Redefining Perfect: The Interplay Between Theology and Disability

by Amy E. Jacober, Nick Palermo (Foreword)

Theology and disability have not always had an easy relationship. The interactions have ranged from downright hostile to indifferent or unintentionally excluding over the centuries. This theology book chooses instead to include those with disabilities after more than a decade of consideration and study. This results in a re-examination of major theological topics and the impact on the lives of those with disabilities, their family and friends, and the community at large.    The focus of the book is to move the church beyond welcome to inclusion--where those with disabilities move from a guest of the community to equal and valued member of the community. While the book is about the theological inclusion of those with disabilities, its implications reach far beyond. It sets an approach for all people to find a place where they too may live in the fullness of Christian community. Stories of personal encounters are blended with explanations of doctrinal perspectives giving the reader a chance to connect knowledge with wisdom born from real life experience. "Approaching the conclusion of her book, Jacober confesses she thought she was writing a book on theology and disability, only to discover that the focus on disability made her theology more faithful. I can only second that judgment by commending her book to be read not only for those concerned with disabilities, but for anyone who would think more faithfully about our theological commitments as Christians." --Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School "How might our all-too-human experience of disability in all of its variegatedness continue to shape, refine, and guide not just our thinking in general, but our deepest reflections and ideas about theology--even about God!? Redefining Perfect is effectively a re-systemization of the historical theological loci, albeit now brought into unexpected fullness and fruition by the perspectives of people with disabilities and their friends, family members, and caretakers. For each of these groups of persons surely, but also for all who wish to press more profoundly into important dimensions of life." --Amos Yong, Fuller Seminary, author of The Bible, Disability & the Church "Throughout her compelling book, Amy Jacober challenges prevailing notions of perfection and offers an alternative vision of where wholeness and flourishing can best be found. Drawing upon stories and Scripture, she asks us to adopt new postures and practices that fully affirm people with disabilities as indispensable members of the Body of Christ." --Erik Carter, Vanderbilt University "Redefining Perfect is a great introduction to many theological concepts addressing pastors and leaders. It would be a great resource for those new to disability issues who are just becoming acquainted with a theological understanding of disability, particularly in addressing many misconceptions. The book is filled with many helpful examples from Dr. Jacober's experience, particularly related to research she has done with families of individuals with disabilities. I love her description of perfection as being a complete community. That is a community that includes all people." --Jeff McNair, California Baptist University Amy Jacober is a founding member and Director of Academics for the Sonoran Theological Group in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the author of The Adolescent Journey (2011) and The Pastor's Guide to Youth Ministry (2006).

Genres: Theology, Disability

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2018

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Read

This is a beautiful book that touches not only the pursuit of wholeness in the community of those with disabilities, but also all who are seeking holiness in the being & relationship with God.

Since I was young, I struggled with Jesus’ words, “Be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” Amy Jacober sets a beautiful journey for all of us to explore together the pursuit of God’s perfection within the grace of his continuing redemptive work. We do not fulfill perfection individually but, discover pieces of it together while fulfilling our our identity’s of purpose as a united creation within the image of God.

Loved reading these thoughts of wisdom & look forward to sharing them with my community.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read (about 100 pages) but it is filled with good insight on the topic of theology and disabilities. The theology is solid and it has plenty to challenge us on how we see disability in the light of theology. It is definitely a good introduction to the topic and I highly recommend it.

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come to the field of disability and theology from kind of a strange place. The vast majority of the books in this discipline are written by people who are much more theologically liberal than I am. Naturally, that does cause me to disagree with a good deal of the theology contained within books of this genre.

This work is no different, but I want to divide my review into two parts. The first part is indeed the theological part. Some of the author's scriptural interpretations do not seem consistent to me, and some of her interpretations of sin do not quite sit right with me. As this is a book about theology and disability, that will naturally influence my perspective on this text.

The second part of my review consists of the practical portion of this work. On this point, I think the author is excellent. Clearly the author has worked with a wide variety of people with disabilities over her career, and I appreciated her first-hand accounts of accommodation. Beyond that, I appreciated her continuous emphasis on inclusion in the community of the church.

Consequently, I did enjoy this book. I found many things of value in that that would benefit church leadership as they consider how to make their ministries more inclusive of people with disabilities. At the same time, theologically, I am much more theologically conservative than the author, so there are definite potions of this work I would write differently if it was my book.

[Melanie Springer Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every Christian should read, but especially those who work in church leadership. Jacober argues compellingly that inclusion is far more than just making a building accessible and providing accessible parking; inclusion means recognizing the gifts people with disabilities can bring to a community and recognizing that those with disabilities should be part of our church communities in right, reciprocal relationships. I don't read much theology, but this seemed wholly accessible to me.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book and that makes it easier to read. It has truths to help to understand how to view disability but it was easy to read.

I read my copy with a highlighter in hand as I considered what was written. I have numerous quotes and thoughts after reading the book.

I find a spelling error on page 67.