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Of Such Is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability
Disability is not a boundary to holiness, because God is with us. But it can sometimes be an obstacle to full participation in the life of the Church, simply because many do not understand what is needed to help people with disabilities overcome any physical, mental, or interpersonal challenges they may face in church and in leading an Orthodox Christian life. This book addresses the question from theological, practical, and experiential perspectives, giving individuals and families with disabilities the opportunity to voice their needs and suggest some things the rest of us can do to make them welcome in the household of God.
About the Author: As an autistic mother rearing autistic children in the Faith, Summer Kinard knows firsthand many of the challenges of life with disabilities. She brings her extensive background in patristic theology and catechesis (B.A. in religion, M.Div., Th.M. in early church history and theology) to skillfully weave together the healing patterns of Holy Tradition with the daily patterns of life with disabilities. Summer has become acquainted with hundreds of Orthodox families with disabilities through sharing on her website the resources she has developed to make faith accessible to them. At a time when at least twenty percent of people live with disabilities and two percent are autistic, there is an urgent need to apply church teachings to questions about the care and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full members of Christ’s Body. Summer brings the grace, kindness, and insight of an experienced teacher and mother to begin answering those questions. Summer Kinard is a Greek Orthodox Christian in the Metropolis of Denver. She lives with her husband Andrew and five children in Texas.
About the Author: As an autistic mother rearing autistic children in the Faith, Summer Kinard knows firsthand many of the challenges of life with disabilities. She brings her extensive background in patristic theology and catechesis (B.A. in religion, M.Div., Th.M. in early church history and theology) to skillfully weave together the healing patterns of Holy Tradition with the daily patterns of life with disabilities. Summer has become acquainted with hundreds of Orthodox families with disabilities through sharing on her website the resources she has developed to make faith accessible to them. At a time when at least twenty percent of people live with disabilities and two percent are autistic, there is an urgent need to apply church teachings to questions about the care and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full members of Christ’s Body. Summer brings the grace, kindness, and insight of an experienced teacher and mother to begin answering those questions. Summer Kinard is a Greek Orthodox Christian in the Metropolis of Denver. She lives with her husband Andrew and five children in Texas.
296 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2019
18 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Summer Kinard
21 books45 followersAs an autistic mother rearing autistic children in the faith, Summer Kinard knows first-hand many of the challenges of life with disabilities. She brings her extensive background in patristic theology and catechesis (B.A. in religion, M.Div., Th.M. in early church history and theology) to skillfully weave together the healing patterns of holy tradition with the daily patterns of life with disabilities. Summer has become acquainted with hundreds of Orthodox families with disabilities through sharing on her website the resources she has developed that make faith accessible to families with disabilities. At a time when at least twenty percent of people live with disabilities and two percent are autistic, there is an urgent need to apply church teachings to questions about the care and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full members of Christ’s Body. Summer brings the grace, kindness, and insight of an experienced teacher and mother to begin answering those questions. Summer Kinard is a Greek Orthodox Christian in the Metropolis of Denver. She lives with her husband Andrew and five children in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 13, 2021
Practical, powerful, and poignant audiobook!
I could talk at length about this book, but I will try to keep it concise. Written thoughtfully, the chapters are easy to break down, and offer discussion questions. The author not only draws on her own experiences of living neurodivergent, she includes quotes and experiences from individuals who have a wide variety of differences or disabilities.
The narrator, Kristina Wenger, has read several audio Orthodox books I have listened to. She is easy to understand, warm, and handles even the numerous endnotes smoothly, a feat often made clunky by other narrators.
As a mother to a son who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and Generalized Sensory Disorder, we have been on quite the hunt for resources and support that are neither militant nor totally submissive to the whims of my child. This book time and again reminds us to see everyone who whole people, made in the image of God, and gives innumerable practical tips and ideas for how to welcome and include everyone in our churches. I cannot recommend it enough!
I could talk at length about this book, but I will try to keep it concise. Written thoughtfully, the chapters are easy to break down, and offer discussion questions. The author not only draws on her own experiences of living neurodivergent, she includes quotes and experiences from individuals who have a wide variety of differences or disabilities.
