Disability and Religion: New Horizons for Research?
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Handicap et religion : nouveaux horizons pour la recherche ?
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: À propos de :Schumm Darla, Stoltzfus Michael (éds.), Disability in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Sacred Texts, Historical Traditions, and Social Analysis, New York, Palgrave/Macmillan, 2011, 246 p.Schumm Darla, Stoltzfus Michael (éds.), Disability and Religious Diversity. Cross-Cultural Interreligious Perspectives, New York : Palgrave/Macmillan, 2011, 234 p.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Lionel Obadia
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Handicap et religion : nouveaux horizons pour la recherche ?
Year: 2013 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.25441
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The exploration of the relationship between disability and religion has gained attention in academia, particularly highlighted by the edited volumes "Disability in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam" and "Disability and Religious Diversity" published by Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus in 2011. Within these works, scholars investigate how various religious traditions interpret and respond to disability, challenging the notion that this relationship has been extensively studied. While some literature suggests marginalization of disabled individuals within religious contexts, Schumm and Stoltzfus aim to illuminate the complexities and nuances in this field, offering a more inclusive perspective on the intersection of disability and diverse religious beliefs.
2) The Paradox of Disability
One important concept discussed is "the paradox of disability," which suggests that individuals with disabilities can be perceived in conflicting ways across religious traditions. On the one hand, they are often viewed as weak or marginalized, while on the other hand, they can be revered as spiritually significant or even as saints. This duality reflects how religious frameworks create varied interpretations of disability, as seen in the historical analyses of rabbinic Judaism, early Christianity, and traditional Islam. By examining specific cases like blindness and physical deformities, the authors reveal that the same disability can engender both negative stigma and positive spiritual connotations, depending on the religious context.
3) Textual and Social Analysis
The distinction between textual and social analyses of disability is another critical theme in the volumes. Schumm and Stoltzfus advocate for understanding religious texts not merely as static sources of doctrine but as dynamic materials that interact with lived experiences. This approach underscores the idea that interpretations of disability are not fixed; they can evolve over time through cultural narratives and social practices. The exploration of how rituals, teachings, and stories affect the integration of disabled individuals into religious communities demonstrates the interplay between scripture and social realities.
4) Disability and Social Inclusion
Another significant concept examined is the notion of social inclusion within religious communities. The volumes highlight various religious responses to disability, from outright exclusion to strategies aimed at integration and support. The works illustrate that some religions have developed frameworks to embrace those with disabilities, promoting practices that foster community support and altruism. For example, specific initiatives in sites like Lourdes show how religious institutions can create welcoming environments for pilgrims with disabilities, thus transforming societal perceptions and reducing stigma.
5) Cultural Contexts and Experiences
The volumes also emphasize the need to account for cultural contexts surrounding disability experiences. They suggest that disability is not only a physical or psychological condition but also a social construct shaped by cultural beliefs, norms, and practices. Through qualitative studies and personal narratives, the authors illustrate how individuals navigate their disabilities within the frameworks of their faith, highlighting that beliefs and practices regarding disability vary widely among cultures and religious groups. This nuanced approach encourages a deeper understanding of the intersectionality present in disability and religion.
6) Conclusion
In conclusion, the edited volumes by Schumm and Stoltzfus enrich the discourse surrounding disability and religion by illuminating the complexity of these relationships. They challenge prevailing paradigms by introducing a multifaceted perspective that includes scriptural interpretations, social practices, and cultural experiences. By navigating the contrasts and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in religious contexts, these works open new avenues for future research. They not only broaden the academic conversation on the subject but also encourage active engagement with the lived realities of disabled individuals within various religious frameworks.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the edited volumes by Schumm and Stoltzfus?
The volumes explore the interaction between disability and various religious traditions, focusing on sacred texts, historical contexts, and social implications within Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other spiritual practices.
How does religion conceptualize disability in monotheistic traditions?
Monotheistic traditions provide frameworks for understanding disability but also reinforce social hierarchies through interpretations of the 'normal' body, often marginalizing those with disabilities in both theological and social contexts.
What is the significance of the case studies in these volumes?
The case studies highlight diverse perspectives on disability across different cultures and religions, illustrating how beliefs about disability influence social practices and individual experiences within various faith communities.
How are contemporary Disability Studies intersecting with religious studies?
Contemporary Disability Studies aim to analyze the social, cultural, and psychological dimensions of disability, prompting new inquiries into the relationships between disability experiences and religious beliefs, thus enriching both fields.
What challenges do disabled individuals face within religious communities?
