The Relationship Between Disability Theology and Disability Ministry
Some churches want to jump right into Disability Ministry. Start programs, promote accessibility, invite people with disabilities. Let’s do ministry!
I love that enthusiasm. But I think that churches also have to do the hard work of wrestling with Disability Theology.
Yes there are some encouraging words about people with disabilities but there are some troubling statements as well. What do we do with Jesus always healing the people with disabilities that came to him? Is that what we are supposed to be?
What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Do people with severe disabilities reflect less of the image of God? Why or why not?
There is some exciting work that is being done in the area of Disability Theology. Some of it from liberal perspectives and some from evangelical perspectives. We need to hear all the voices.
I believe that Disability Ministry has the danger of being superficial if we are not willing to look at Disability Theology. Plus it is really interesting!
There are some great resources out there, so start digging in to some good Disability Theology.
