Disability—“a physical or mental impairment that substantially affects an individual in experiencing life in ways that other people typically do.”
Major Types of Disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Mental/cognitive disabilities
- Emotional disabilities
- Developmental disabilities
- Learning disabilities
Disabilities in the Ancient World
Individuals with disabilities were viewed as:
- Cursed by the gods
- A burden to their family and society
- Inferior (“lesser”) people, not afforded the same privileges and status
- A means of entertainment
Disabilities in the Bible
Mephibosheth—2 Sam 9:1-13
Paralyzed man—Mark 2:1-12
Man with edema—Luke 14:1-15
The mission of the church is to give attention to the marginalized, the unloved, and the scorned—all those whom society would overlook or dismiss. Disabled individuals are just “differently abled” than others and need love, encouragement, and support. They need to experience the love and forgiveness of God, and we as the church are to be a tangible way they come to know the love of God in their lives.
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