Disabled individuals often encounter both physical barriers and social stigma, which can hinder their full participation in religious practices, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward disability and inclusion.
In what ways has scholarship on religion and disability evolved?
Scholarship has shifted from a sparse treatment of disability in religious contexts to more comprehensive analyses that consider historical, philosophical, and experiential aspects across diverse traditions.
What are some key themes explored in the volumes regarding disability?
Key themes include the theological interpretations of disability, social inclusion or exclusion practices, and the diverse ways disabilities are viewed and managed across different religious contexts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Disability and Religion: New Horizons for Research?”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion is a structured set of beliefs and practices concerning the divine, which shapes the theology and reflection on disability and illness. The interplay of religion provides insights into the nature of faith and spiritual experiences that inform how disabilities are perceived within communities.
2) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: #Pari#]
3) Spiritual:
Spiritual dimensions often intertwine with human experiences of disability, where individuals engage in practices like meditation and worship. This connection can provide a sense of fulfillment and support in confronting disabilities and illnesses through religious devotion and charity.
4) Priest:
Priests play a critical role in religious organizations, often influencing perceptions of disability through their theological teachings and practices. They serve as intermediaries who guide communities in their spiritual reflections on illness, health, and the importance of supporting the disabled.
5) Heart:
The heart symbolizes the emotional and spiritual center of human experience in many religions, impacting perceptions towards the ill and disabled. This symbol is vital in fostering compassion and charity within communities, aligning beliefs with actions towards those affected.
6) Monotheism:
Monotheism asserts belief in a single deity, shaping theological views on disability. Different monotheistic religions address how disabilities affect spiritual existence and moral implications, leading to a diverse range of interpretations and responses towards the disabled community.
7) Experience:
Experience is central to understanding how individuals with disabilities interact with their faith. Both personal struggles and communal narratives contribute to the development of knowledge regarding spiritual practices and the support structures surrounding disabilities.
8) Theology:
Theology encompasses the study of the divine and its relation to human experience, particularly concerning disabilities and illnesses. Through theological exploration, we can better understand how different religious frameworks influence the treatment and perception of those who are disabled.
9) Power:
Power dynamics within religious frameworks often dictate the treatment and experiences of disabled individuals. Religious leaders may possess the power to either uplift or marginalize those who are disabled based on their interpretations of sacred texts and communal beliefs.
10) Literature:
Literature serves as a reflection of cultural narratives about disabilities, providing insight into the social perceptions and theological implications surrounding them. Religious texts often shape beliefs about disability, influencing how communities view and treat the ill.
11) Reflection:
Reflection on the nature of disability within religious contexts can lead to deeper understanding and potential transformation in attitudes. This process often involves addressing stigma and cultivating a greater sense of compassion and charity towards disabled individuals.
12) Dimension:
The dimension of spirituality adds complexity to discussions about disabilities, inviting diverse perspectives on how illnesses and health are intertwined with religious practices. Analyzing these dimensions can reveal underlying beliefs about the human condition and divine intention.
13) Illness:
Illness is a critical theme in discussions about disability, often explored within religious contexts to derive meaning and significance. Many faith traditions address the causes, effects, and healing aspects of illness, which informs societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities.
14) Nature:
The nature of disabilities is often examined through religious lens, revealing beliefs about the origins and meanings of physical and mental conditions. Understanding this nature provides a framework for inclusion and acceptance within faith communities.
15) Recognition:
Recognition of disabilities in religious contexts involves acknowledging the unique experiences of the disabled. This entails addressing the social and theological implications of disability that often lead to exclusion or, conversely, to support and integration.
16) Charity:
Charity represents a core principle in many religious traditions, advocating for compassion and assistance towards those with disabilities. Religious doctrines often encourage acts of charity, promoting social responsibility and countering stigma against disabled individuals.
17) Magic:
[see source text or glossary: #Magic#]
18) Faith:
Faith is a profound aspect of religious life that influences how individuals facing disabilities perceive their experiences. It often provides a sense of hope and strength while fostering community support and spiritual practices that uplift the disabled.
19) Human:
The human experience of disability involves navigating societal perceptions and religious interpretations. Understanding the complexities of disability through a humanistic lens can help dismantle stigma and promote inclusivity within religious communities.
20) Food:
[see source text or glossary: #Food#]
21) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: #Lead#]
22) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to the process whereby exposure to disability within religious contexts reshapes personal and communal beliefs. This can lead to new understandings of spirituality and community responsibility towards those who are disabled.
23) Polytheism:
Polytheism offers diverse interpretations regarding disability, as various deities and their interactions may reflect differing views on health and impairment. This plurality enriches the discourse on how disabilities are understood across different faith traditions.
