Utilitarianism forms the backbone of Singer’s theories. For him, ethics and the question of personhood should be rooted in ‘quality of life’ rather than in hypothetical ideas about ‘sanctity’. Much of his thinking revolves around the question “can they suffer?” As such, animals and humans are placed on equal terms. For him the question is not between human and animal, but between ‘person’ and ‘non-person’.

One cannot think about theology of disability without soon wrestling with the notion that each human being is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27-28). Found in all “religions of [Read More]

One important idea that has been resonating in philosophical circles over the past two decades is a growing conversation regarding the difference between what is ‘human’ and who is a ‘person’. The ideas of what constitutes a ‘person’ are certainly not new. We find the roots of these controversial discussions in the writings of the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Many of the new ‘ideas’ are simply a repackaging of very old ones.

Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis MN has a professional and inspiring video to encourage people to get involved in their disability ministry. You can learn more about their ministry here and if [Read More]

An enthusiastic basketball player who currently works at Goodwill and attends WCI in Woodstock, Josh Masters is a 20-year-old with Down syndrome who would love to work in the fitness industry at [Read More]

The lesson my disabled son gives stands as a powerful testament to the dignity and infinite value of every human person, especially of those the world deems the weakest and most “useless.” Through their sharing in the “folly” of the Cross, the disabled are, in truth, the most powerful and the most productive among us.

I am drawn back to a time two thousand years ago, when expectations were at an all-time high. I see the crowds of people milling, pushing, trying to catch a glimpse of the one to whom they were shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Faith Today March/April 2013 (click here for the online issue) features three articles highlighting the topic of disability.  I am excited that there has been a significant increase in theological research [Read More]

An article in the journal “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities” (Feb 2013) describes a research project that highlights the importance of religion and spirituality in the lives of persons with disabilities.  The authors [Read More]

Interview with Dr. John Swinton This is an recent interview in the United Observer with my friend, John Swinton.  It’s an excellent piece that highlights the importance of clear theological thinking [Read More]