Bible, Disability, and the Church

Discusses how the way Biblical texts are interpreted in regard to people with disabilities, and challenges churches to become more inclusive.

“Jeremy Schipper - Temple University "The first comprehensive biblical theology focused on disability. Through detailed readings of several key biblical texts, Yong invites academics and laypeople alike to reconsider many traditional interpretations of biblical literature. This provocative book presents a constructive theology that reminds us of the necessity for rigorous engagement with biblical scholarship in all future theological reflection on disability." Brian Brock - University of Aberdeen "This long-overdue biblical theology of disability is clearly the pinnacle of modern Christian attempts to reclaim texts that have often been seen as offensive to people with disabilities. Readable and winsome, it is just the book to open up disability issues for today's church." David F. Watson - United Theological Seminary "Amos Yong is one of the finest theologians working today, and he has produced a very accessible, well-reasoned, and sensitive volume on the ways in which our readings of Scripture come to bear on the lives of people with disabilities in the church. He helps us to perceive normate' biases in our traditions of interpretation and to read our sacred texts in new and life-giving ways." Theological Book Review "Yong's constructive biblical theology of disability is indispensable for both disability and theology studies." Christianity Today "Yong draws upon his theological training, his Pentecostal faith, and his experience as the older brother of Mark, who has Down syndrome, to form an insightful critique of the assumption that disability is inherently negative. . . . Yong's biblical exegesis and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter offer helpful starting points for a necessary conversation within the church." The Living Church "In this thought-provoking book, Amos Yong invites the reader to journey through the Bible from a disabilities perspective. . . . He directs this book toward a general audience without meaning to exclude professional theologians, and it is a useful resource for both. . . . Provides a refreshing look at the biblical text." Reviews in Religion and Theology "Yong approaches this issue of disability with both passion and compassion, and his readers and the churches they serve are in his debt. . . . He opens a space to read biblical texts in ways that empower rather than shame or blame the disabled. . . . Accessible for church groups and Sunday school classes." Interpretation "Yong has given life to the academic treatment of the Bible and disability, freed the biblical text from scholarly confinement, and returned it to the faith community and people with disabilities." Mennonite Brethren Herald "This book should be read by those preparing to serve in pastoral ministry and is a welcome addition to any pastor's library." Midwest Book Review "A fascinating and thought-provoking discussion of disabilities and Christianity, very much recommended." ”

Jeremy Schipper
- Temple University
"The first comprehensive biblical theology focused on disability. Through detailed readings of several key biblical texts, Yong invites academics and laypeople alike to reconsider many traditional interpretations of biblical literature. This provocative book presents a constructive theology that reminds us of the necessity for rigorous engagement with biblical scholarship in all future theological reflection on disability."

Brian Brock
- University of Aberdeen
"This long-overdue biblical theology of disability is clearly the pinnacle of modern Christian attempts to reclaim texts that have often been seen as offensive to people with disabilities. Readable and winsome, it is just the book to open up disability issues for today's church."

David F. Watson
- United Theological Seminary
"Amos Yong is one of the finest theologians working today, and he has produced a very accessible, well-reasoned, and sensitive volume on the ways in which our readings of Scripture come to bear on the lives of people with disabilities in the church. He helps us to perceive `normate' biases in our traditions of interpretation and to read our sacred texts in new and life-giving ways."

Theological Book Review
"Yong's constructive biblical theology of disability is indispensable for both disability and theology studies."

Christianity Today
"Yong draws upon his theological training, his Pentecostal faith, and his experience as the older brother of Mark, who has Down syndrome, to form an insightful critique of the assumption that disability is inherently negative. . . . Yong's biblical exegesis and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter offer helpful starting points for a necessary conversation within the church."

The Living Church
"In this thought-provoking book, Amos Yong invites the reader to journey through the Bible from a disabilities perspective. . . . He directs this book toward a general audience without meaning to exclude professional theologians, and it is a useful resource for both. . . . Provides a refreshing look at the biblical text."

Reviews in Religion and Theology
"Yong approaches this issue of disability with both passion and compassion, and his readers and the churches they serve are in his debt. . . . He opens a space to read biblical texts in ways that empower rather than shame or blame the disabled. . . . Accessible for church groups and Sunday school classes."

Interpretation
"Yong has given life to the academic treatment of the Bible and disability, freed the biblical text from scholarly confinement, and returned it to the faith community and people with disabilities."

Mennonite Brethren Herald
"This book should be read by those preparing to serve in pastoral ministry and is a welcome addition to any pastor's library."

Midwest Book Review
"A fascinating and thought-provoking discussion of disabilities and Christianity, very much recommended."

Amos Yong is Chief Academic Officer and professor of theology and mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. One of the most notable Pentecostal theologians writing today, Yong is the author and editor of more than four dozen books.

Discusses how the way Biblical texts are interpreted in regard to people with disabilities, and challenges churches to become more inclusive.

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