24) Possession:
[see source text or glossary: #Possession#]
25) Meditation:
Meditation is a spiritual practice that many people with disabilities may engage in for healing or reflection. It plays a significant role in various religious traditions, helping individuals cope with their realities and fostering inner peace.
26) Science (Scientific):
Scientific perspectives on disability can influence religious interpretations of illness and health. Religious communities may integrate scientific findings into their understanding of disabilities, creating a dialogue between faith and empirical knowledge.
27) Mythology:
Mythology provides narratives that often include representations of disability, shaping cultural perceptions of these conditions. The imagery found in myths can reflect societal attitudes towards the disabled, revealing both acceptance and stigmatization.
28) Knowledge:
Knowledge about disability is enriched within religious contexts, drawing from theological and experiential components. This knowledge shapes beliefs and frameworks that guide the treatment and support of individuals with disabilities.
29) Blindness:
Blindness serves as a critical metaphor in many religious traditions, symbolizing spiritual insight or moral failings. The discourse surrounding blindness can influence how disability and divine wisdom are perceived within different faiths.
30) Hunchback (Hunch-back):
The hunchbacked figure holds significance in mythology and religious symbolism, often representing resilience and the struggle against societal perceptions. Such representations can provide insights into broader attitudes towards disability within faith communities.
31) Existence:
Existence and the challenges faced by people with disabilities prompt theological reflection on the nature of suffering and divine intention. Engaging with these questions produces insights into the intersection of disability and religious belief.
32) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Buddhism offers distinct perspectives on disability, emphasizing mindfulness and compassion. Its teachings can provide meaningful insights into suffering and acceptance, enriching the dialogue on disabilities within diverse spiritual contexts.
33) Village:
The village often represents a microcosm of social dynamics surrounding disability, reflecting how community practices and religious beliefs influence the treatment of disabled individuals. This setting can reveal much about collective attitudes and support mechanisms.
34) Disease:
Disease is a recurrent theme in religious discourse about disability, often seen through lenses of spiritual testing or divine punishment. Understanding how various faiths interpret disease can illuminate societal responses toward individuals with disabilities.
35) Devotion (Devoted):
Devotion towards tackling issues related to disability is recognized in various religious communities through acts of service and support. This commitment demonstrates how faith can translate into tangible actions aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
36) Saman (Shaman):
Shamans often embody the intersection of spirituality and disability, utilizing unique experiences to connect with the supernatural. Their roles highlight the diverse responses to disability in various cultural and religious practices.
37) Health:
Health is a significant aspect of religious considerations of disability, impacting how communities engage with individuals facing physical and mental challenges. The notion of health often shapes the moral and spiritual imperatives within religious frameworks.
38) Valley:
[see source text or glossary: #Valley#]
39) Death:
Death poses profound questions about existence, suffering, and the afterlife within religious contexts. The narratives surrounding death directly impact how disabilities are perceived, often informing beliefs about suffering and the sanctity of life.
40) Image:
Image often reflects societal perceptions of disability, deeply entrenched in cultural myths and religious teachings. Analyzing these images enables a deeper understanding of the beliefs and attitudes towards the disabled community.
41) Realm:
[see source text or glossary: #Realm#]
42) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: #Tree#]
43) Cult:
Cult practices may incorporate beliefs about disability, providing community and support for individuals. These practices reflect how different faiths offer frameworks for addressing and accommodating disabilities within their rituals and social activities.
44) Buddhism And Christianity:
Buddhism and Christianity present unique intersections in their treatment and understanding of disability, highlighting how varied cultural contexts influence perceptions. This comparison enriches the dialogue on spirituality and moral responsibility towards the disabled.
45) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder is a crucial aspect of the discussion surrounding disability, often examined through religious frameworks that ascribe various meanings to these conditions. Understanding mental disorders within religious contexts can reveal broader societal attitudes and challenges.
46) Counter Image:
Counter images often arise in religious narratives, portraying the disabled in complex roles that challenge societal norms. These images can influence how communities engage with and perceive individuals facing disabilities.
47) Common People (Common Folk):
Common people play a vital role in the lived experiences of disability within religious contexts, ensuring that narratives around disability reflect reality. Their perspectives highlight the intersection of spirituality, stigma, and societal support.
48) Healthy man (Healthy person):
The concept of the healthy man often serves as a benchmark against which disabilities are measured. This perceived norm challenges how society includes or marginalizes individuals facing disabilities within spiritual and communal practices.
