Essay Sample on Breaking Barriers: Religion Working to Create Inclusion for the Disabled

Introduction

Disability is a condition that limits an individual from utilizing their full capacity. The majority are those with physical and mental states, which inhibits them from doing particular tasks. The disabled face a lot of challenges in society, including discrimination. This is because of their low contribution to the welfare of the community and, therefore, suffer stigmatization. Religion among other groups are, however, making efforts to bridge the gap between the disabled people and the healthy society by incorporating them and a better facility. The mediation between religion and disability is on how these religious communities and religious texts treat the disables. This paper aims to discuss Christianity and disability, with the main focus being on the 2019 summer institute on theology and disability.

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The 2019 summer institute on theology was held from 20th to 23rd May 2019 in Holland. The institute aims to bring together academicians, theologians, practitioners, and other groups of people to explore the intersection between faith and disabilities. Some of the things that the institute concentrated most on include the impact of disability on major theological disciplines. The institute also tried to identify how theology and practice mutually support one another. The professionals share the ideas to come up with different solutions on how to handle disability issues in society. The Institute starts with a Monday session, which is open for everyone, the three more days with presentations each day, tackling different topics.

One of the greatest lessons of the bible is the virtue of love. The book of Genesis 1: 27 says that God created man in his image and likeness, therefore, before his eyes, all men are equal. Through this, God sees us all be equal, irrespective of any physical appearance or mental condition. That is why people with disabilities should be treated as equals with all due respect to them. The Christian family has the responsibility of helping thee individuals bring out the best out of these individuals with disabilities. One of the topics tackled was titled, longing to belong. In many societies, people with disabilities experience stigmatization. They, therefore, feel that they are not wanted and don't belong. Through showing them love, as the Christian virtue, they are accepted into the family and find belonging. The bible in the book of first John 4: 7 exhorts Christians to love one another as love comes from God and is an indication that those who love are born of God.

One of the ways of giving these individuals a sense of belonging included incorporating them into the worship ministry of the church. This is because of the belief that the holy spirit gifts people differently, without discrimination based on physical and mental conditions. This participation gives them a sense of fullness since they contribute positively to those around them. They can even take leadership positions within these ministries and lead the rest hence giving them a sense of satisfaction.

People with disabilities also deserve respect from everyone since their disability does not make them human. The 2019 Summer institute, for example, had a topic on marriage and family with a disability. When one partner is disabled, this may affect the traditional roles and responsibilities of the person. However, it takes courage and the love of the other partner to support them in the marriage responsibilities. People from outside may tend to disrespect them, especially the normal one, being seen as a bad decision-maker. However, it still takes love, patience, and endurance to maintain the relationship.

There is also the introduction of the faith community for mental health. It utilizes the WISE technique, which stands for a welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and engaged; Welcoming ensures that individuals in the community accommodate those with mental disabilities. Inclusivity ensures they participate in most of the activities together with other healthy people. The ordinary people are also expected to be supportive of the people with disabilities in terms of their needs and requirements, household goods, and any other thing that they may require. Finally, everyone should be engaged in affairs that are geared towards the welfare of people with disabilities.

Therefore, every Christian is expected to act from love, as the bible requires, which is reflected in action. For example, marriages involved with disabilities have high rates of divorce. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Christians to encourage them and give them hope. The couple, as well as every other person, needs to hold on to the faith in Christ, which is the expression f the love of God. This way, all the challenges that people with disabilities face would significantly decrease. The other reason to reinforce this is the image of God, as presented in the bible, which reflects our being. The image of God in this context refers to his attributes, which makes him do all he does. Knowing that humans a remade in the image of God as per the creation account, then they are to exhibit the very same characteristics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disability is not a condition that makes one less of half a human being. People suffering from this very problem deserves to be loved and respected. This would call for patience and endurance to those handling them so that a conducive environment for all is created. The teachings of the bible would be the most important in it all.

Bibliography

Carroll, Robert, and Stephen Prickett, eds. The Bible: Authorized King James Version. OUP Oxford, 2008.Collaborative on Faith & Disabilities. "2019 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability May 20 - May 23." (2019)

Collaborative on Faith & Disabilities. "Summer Institute on Theology and Disability." (2019)

Collaborative on Faith & Disabilities. "Summer Institute on Theology and Disability 2019 Western Theological Seminary June 21-23 Morning and Afternoon Workshops." 2019

Version, New King James. "Holy Bible: New King James Version." Edinburgh: Thomas Nelson (2009).