I’ve written previously on disability and the church. I argued, following Dr. John Swinton, that the image of God in humanity is not a matter of relational or rational capacity, emotional intelligence, nor bodily autonomy, neither knowing nor acting, but being known by God as a royal child of God (see John 1:12-13; 1 Cor 8:3; Gal 4:9). We are God’s children by birth and new birth, not by ability or capacity.
I’m so stunned and angered by the idea that death is better than autism. Granted, our child’s autism is mild compared to others, they are able to go to school and have a job and so on, but even if they were completely dependent on us I would still not believe that it would be better for them to be dead…! Our culture rejects life in so many ways.
I appreciate this post. For awhile I have struggled with the question of a theology of Alzheimers. Our faith is built and sustained by memory. We're admonished to "remember, remember, remember". What happens when we no longer are able to remember? This post today reminds that our position is not dependent on our capacity, but on God's gracious acceptance. Thanks!
I’m so stunned and angered by the idea that death is better than autism. Granted, our child’s autism is mild compared to others, they are able to go to school and have a job and so on, but even if they were completely dependent on us I would still not believe that it would be better for them to be dead…! Our culture rejects life in so many ways.
Lori, I know, it is frightening as it is inhumane.
As a person who is autistic and has 2 autistic grandchildren I was particularly blessed by this article!! Well said! Thank you!
Thanks Stan!
I appreciate this post. For awhile I have struggled with the question of a theology of Alzheimers. Our faith is built and sustained by memory. We're admonished to "remember, remember, remember". What happens when we no longer are able to remember? This post today reminds that our position is not dependent on our capacity, but on God's gracious acceptance. Thanks!