Word, Thought, Prayer: God’s works
WORD: “'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this happened so that the works of God might [Read More]
Word, Thought, Prayer: Small things
WORD: “Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.” (Mark 2:3, NIV) THOUGHT: It can be easy to believe that it is only remarkable and extraordinary [Read More]
Word, Thought, Prayer: True sight
One of the remarkable qualities about Jesus is that he truly sees the man or woman in need that he encounters. So often we pass by without seeing. To see in this way is not dependent on physical sight. It is to be known, to be respected, to be loved. May we, too, see those around us.
Word, Thought, Prayer: Justice Jesus-Style
WORD: “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not [Read More]
Word, Thought, Prayer: Ears to hear
We have a responsibility and opportunity to ‘speak up’ for those whose voices are not heard. We must ensure that we are listening, and lending our voice on behalf of those who need justice. In this we are not replacing others, but in getting to know those who are not heard they are able to speak with and through us.
Should we baptize people with intellectual disabilities?
No man, woman or child is an island, and we come to know faith through a community. It is this same community that welcomes us, by faith, through baptism.
Challenges to Personhood 3: Sociology
The Globe and Mail reported a recent Danish headline that reads “Plans to Make Denmark a Down syndrome-free perfect society”. In Denmark the discussion is taking place regarding aborting fetuses with Down Syndrome so their society will be “free of” such people around 2030.
Challenges to Personhood 2: Bioethics
Utilitarianism forms the backbone of Singer’s theories. For him, ethics and the question of personhood should be rooted in ‘quality of life’ rather than in hypothetical ideas about ‘sanctity’. Much of his thinking revolves around the question “can they suffer?” As such, animals and humans are placed on equal terms. For him the question is not between human and animal, but between ‘person’ and ‘non-person’.
Challenges to Personhood 1: Philosophy
One important idea that has been resonating in philosophical circles over the past two decades is a growing conversation regarding the difference between what is ‘human’ and who is a ‘person’. The ideas of what constitutes a ‘person’ are certainly not new. We find the roots of these controversial discussions in the writings of the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Many of the new ‘ideas’ are simply a repackaging of very old ones.
The Beauty and Pain of Disability (Faith Today)
Faith Today March/April 2013 (click here for the online issue) features three articles highlighting the topic of disability. I am excited that there has been a significant increase in theological research [Read More]