FA I T H A N D T H E A C A D E M Y: E N G A G I N G T H E C U LT U R E W I T H G R A C E A N D T R U T H
What does it mean to be made in the image of God? In his book, the Big Story: How the Bible Makes Sense of Life, Justin Buzzard asks and answer this very question. He writes,
"WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE IMAGE OF GOD? ONE WORD THAT EXPLAINS IT WELL IS ‘REPRESENTATIVE.’ AS IMAGES OF GOD, WE REPRESENT GOD ON EARTH. WE BEAR HIS IMAGE BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING OF HIM IN US."₁ When we take this definition, and move out with it, we can begin to see how it could impact disability interaction in Christian education. Oftentimes inclusive education within a Christian environment is couched under the auspices of “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Unconsciously, this divides the educational community into two groups where the disabled will always be seen as something less than their peers. In this scenario, they are after all, the least of these. However, if we move away from this perspective to one where the disabled are viewed through their true identity, as image bearers who have within them something of Him, those who are disabled are defined not by something less but by something greater. They are viewed and valued for what they share with their peers. They, like them, bear the image of God. If interaction with the disabled community would focus on the image of God in every human being, then two crucial movements could take place. First, there would be a movement from sympathy to empathy. Where sympathy says, “I feel sorry for you. How can I help?” Empathy says, “I want to know what you are going through. How can I walk in your shoes and cry your tears?” An empathetic disability ministry has at its core the true identity of every individual. The second movement is from association to friendship. Association with those who are disabled creates a relationship where the disabled individual is nothing more than a ministry project. A movement towards friendship is a voluntary relationship that focuses on coming alongside a disabled person instead of doing something on behalf of that same individual. This honest and vulnerable movement is a result of locating disability interaction primarily on the Imago Dei. A biblical understanding of the image of God is essential
to informing the church’s approach to individuals with disabilities. A comprehensive theological understanding of disability cultivated within the church should emphasize God’s sovereignty, goodness, and glory within these circumstances. When the church illustrates an empathetic and loving approach to both disabled and non-disabled individuals, the grace of Christ is all the more magnified.
Applying the Imago Dei Principle to Disabilities in the Church and Beyond In recognizing that we are made according to God’s image, the foundation for a biblical approach to disabilities has been set. From here, members of the church must then seek to care for all of those within the body of Christ— this includes a concerted intentionality in maintaining an awareness of disabilities and an understanding of the best practices for serving such individuals. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:26 “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” The model for approaching disabilities must involve this unity—enabled by God’s grace—which allows us to faithfully love and care for all of those in our midst within the church. Further, our presuppositions must recognize the sovereignty of God in disability. In John 9:1-3, after seeing a blind man, the disciples ask Christ, “‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him” As John Knight indicates, “To be clear, God's sovereignty doesn't mean he merely permits disability... He sovereignly intends it, both for his glory and for our good—"that the works of God might be displayed."2 Functioning from this vantage point, we are able to serve those with disabilities powered by the grace of God, knowing that their circumstances were ordained by him for his glory. Application of this biblical understanding of disabilities must be visible within our churches. In order to provide an empathetic model with which to care for church members with disabilities, ministry policies and procedures must account for the accommodation of disabilities across all age ranges. From a practical perspective, this may involve components like ensuring accessibility for those with physical handicaps, providing audio enhancers for those with hearing difficulties, or providing a separate viewing room for parents of children whose disabilities may prevent them from sitting still or being quiet for long periods of time.
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