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Thomas Reynolds and his wife are parents of a son with disabilities and know what it's like to be misunderstood by a church community. Drawing on personal experience and a diverse body of literature Reynolds in Vulnerable Communion, writes to empower churches and individuals to foster deeper hospitality toward persons with disabilities.
Reynolds shows that the Christian story is one of strength coming from weakness, of wholeness emerging from brokenness, and of power in vulnerability. Wholeness, he argues, comes not from self-sufficiency, but from the "genuinely inclusive communion" that results from sharing our humanity--including our lack of ability--with one another. Then, and only then, will we truly live in hospitality with one another and with people with disabilities.
Reynolds offers valuable biblical, theological, and pastoral tools to understand and welcome those with disabilities. The book will be useful to academics, students, and pastors, as well as anyone touched by disability in some way. Readers will find penetrating examinations of the difficult questions of why God allows disability and what the church can learn from people with disabilities.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Notes
1. Theology and Disability: Perils and Promises
2. Communal Boundaries: Dwelling Together and Cults of Nomalcy
3. Able Bodies? The Illusion of Control and Denial of Vulnerability
4. Recovering Disability: The Strange Power of “Weakness”
5. Love Divine: Vulnerability, Creation, and God
6. Worthy of Love? Humanity, Disability, and Redemption in Christ
7. Being Together: Love, Church, and Hospitality
Notes
Index
Thomas E. Reynolds (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is associate professor of theology at Emmanuel College in the Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto.
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