LE3 .A278 2004

2004

Wilson, Jonathan

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

Christian theology is ambiguous regarding its pith; it is grounded in body language, yet gripped by epistemology. The creation of the world, the redemption of an enslaved people, and the incarnation of God in Jesus, all communicate a message of worth to embodied life. But this bodily message of worth has eroded in importance in the church. Presently the body is often seen as theologically insignificant, null and void, and perhaps at times even vile or depraved, and as inconsequential to the spiritual self. One result of this erosion has been the disregard of people with disabilities by the church. Unique embodiments challenge comfortable presuppositions regarding sin, theocentrism and strength. The anxiety of the church around this challenge has resulted in an annulment of sorts in any sort of body hermeneutic. The weak and defenseless amongst us have much to teach us about vulnerability, community and worship. Once the body is appreciated, accepted and loved, so too can people with disabilities and all they have to give. People with disabilities have much to offer a disembodied, ethereal church. God loves our bodies and desires us to love the image that is of Him. But most of all, He wants us to further our knowledge of truly becoming ourselves, and truly knowing Him.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3023