IFDC1220 – Disability, the Bible, and the Church

This course investigates how the contemporary church can better embrace individuals with disabilities by drawing on the Apostle Paul’s letters to the early church. Learners will explore how the early church approached disability, emphasizing that it should not be seen as a limitation. Instead, the church should approach disability with a biblical viewpoint, demonstrating that people with disabilities are valued and essential members of the church community. In this course, learners will examine how the challenges that Paul encountered in the early church mirror those faced by people with disabilities today. As you progress through this course, you’ll explore a range of case studies that showcase different perspectives, attitudes, and medical frameworks regarding the interpretation of disabled bodies. 

In addition to the Bible, learners will dive deeper into the topics by referring to these two required textbooks:

• Negotiating the Disabled Body: Representations of Disability in Early Christian Texts by Anna Rebecca Solevåg
• Reading Paul Through the Eyes of Disability: Practical Theological Implications for Inclusive Ministry by David W. Anderson

In addition to Blackboard requirements, 1 optional Zoom meeting will be held every other week at times determined with learner input. The meetings will not be recorded.

This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.

Pre-requisites for this class are IFDC1210

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