Peculiar Discipleship: An Autistic Liberation Theology

by Williams

This is not a theology of neurodiversity. It is a theology from neurodiversity. In her ground-breaking and daring theological exploration, Claire Williams considers how the experience of God for an autistic person challenges and interrogates our normal theologies about knowing God. Demonstrating how her autistic perspective offers a distinct and fresh hermeneutical lens, Williams shows that a liberation theology of neurodiversity can gift the church a new way of understanding worship, practice, ethics and even the nature of Christian hope itself.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Theology

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

Reviews

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a growing number of works written by autistic theologians. This is a welcome addition to that small group. Claire Williams presents a theological perspective on autism that is accessible and engaging. Anyone interested in the intersection of autism and theology should read this book.

[Nik Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book is somewhat unusual. She is from the U.K. Given the sharp decline of the church in the U.K., just being a Christian in the U.K. is a bit out of the ordinary. She's also a Pentecostal, making her part of an even smaller minority in the U.K. context. But she writes from a liberation theology perspective and mentions favorably other liberation theologies, including queer theology. So she is a progressive Pentecostal Christian from the U.K. That is a combination I would not have imagined existing before reading this book. And she's also autistic.

The book is pretty good. A bit academic at times. But good.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book by an autistic theologian, with some challenging thoughts about inclusivity and belonging in church life. There are some sections where I wouldn't share the author's conclusions, but she succeeds in her aim of stimulating thought - and, hopefully, liberative action.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest and refreshing perspective on what an autistic theology would look like. While I myself am not a charismatic Christian, I appreciate Williams adding another voice to this new and emerging theological tradition, and I resonated with a lot of what she had to say.

[Abby Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute must read for anyone in ministry, theology, or simply the body of Christ. She writes clearly, boldly, and with conviction. Her voice is needed in the field and is truly a beautiful addition to liberation theology as a whole. Would highly recommend!!