Spirituality in the disability movement/liberation theology

wandering_chris

Good Evening,

I wanted to ask people what (if any) degree spirituality plays in disability rights in your view. My friend, who's Jewish takes inspiration from the fact Moses had a speech impediment, yet told a world leader where to go and lead slaves to freedom. As for Christianity, how have its views on disability changed, what about Islam too?

Also, is there any room for liberation theology in these and other belief systems that promote positive messages of disability?

Would like to know your thoughts on the role of spirituality in the disability rights movement.

wandering_chris

woodbine said:

I will from time to time discuss politics on here, but in my opinion it's not the place nor should it ever be the place to discuss religion.
Good evening.

I respect that, I just believe since disability rights encompass many peoples, creeds and traditions how can disabled liberation be incorporated into them?

Jimm_Alumni

I think religion can sometimes cause arguments. It's often something people hold very close to themselves if they are religious.

I think we can discuss it though, as long as we ensure to keep an open mind and to be respectful of each other.

Personally, I am not religious at all. So I am probably not the best person for thoughts on spirituality or liberation theory. What little I do know of liberation theory though, I do believe it would apply to disabled people. I would just be careful in making sure that it's a cooperative process, and not "disabled people being saved/helped by the non-disabled". 

wandering_chris

Jimm_Scope said:

I think religion can sometimes cause arguments. It's often something people hold very close to themselves if they are religious.

I think we can discuss it though, as long as we ensure to keep an open mind and to be respectful of each other.

Personally, I am not religious at all. So I am probably not the best person for thoughts on spirituality or liberation theory. What little I do know of liberation theory though, I do believe it would apply to disabled people. I would just be careful in making sure that it's a cooperative process, and not "disabled people being saved/helped by the non-disabled". 

Exactly, to be crystal clear I believe disabled people should see positive images of themselves in everything they do. The TV they watch, music they listen to, and if they practice a religion, in that too! Disabled kids need to see good, positive images to boost them up, something I didnt get @Jimm_Scope @woodbine please don't misunderstand me, I wanna see good images everywhere!

Jimm_Alumni

Ah, sorry @wandering_chris. I didn't think you thought that way! I just wanted to mention it's something that movements need to be wary of. I don't think I misunderstood you  

There can be a lot of different experiences of disability depending on what religion you are. As some religions say different things about disability. Most of course say you should treat them well, but that can be interpreted in different ways. 

It's an interesting topic Perhaps not one I can really give my own thoughts on given my lack of spirituality! But an interesting one nonetheless.

wandering_chris

Jimm_Scope said:

Ah, sorry @wandering_chris. I didn't think you thought that way! I just wanted to mention it's something that movements need to be wary of. I don't think I misunderstood you  

There can be a lot of different experiences of disability depending on what religion you are. As some religions say different things about disability. Most of course say you should treat them well, but that can be interpreted in different ways. 

It's an interesting topic Perhaps not one I can really give my own thoughts on given my lack of spirituality! But an interesting one nonetheless.

That's ok, as you said though, there can be a lot of different experiences of disability depending on what religion you are, and I believe every disabled person should see the good and potential they have in every part of the human experience.