The narrator, Kristina Wenger, has read several audio Orthodox books I have listened to. She is easy to understand, warm, and handles even the numerous endnotes smoothly, a feat often made clunky by other narrators.
As a mother to a son who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and Generalized Sensory Disorder, we have been on quite the hunt for resources and support that are neither militant nor totally submissive to the whims of my child. This book time and again reminds us to see everyone who whole people, made in the image of God, and gives innumerable practical tips and ideas for how to welcome and include everyone in our churches. I cannot recommend it enough!
November 22, 2019
It’s impossible to separate my impression Of Such is the Kingdom from my experience of Summer Kinard. If you’re looking to skip the personal anecdote, skip to the third paragraph.
As a disabled Orthodox Christian, I’ve been following Summer Kinard and her work from the earliest weeks of my interest in Orthodoxy. I have a vivid memory of scouring the internet for any and all the resources that I could find for anxiety* from an Orthodox perspective. As a teenager, I had been publicly shamed in the local baptist church after I had trusted my youth pastor with the knowledge that I was sick and needed help, and consequently fallen away from Christ and into some downright dangerous alternatives. I wanted to believe that Orthodoxy was all-encompassing enough that there was room for me, too.
It was Summer’s resource for Patron Saints of Autism that struck me like a breath of fresh air: in a quick compilation of extraordinary men and women, I learned that it was not only okay to ask for help, but that I was strongly encouraged to - and that it wasn’t just the disabled that needed the Saints, but that everyone needs their help. I distinctly recall feeling radically human; I wasn’t an anomaly or a burden, and even if my understanding of God and salvation was so shattered that I couldn’t bear to pray to God, God still loved me enough to give me help. But of equal importance was the fact that someone understood, and instead of lecturing me on my unfaithfulness or my weakness, that someone gave a genuine gift to me in love and truth.
Summer met me where I was and gave me the tools I needed. Much the same can be said for her book, Of Such is the Kingdom. It’s concise, accessible, and beautiful. Her theology is perfect for the every-day Christian looking for a guide about how to better love the disabled members of their communities (and more concrete information on why it’s so important that they do), parents of disabled children seeking to better understand the salvific action of service and the role of patience in virtue, and disabled Christians that are seeking to better understand their role in the cosmos as a living image of God, perfect and whole, even as they are. It’s a beautiful place to start and an invigorating reminder for those in the thick of the mess or the pitch of battle.
As a disabled Orthodox Christian, I’ve been following Summer Kinard and her work from the earliest weeks of my interest in Orthodoxy. I have a vivid memory of scouring the internet for any and all the resources that I could find for anxiety* from an Orthodox perspective. As a teenager, I had been publicly shamed in the local baptist church after I had trusted my youth pastor with the knowledge that I was sick and needed help, and consequently fallen away from Christ and into some downright dangerous alternatives. I wanted to believe that Orthodoxy was all-encompassing enough that there was room for me, too.
It was Summer’s resource for Patron Saints of Autism that struck me like a breath of fresh air: in a quick compilation of extraordinary men and women, I learned that it was not only okay to ask for help, but that I was strongly encouraged to - and that it wasn’t just the disabled that needed the Saints, but that everyone needs their help. I distinctly recall feeling radically human; I wasn’t an anomaly or a burden, and even if my understanding of God and salvation was so shattered that I couldn’t bear to pray to God, God still loved me enough to give me help. But of equal importance was the fact that someone understood, and instead of lecturing me on my unfaithfulness or my weakness, that someone gave a genuine gift to me in love and truth.
Summer met me where I was and gave me the tools I needed. Much the same can be said for her book, Of Such is the Kingdom. It’s concise, accessible, and beautiful. Her theology is perfect for the every-day Christian looking for a guide about how to better love the disabled members of their communities (and more concrete information on why it’s so important that they do), parents of disabled children seeking to better understand the salvific action of service and the role of patience in virtue, and disabled Christians that are seeking to better understand their role in the cosmos as a living image of God, perfect and whole, even as they are. It’s a beautiful place to start and an invigorating reminder for those in the thick of the mess or the pitch of battle.
October 22, 2019
I had the great opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and it is a book we need for the church--every church--today.
Listen to this heart-rending fact: "many families with an autistic member stop going to church because there is no tangible mercy extended to them to help them attend."
