Disability In Religion

Words: 528
Pages: 3

In this weeks reading, the theme of disability in religion is shown to be a proven coping mechanism, however, it is also shown to not be inclusive of those that identify with being disabled or impaired. These themes are seen in the article, Jesus and People with Disabilities: Old Stories, New Approaches by Dr. Mary Ann McColl and Dr. Richard S. Ascough. McColl discusses how Christianity defines disability in scripture and victim theology. Much of the doctrine supported in the bible only shows disabled individuals that are healed instead of being happy with their identity as being disabled. However, religion works well as a coping mechanism for individuals with long-term impairments or disabilities because it helps create self-worth and with finding a new identity. The unique perspective of religion often lends positive thinking and adjustment for the individual struggling. Brick Johnstone, et al. in, Religion and disability: Clinical, research and training considerations for rehabilitation professionals, discusses the role of …show more content…
Johnstone, et al. found that religion promotes positive thinking and helps with self-worth in cases of individuals who newly identified with being disabled. For instance, Johnstone, et al. states, “…religious coping has been shown to add unique power to the prediction of positive adjustment for persons with disabilities after controlling for the effects of traditional coping strategies” (Johnstone 1156). While usual support would be peer/family advising, medication and counseling Johnstone, et al. discusses that there are three ways religion becomes a coping mechanism. Those three ways are spiritual religious support, clergy and congregational support and benevolent religious reframing (Johnstone). However, Johnstone et al., warns of negativity that can arise from a religious that does not always support or uses victim