8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Must Read, May 25, 2008
This review is from: Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality (Paperback)
Having a child with a disability myself, this book really hit home. While the authors son had more severe handicaps than what my son had to deal with, I could relate to the deep love that Reynolds has for his son and the discrimination that is experienced, even in the church.
Living with a child with a disability changes you. It makes you more compassionate towards others and less quick to judge. The author does a great job in arguing why the church should be the hands and feet of Jesus and have compassion on the "unlovely" and reach out the hand of fellowship to them.
I will be honest, this book is not a quick read. It is heavily footnote and the reader knows after the first few pages that it is written by a scholarly man. With that said, I still feel it is worth the read. You won't be disappointed and will be surprised at how much you learn.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valuable Practical Theology, July 6, 2009
This review is from: Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality (Paperback)
Thomas Reynolds imparts upon us an enthused and thought provoking volume of theology with regard to disability. He provides insights into our society's view of disability and makes us aware of the detrimental truth that our churches subscribe to the same belief. He has experienced discrimination secondarily through his son, whose numerous diagnoses of disability place him outside the "normal" social order. Reynolds' personal inspiration to question society's assumptions combines with his knowledgeable theological and social insights, resulting in a valuable contribution to our understanding of what it means to be human.
In Chapter One, Reynolds begins to explore social and theological thinking about disability. He notes specifically the dangers of labeling disability as tragic flaw or defect. He also points out that it is equally perilous to trivialize disability by glorifying it as beneficial suffering. He provides crucial groundwork here, communicating that disability is not an individual problem, but rather a socially constructed one, which society perpetuates by continuing to acknowledge these assumptions as concrete truth as well as by refusing to provide access to basic human rights for all people.
Following this basis for understanding, in Chapter Two, he critiques what he calls "the cult of normalcy," which functions socially in a community to define who is "normal" and who is simply not good enough. In order to be "normal," a person must meet an unquestioned set of criteria; possessing these attributes allows one properly to belong to a community. This "cult" defines wholeness in terms of ability, labeling people with disabilities as incomplete.
Continuing his critique of society's definition of "normal," in Chapter Three, Reynolds points out our illusory denial of our own vulnerability and mortality. We prefer to see ourselves not only as able, but also as invincible. In truth, however, we are only able to function and understand ourselves in a communal context; we need relationships in order to exist. What it means to be human is not getting ahead as an individual, but embracing our vulnerability and depending upon others for our common good. Reynolds reinforces this Christian ideal in Chapter Four. Faced with disability, we realize our humanity, our vulnerability. Our mutual vulnerability, he affirms, is the human weakness that allows us the privilege of interdependence, giving us the opportunity to pursue abundant life together.
In addition to this broad-spectrum contention, Chapters Five through Seven focus on particular theological issues appropriate to Trinitarian theology. First, he looks at God's relationship to creation (Five), and then he considers Jesus' redemption in humanity (Six). Finally, Chapter Seven culminates in a relational vision of the church, exemplary of the redemptive kingdom of God, living in mutually vulnerable inclusive communion.
Reynolds' goal for the church is indeed an honorable one. Unfortunately, it leaves the reader asking, "How can we put this into action?" The book dwells, for the most part, on a theoretical level, reaching out towards practicality with devotion-like examples. It simply does not effectively reach the functional level, but leaves this step for the reader to apply to his or her own context. It would be helpful to apply these insights systematically to a specific community setting in order to take the reader beyond "what to think," onward toward "what to do."
Regardless of this lack of concrete practicality, Reynolds writes an inspiring yet grounded work of theology. He speaks not only to those concerned with discrimination of people with disabilities, but to all of us. For a society, and a church, must be judged by its acceptance and inclusion of "the least of these," whether they are economically poor, intellectually slow, or physically hindered. This work is a valuable addition to any theologian and minister's shelf.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meeting the Challenge of "Normality" and "Disability" in the Church, August 7, 2008
This review is from: Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality (Paperback)
Thomas E. Reynolds is associate professor of theology at Emmanuel College in the Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto. In "Vulnerable Communion" Reynolds writes from personal experience and from a theological perspective in this deeply profound treatise on disability and hospitality within the contemporary church structure. Reynolds own son has been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, and bipolar disorder.
Reynolds' writing is passionate and informational. His study is well researched and documented. He draws from Biblical sources, pastoral tools and his own experience as the foundation for his work. In writing this book it is his hope that he will influence the thinking of the reader to better understand the importance of fostering hospitality in the church toward persons with disabilities.
"Vulnerable Communion" is a valuable resource for seminary students, theologians, church pastors, Christian leaders, and layman who recognize the need for blending personal vulnerabilities with the fundamental truth that those persons with physical disabilities are important members of the Body of Christ. Reynolds has a unique way of getting directly to the heart of the issue with compassion, which is produced from personal experience, from his observations and his comprehensive study.
Reynolds may be ahead of his time, but by introducing this need for a paradigm shift in the attitude in the church today he has opened the door to an important issue that needs to be considered by the emergent church. He is calling for a serious look at what is considered normalcy and disability in the theological approach prevalent in today's churches.
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