49) Four Ways:
[see source text or glossary: #Four Ways#]
50) Symbolization:
Symbolization involves interpreting disabilities through religious and cultural lenses, framing these experiences in ways that resonate with spiritual narratives. This process emphasizes the need for understanding the implications of disability within religious discourse.
51) Hephaestus:
Hephaestus, the Greek god of blacksmiths, exemplifies mythological representations of disability, showcasing how physical impairments can be associated with creative and divine qualities. His narrative provides an important commentary on societal views of disabled individuals.
52) Perception:
Perception shapes the understanding of disability in religious contexts, influencing how individuals interact with their faith and community. The lens through which disability is viewed can promote inclusivity or perpetuate stigma, affecting social dynamics.
53) Philosophy:
Philosophy engages with the fundamental questions surrounding disability and spirituality, prompting deeper exploration of ethical and existential issues. This exploration can inform how communities reconcile faith and the lived experiences of those with disabilities.
54) Pilgrimage:
Pilgrimage serves as both a physical and spiritual journey for many individuals with disabilities, offering moments of connection and community support. This practice illustrates the intersection of faith, health, and societal acceptance of disabilities.
55) Discipline:
[see source text or glossary: #Discipline#]
56) Withdrawal:
Withdrawal may occur when individuals with disabilities feel marginalized within religious communities, leading to isolation from spiritual support systems. Addressing this issue is essential to fostering inclusive and compassionate religious environments.
57) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice often features prominently in religious narratives about disability, symbolizing the challenges faced by individuals and the compassion engendered within communities. Understanding these sacrifices can deepen the dialogue on charity and support for the disabled.
58) Imagining:
[see source text or glossary: #Imagining#]
59) Greatness:
[see source text or glossary: #Greatness#]
60) Isolation:
Isolation experienced by individuals with disabilities often stems from societal perceptions and religious interpretations, which may exclude them from communal practices. Recognizing and addressing this isolation is crucial to fostering inclusive faith environments.
61) Imaginary:
The imaginary surrounding disability often comprises myths and misconceptions that can perpetuate stigma. Engaging with these narratives through religious and cultural lenses can lead to better understanding and social acceptance.
62) Demigods:
Demigods in mythology often embody characteristics that reflect societal views on disability, presenting a complex narrative about divine favor and human struggle. These figures can serve as a lens through which to analyze modern attitudes toward disabilities.
63) Painting:
Painting often captures the nuanced representations of disabilities within religious and cultural contexts, offering visual commentaries that shape societal perceptions. These artworks can reinforce or challenge prevailing narratives surrounding disabilities.
64) Deafness:
Deafness serves as a significant focal point in discussions about disability within faith traditions, prompting theological and social reflections on communication and inclusivity. Understanding deafness within these contexts enhances the dialogue on accessibility and belonging.
65) Radiance:
Radiance is often associated with spiritual enlightenment, which can be a source of inspiration for individuals with disabilities. This notion highlights how faith can illuminate the lives of those facing challenges, fostering resilience and community support.
66) Oedipus:
Oedipus, a figure in Greek mythology, represents themes of fate and suffering that resonate with discussions about disability. His story illustrates the complexities of human experience, particularly in the context of disability and its societal implications.
67) Leprosy:
Leprosy has historically been viewed through both social and religious lenses, shaping how communities engage with individuals affected by this condition. Understanding the religious narratives surrounding leprosy informs contemporary attitudes towards disabilities.
68) Feeling:
Feeling encompasses the emotional responses of individuals navigating disability within religious contexts. This emotional landscape can inform how communities provide support and foster compassion for those with disabilities.
69) Worship:
Worship practices often reflect attitudes towards disability, varying greatly between faith traditions. Understanding how worship integrates individuals with disabilities can reveal broader societal values regarding inclusion and support.
70) Passion:
Passion for advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals is often fueled by religious beliefs. This passion drives communities to promote accessibility and inclusivity within spiritual environments.
71) Trance:
Trance states experienced by shamans and spiritual healers can provide insights into the intersection of disability and religious healing practices. Understanding these experiences contributes to a broader discourse on spirituality and mental health.
72) Vaidya:
[see source text or glossary: #Vaidya#]
73) Wisdom:
Wisdom often emerges from the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, providing rich insights that inform religious teachings and practices. Recognizing this wisdom encourages a more inclusive approach to spiritual discourse.
74) Family:
The family unit plays a critical role in shaping the experiences of individuals with disabilities, directly influencing their access to religious teachings and communal support. Understanding family dynamics can illuminate broader religious practices surrounding disability.
75) Repair:
[see source text or glossary: #Repair#]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 101]