Human Difference: Reflections on a Life in Proximity to Disability

by Andrew Barron, Ephraim Radner (foreword)

Living in proximity to human disability, with a son who has Down Syndrome, Andrew Barron has come to understand that not only do we live in a world of human difference, but that God wants us to live in this kind of world, for our own flourishing. Human Difference is an extended meditation on that experience and a reflection on the nature of human care and hospitality. Barron seeks to understand and embrace the uncertainty that comes with living in proximity to difference and disability and reflects on how we might better cope with and ultimately be enriched by its ambiguity. He undertakes a new approach to we must be ready to venture into uncomfortable territory, to “put out into the deep water” and to actively seek out an intimate and open closeness with difference and disability.

Genres: Disability

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Isaiah Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review forthcoming in the Canadian-American Theological Review.

[Jon Coutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are risks to this, but Barron shares what he has learned from his son Rafi with a dignity and honesty that will be helpful for a lot of people. This is a humane and compelling intro to the questions and insights of disability theology.

[Susan Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Barron has written a book that is well-researched, Biblical and thought-provoking while remaining grounded in personal experience which makes it accessible and relevant.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, honest, compassionate.