Part Six in the Uniquely Unique mini-series. We take stock of one more distinguishing feature of humans—the image of God. Part Five in the Uniquely unique mini-series. In the long history of searching for what makes humans special we have repeatedly caused great harm to our neighbors, both human and non-human. I am fragilely human, and I stare my fragile humanity in its face every single day. Yet, staring back at me is the face of God, full of grace and forgiveness. If Christ can be God risen from the dead and still hold in his body some level of blemish and brokenness, we have to question whether our visions of wholeness are really shaped by the Scriptures or by society.
Including the disability community in the wider discussion about diversity is not only important, it is also imperative. For the past twelve years, I have had the privilege to teach in the Bible Department at a prestigious Christian university. Most of my students have been raised in Christian homes and have attended conservative, Bible-believing churches all of their lives.
These students believe that they have a pretty solid understanding of what the image of God entails; at least they think they do until they encounter the world of disability. Disability creates a dissonance in their worldview that they are not expecting.
All of a sudden, what they thought they understood about the image of God comes crashing down like a house of cards. The image of God and disability just do not seem to go together. The following quotes come from the same students quoted at the beginning: What I came to realize is that since the disabled are people, they deserve life.
What is BioLogos? Subscribe Now What is BioLogos? All student quotes used by permission. Names are left out to protect student privacy.
She also holds a Ph. D in Ethics from the University of Southern California. Blog Post. By Liam Maguire. Podcast Episode. She has already lived longer than most others with this disease.
She has had a wide and heart-felt ministry to thousands of people by singing at events and giving her testimony see below. Recently, two of her Facebook friends who have EB died. They were in their early 20s.
We might live a little longer than Kourtney, but our bodies—yes, yours and mine—have built-in irreversible disabilities. Rather than struggling with our limitations and the aging process, we are blessed if we see ourselves as a part of a much bigger story. Blessed are those who, like Job, can worship God even in the most difficult of circumstances. Peace can only be found by accepting what God has allowed to come into our lives. Yes, we can take full advantage of modern medicine and the best of education and care.
We can strive to make life better for ourselves and those around us. But we must accept what we cannot change with the sure knowledge that our lot in life was chosen for us by God. Thankfully, disabilities are never permanent; the glory of a beautiful new body awaits all those who put their faith in Christ. In that day, all suffering will be redeemed. We believe that God is good and wise. And powerful. Such faith is more precious than gold. Believing in the existence of another world changes everything.
Want to be blessed by Kourtney? You can watch her story in the video below. Call Now. MoodyChurch Media. All of creation longs for redemption, for things to be made right.
Michael S. Beates DMin, Reformed Theological Seminary is the husband of Mary and father of seven children, one of whom lives with profound disabilities and two others who face challenges. Mike has served on the International Board of Directors at Joni and Friends since and has been involved in Christian ministry for 30 years. Mike has written more than 50 articles for publications such as Tabletalk magazine and the Orlando Sentinel and has contributed chapters to several books focusing on disabilities and hope.
Ryan Lister. What does it mean that God condescended in Christ and dwells with us through His Spirit? From the very beginning, Eden was not meant to be static; it was headed somewhere. Thomas R. Thomas Schreiner shares 10 important things you should know about the biblical covenants—the backbone of the biblical story. What is Christian ethics and what role should it play in the life of a believer?
Sign In. The fall affects every part of creation. Disability and the Gospel Michael S. Beates Exploring key Bible passages on brokenness and disability to develop helpful principles for believers and churches, this book teaches us to first embrace our own brokenness and then embrace those who are more physically broken. Schreiner July 17, Thomas Schreiner shares 10 important things you should know about the biblical covenants—the backbone of the biblical story.
The Life We Never Expected.
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