Why I Recently Bought a Book by Jean Vanier
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 moment of reflection as I struggled with whether or not I should buy it.
I ended up buying the book.
How could I do that after what we have learned? The reason that I bought it is that Vanier speaks truth in his books. Not that what he taught was completely consistent with all that he did, but the words themselves are true.
The fact that Vanier did some horrible things doesn’t stop what he says about being human, a follower of Christ or a person welcoming to those with disabilities from being true.
Yes, what Vanier has done will inform my reading of his books. I will be looking for contradictions between his teachings and actions, even unconsciously. But I will still read them.
I will say that in some ways, it is easier because Vanier is dead. While sticking to what I have just said, I would struggle rewarding someone financially for doing such things. But Vanier doesn’t benefit at all from the purchase of his books.
What about you? Will you still read books by Jean Vanier?
