Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality

by Thomas E. Reynolds

Publisher:

Brazos

, 2008

Overview

As parents of a son with disabilities, Thomas Reynolds and his wife know what it’s like to be misunderstood by a church community. In Vulnerable Communion, Reynolds draws upon that personal experience and a diverse body of literature to empower churches and individuals to foster deeper hospitality toward persons with disabilities. Reynolds shows that the Christian story is one of strength coming from weakness, of wholeness emerging from brokenness, and of power in vulnerability. Wholeness, he argues, comes not from self-sufficiency, but from the “genuinely inclusive communion” that results from sharing our humanity—including our lack of ability—with one another. Then, and only then, will we truly live in hospitality with one another and with people with disabilities. Reynolds offers valuable biblical, theological, and pastoral tools to understand and welcome those with disabilities. The book will be useful to academics, students, and pastors, as well as anyone touched by disability in some way. Readers will find penetrating examinations of the difficult questions of why God allows disability and what the church can learn from people with disabilities.

Product Details

• Title: Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality
• Author: Thomas E. Reynolds
• Publisher: Brazos
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: People with disabilities › Religious aspects--Christianity; Church work with people with disabilities
• ISBNs: 9781441226488, 9781587431777, 1441226486, 1587431777
• Resource ID: LLS:VLNRBLCMMNN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:38:23Z

About Thomas E. Reynolds

Recently joined the Emmanuel College faculty in 2007 as an Associate Professor of Theology, previously taught in the Religious Studies department at St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI). His research and teaching interests are in constructive theology (particularly the doctrine of God, pneumatology, and theological anthropology), contextual theologies, religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue, theological method, hermeneutics, and philosophical theology, but also includes topics related to disability studies, aesthetics, and the thought and influence of Friedrich Schleiermacher. He is currently working on a monograph entitled, Remembering Ourselves Differently: Theology in a Pluralist and Global Era, which explores the way memory, tradition, and the witness of faith are transformed in pluralistic and globalizing contexts. Tom is married and enjoys spending time with his family of four, playing jazz piano, listening to music of all kinds, biking, exercise, and nature in whatever way possible. Music runs deep in his life: while finishing his graduate degree he played music professionally in Nashville, TN. (particularly the and ) and also includes topics relate