Introduction to An Inclusive Theology of Disability.
The following is a usable, working, freely adjustable resource outline for an inclusive theology of disability.
RATIONALE
Persons affected by intellectual and/or physical disabilities know all too well the nuanced cultural stigmas. Families and persons affected by a disability are considered the most unchurched demographic in America. It’s important, when discipling persons affected by disability to not only be welcoming and inclusive-by teaching what the Bible says about disability builds understanding and trust.
KEY SCRIPTURES
a) Sin and Disability (Jn. 9).
b) Curing, healing, and welcoming (Matt. 11:5; Mk. 10:50-51; Lk. 4:42-44; Jn. 4:48)
c) God’s Providence, sovereignty, and redemptive purposes (Gen. 50:20; Ps. 139:13-14; Rom. 8:28).
d) Disability and the resurrection (Rev. 21:1-4).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does the Bible say about sin and disability? (Isa. 53:4; Matt. 8:17; Jn. 9; Gal 3:13).
2. Is disability of the general effect of sin, or personal consequence (Jn. 9:1-3; 11:4; Romans 5:12).
3. Are there times where disability is a consequence of sin? (Ps. 38:5-8; Prov. 13:15-22; Rom. 6:16).
4. Is it God’s will for all who believe to be healed? (Matt. 11:5; Lk. 4:42-44).
5. Does my faith determine whether God heals disabilities? (Matt. 15:28; Mk. 10:52; Jn. 4:48; 9:1-3; James 5:14-15).
6. Is God sovereign over disability and healing? (Gen. 50:20; Ps. 139:13-14; Rom. 8:28).
7. Does disability exist in eternity? (Rev. 21:1-4).
TAKEAWAY REFLECTIONS
1. The Bible says a lot about sin and disability. Disability, sickness, and/or suffering is not an indicator for consequence of personal sin, to be seen as something to learn.
2. Christ, through His’ death and resurrection has taken on our infirmities and our deserved consequence of sin. We should not unnecessarily despise healing prayer, nor should we make it the central purpose of discipleship.
3. While curing and healing are part of God’s glory, a welcoming inclusion is most important. Jesus did not heal every person with sickness or disability. Sometimes Jesus avoided towns, he often evaded whole crowds, and he even sent whole crowds away.
4. Jesus makes mention of faith making persons whole in many of the testimonies. However, we must remember, central to Jesus healing persons is the sake of His’ glory as proof to point toward His’ Messiahship.
5. When dealing with pains, afflictions, suffering, sickness and/or disabilities, it is important for us to remember God is sovereign over all things. All this will make sense in the age to come. Everyone will be made anew with resurrected bodies. No more death, sickness, pain, disability or tears.
A Helpful Book Resource:
Terry A. DeYoung and Mark Stephenson. Inclusion Handbook: Everybody Belongs,
Everybody Serves: A Resource for Disability Advocates.
Grand Rapids, MI: Reformed Church Press, 2013. Print.
https://www.amazon.com/Inclusion-Handbook-Evereybody-Belongs-Everybody/dp/B079WQLZTG