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Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity: Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability

Dan Brown

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Published in Theology And Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability In Late Modernity (Studies In Religion Theology And Disability)

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The relationship between disability and religion is a complex and evolving one. In late modernity, we are witnessing a growing recognition of the diversity of human experience and a challenge to traditional assumptions about disability. This article draws on insights from the fields of religious studies, theology, and disability studies to explore this changing landscape and to offer a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the human condition.

Theology and Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity (Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability)

by Amos Yong

4.7 out of 5

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Disability and the Body

One of the central themes in disability studies is the challenge to the traditional understanding of the body as a perfect, whole, and autonomous entity. Disability studies scholars have argued that the body is always already impaired, that it is always subject to change and decay. This challenge has implications for our understanding of disability, which is often seen as a lack or deficiency. However, disability studies scholars argue that disability is not a lack, but rather a difference. It is a way of being in the world that is different from the norm, but it is not necessarily inferior.

This challenge to the traditional understanding of the body has also had an impact on religion. In many religious traditions, the body has been seen as a source of sin and shame. However, disability studies scholars have argued that the body is not inherently sinful or shameful. Rather, it is a gift from God that should be celebrated and embraced.

Disability and Identity

Another central theme in disability studies is the challenge to the traditional understanding of identity. Identity is often seen as something that is fixed and stable, but disability studies scholars have argued that identity is fluid and dynamic. It is something that is constantly being shaped and reshaped by our experiences. This challenge has implications for our understanding of disability, which is often seen as a fixed and unchanging category. However, disability studies scholars argue that disability is not a fixed category, but rather a spectrum. It is something that can change over time and across contexts.

This challenge to the traditional understanding of identity has also had an impact on religion. In many religious traditions, identity has been seen as something that is determined by God. However, disability studies scholars have argued that identity is not something that is given to us by God, but rather something that we create for ourselves. It is something that we negotiate and renegotiate throughout our lives.

Disability and Social Justice

A third central theme in disability studies is the challenge to the traditional understanding of social justice. Social justice is often seen as something that is achieved through the elimination of inequality. However, disability studies scholars have argued that social justice is not simply about eliminating inequality, but also about recognizing and valuing difference. This challenge has implications for our understanding of disability, which is often seen as a problem that needs to be solved. However, disability studies scholars argue that disability is not a problem, but rather a part of human diversity. It is something that should be celebrated and embraced.

This challenge to the traditional understanding of social justice has also had an impact on religion. In many religious traditions, social justice has been seen as something that is achieved through the salvation of souls. However, disability studies scholars have argued that social justice is not simply about saving souls, but also about creating a more just and equitable world for all people. This challenge has led to the development of new forms of liberation theology, feminist theology, and queer theology that are focused on the liberation of people with disabilities.

The relationship between disability and religion is a complex and evolving one. In late modernity, we are witnessing a growing recognition of the diversity of human experience and a challenge to traditional assumptions about disability. This article has drawn on insights from the fields of religious studies, theology, and disability studies to explore this changing landscape and to offer a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the human condition.

Disability is not a lack or deficiency, but rather a difference. It is a way of being in the world that is different from the norm, but it is not necessarily inferior. Disability is a part of human diversity, and it should be celebrated and embraced.

Social justice is not simply about eliminating inequality, but also about recognizing and valuing difference. Disability is not a problem that needs to be solved, but rather a part of human diversity that should be celebrated and embraced.

The relationship between disability and religion is a complex and evolving one, but it is one that is full of hope and possibility. As we continue to challenge traditional assumptions about disability, we are creating a more just and equitable world for all people.

Theology and Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity (Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability)

by Amos Yong

4.7 out of 5