A disabled trinity: Help or hindrance to disability theology

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Abstract

Positing a ‘disabled God’ or disability as a ‘normal part of creation’ is a recurrent theme of contemporary disability theology.1 There are, however, theological challenges presented in these positions about how we are to understand disability in relation to God, and God in relation to disability. Does imputing normality of the ‘good’ creation into disability, or accepting, as the late theologian Nancy Eiesland proposed, that God is disabled, render disability divinely ordained?2 What consequences do these views hold for a doctrine of God? Does imputing disability into God’s being help or hinder theologies of disability? While exploring these challenges I will address the contemporary Trinitarian debate concerning the conflation or separation of the immanent and economic Trinity, and the implications for the traditionally conceived divine perfections of simplicity and self-sufficiency. By encouraging Christian scholars of disability to engage with these aspects of Trinitarian theology, I attempt to advance a truly abundant and life giving theology that addresses disability.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)50-64
Number of pages15
JournalSt. Mark's Review: A journal of Christian thought and opinion
Volume232
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2015

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