Studying Religion and Disability

Studying Religion and Disability introduces students to the many compelling and influential intersections between religion and disability. The early chapters offer introductions to the two fields—defining key terms and definitions, tracing their origins and evolutions, while also demonstrating some of the biases and baggage they bring. The organization of the later chapters is inspired by the formal, phenomenological, or “resemblance” approach to understanding religion, exposing students to different dimensions that all religions seem to have in common, such as practices or places, regardless of their specific content.

Featuring examples from a variety of religions, this book considers how these religions have intersected with a variety of disabilities across space and time. This book provokes thought and discussion around important questions, including how different disabilities are perceived, represented, and constructed in different dimensions of religion; how and why people with disabilities engage with religion; potential or documented barriers that religions present to disabled people; and opportunities and insights that result when each is viewed through the lens of the other. It will be essential reading for all students of Religion and Disability.