Religion and Disability : Essays in Scripture, Theology, and Ethics

Religion and Disability presents three keynote addresses from the national symposium, "Ministry Perspectives on Disability." In the opening essay, noted scripture scholar Donald Senior identifies certain themes often associated with scripture-such as the distinction between clean and unclean, and the notion that sin and guilt somehow cause sickness and disability-that contribute to non-welcoming attitudes to the disabled. In the second essay, John Macquarrie draws upon both theological reasoning and personal experience in reflecting upon the dignity of all persons and how this principle applies especially to our dealings with the disabled. Finally, Stanley Hauerwas invokes the ideals of the Church in calling for a response of love toward persons with mental handicaps. He helps us imagine a church community enriched by members who are disabled.