respected among my colleagues in the Christian apologetics community. For many evangelicals, he is an example of a Christian leader who finished well. But did he? Even during his life, there had been some accusations of some sexual impropriety. Now after … Read More “Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes Accountable” »

Should Disability Theologians Still Quote Jean Vanier?

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Disability and Faith Blog

One of the most influential individuals in disability theology and disability ministry was Jean Vanier. He was also one of the greatest disappointments. He wrote many books that shared important insight, not just about disabilities but about being human in general. He also did many things to improve the lives of people with disabilities. But … Read More “Should Disability Theologians Still Quote Jean Vanier?” »

Why I Recently Bought a Book by Jean Vanier

March 4, 2020March 4, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Disability and Faith Blog

The Christian and disability world was recently rocked by the revelations that Jean Vanier sexually abused a number of women. We will never look at Vanier the same way again. The other day I was at a second hand story and came across a Jean Vanier book that I hadn’t read yet. I had a … Read More “Why I Recently Bought a Book by Jean Vanier” »

7 Things We Can Learn From the Abuse of Jean Vanier

February 26, 2020February 26, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

I recently blogged on the revelation of Jean Vanier’s abuse of a number of women. This has been a terrible time for those of us who greatly respected him. The harm that was done to those women should be our first priority. However, we need to also take what we can from these events and … Read More “7 Things We Can Learn From the Abuse of Jean Vanier” »

Jean Vanier and the Fall of a Hero

February 22, 2020February 22, 2025 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

Disability and Faith Blog

Over the past year, I have been reading quite a few books by Jean Vanier. He plays an important part in my DMin thesis. I have thoroughly enjoyed his writings. It has been more than just reading for school. While his Catholic faith is somewhat different than my Protestant beliefs, his vision for what it … Read More “Jean Vanier and the Fall of a Hero” »

Jean Vanier: Essential Writings – Review

October 25, 2019March 25, 2021 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Disability and Faith Blog

Essential Writings is a collection of writings by Jean Vanier that was edited by Carolyn Whitney-Brown. Vanier is best known as the founder of L’Arche. I really enjoyed this book as it gives a great picture of Vanier’s life and thought. It begins with a nice introduction to his life, including his family background, time … Read More “Jean Vanier: Essential Writings – Review” »

The Paradox of Disability – Review

January 24, 2019August 6, 2019 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Disability and Faith Blog

One of the first times that I heard about the intersection of faith and disability was a discussion about the L’Arche communities. L’Arche was founded by Jean Vanier and Vanier has done much to raise awareness in the church about people with disabilities. Hans Reinders has edited a volume titled, The Paradox of Disability, which … Read More “The Paradox of Disability – Review” »

Identity and the Challenge of Disability

May 13, 2016May 12, 2019 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Disability and Faith Blog

In this video, Jean Vanier speaks on the subject of disabilities and identity. Jean Vanier is a powerful speaker who is worth listening to.

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