For When I Am Weak the Christian Church Reimagined through the Life of a Disabled Child

Abstract

A father of a child with a genetic disorder shares a series of experiences raising a child with a disability, and then presents theological reflections on the way these lived moments might inform the Christian church’s posture within culture. Embracing a life of “disability” forces one to recognize strengths which are needed in, but not valued by, surrounding society. This realignment in perspective offers a new vision of life and values. Supplanting old values with new provides the opportunity to engage the world in unanticipated ways, opening the door to share stories and reframe experiences in healing ways. The revolution in worldview that comes from engaging in an “atypical” life opens one’s eyes to the power of small, often overlooked, victories.

Keywords:

• Christianity
• church life
• church praxis
• disability theology
• ecclesiology
• religion and culture

Notes

1 Wilson credits this model to Bill Fuller, a former colleague. However, in my research, including personal correspondence with Wilson, it appears Fuller never published the model himself.

2 An idea not only tenuous in probability, but in the likelihood that such an event would end in any sort of way pleasing to American evangelicals.