Theology and Down Syndrome – Review
I love theology and I love thoughtful reflections on disabilities. One of the best that I have read is Theology and Down Syndrome.
Some theologians are focused completely Disability Theology. That is not the case with Yong. He has written on many theological topics and doesn’t focus his teaching on disabilities.
Disabilities are of an interest to Yong, not just as a theological topic. Yong has a brother with Down Syndrome, which has led him to write on this topic.
Despite the title of the book, this book is not just on Down Syndrome (although it has some very interesting information on DS). It is a helpful resource on all developmental disabilities and to a certain extent, disabilities in general.
Yong is a Pentecostal theologian, which is interesting, as Pentecostals focus on physical healing. But of you are expecting Yong to argue for all people with disabilities to be physically healed, you will be disappointed. He does believe in healing, but acknowledges that not all people with disabilities want healing. Also, disabilities and illnesses are not the same thing. A person with a disability may be healed of cancer but not of their disability.
Yong takes this to the next level when he speaks of eschatology. Many people assume that all traces of disability will be removed in the resurrection. Yong can’t imagine his brother without Down Syndrome and finds theological hints that in some way disabilities may continue into the resurrection This is an idea that I am sympathetic to.
As a Pentecostal theologian, Yong also focuses on the Holy Spirit. He sees in the giving of the Holy Spirit, a pointer of the equal status of all Christians in the Spirit. This should shape how the church treats all of its members.
Theology and Down Syndrome was an enjoyable read and I recommend it, even if you don’t personally know someone with Down Syndrome.
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