No tangible mercy.
Granted, there may be good intentions, but Summer's book helps all of us understand and extend a tangible mercy to all members of the community, those with visible and those with invisible disabilities.
In the first chapter of my own book, Putting Joy into Practice, I share the story of one member of our church who has experienced tangible mercy, and is a blessing to our entire congregation. We would not be our church without him. How much more beauty and blessing would our churches experience if we were able to extend tangible mercy to all?
In Summer's words, "A person with a disability who comes to church is already living the resurrection life in foretaste spiritually, even though he still suffers weakness in body or mind."
Several years ago, when my husband's cousin with Down's Syndrome learned of his uncle's passing, he asked, "He died? He's in a coffin?" When we all soberly nodded our heads, he stood up and grabbed the candy platter, distributing a piece of candy to everyone in the room. He knew better than all of us that his uncle's repose was in the hope of the Resurrection.
Summer writes from both a strong theological grounding and a lifetime of experience with disability to share clear and practical ideas for a true welcoming of individuals and families in the church with disabilities. Everyone will benefit from this book, but I specifically learned a lot that I plan to share with my clergy husband and well as with fellow church servants and leaders.
Later this week I'll have a longer review of this book up on my blog, beingincommunity.com
Listen to this heart-rending fact: "many families with an autistic member stop going to church because there is no tangible mercy extended to them to help them attend."
No tangible mercy.
Granted, there may be good intentions, but Summer's book helps all of us understand and extend a tangible mercy to all members of the community, those with visible and those with invisible disabilities.
In the first chapter of my own book, Putting Joy into Practice, I share the story of one member of our church who has experienced tangible mercy, and is a blessing to our entire congregation. We would not be our church without him. How much more beauty and blessing would our churches experience if we were able to extend tangible mercy to all?
In Summer's words, "A person with a disability who comes to church is already living the resurrection life in foretaste spiritually, even though he still suffers weakness in body or mind."
Several years ago, when my husband's cousin with Down's Syndrome learned of his uncle's passing, he asked, "He died? He's in a coffin?" When we all soberly nodded our heads, he stood up and grabbed the candy platter, distributing a piece of candy to everyone in the room. He knew better than all of us that his uncle's repose was in the hope of the Resurrection.
Summer writes from both a strong theological grounding and a lifetime of experience with disability to share clear and practical ideas for a true welcoming of individuals and families in the church with disabilities. Everyone will benefit from this book, but I specifically learned a lot that I plan to share with my clergy husband and well as with fellow church servants and leaders.
Later this week I'll have a longer review of this book up on my blog, beingincommunity.com
January 29, 2021
A beautiful reminder that we are all God's creation and that healing, for persons with disabilities, doesn't mean they have to become like the rest of us, but that we all must be healed in the same way and become images of Christ; a practical guide which shows how amazingly useful the Christian Tradition can be for those who have difficulties understanding the Gospel, praying or participating in the church in general.
"We would prefer to deal with some people once they're already healed in the Resurrection and we have not considered that they are already holy in God's time.
We have failed to see the witness of persons with disabilities as they shine forth the truth that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
The works of God are made manifest in us when we as community imitate the Savior's love and humility in making space, teaching so that everyone can learn, practicing prayers that all can pray, ministering to one another and welcoming one another into fellowship as we welcome Christ."
"We would prefer to deal with some people once they're already healed in the Resurrection and we have not considered that they are already holy in God's time.
We have failed to see the witness of persons with disabilities as they shine forth the truth that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
The works of God are made manifest in us when we as community imitate the Savior's love and humility in making space, teaching so that everyone can learn, practicing prayers that all can pray, ministering to one another and welcoming one another into fellowship as we welcome Christ."
April 28, 2021
I had high hopes for reading (or rather listening to) this book. The sisterhood at my parish read it last year and discussed it via Zoom. I heard really good things, and expected to get a lot out of it as someone with a long-term disability that keeps me from working--and often attending church services!
I thought the author was spot on in calling our attention to disabilities in the church. I would guess my parish has more people with diabilities than average, and I've heard from many fellow parishoners about how hard it is to feel welcome at some churches. The author offers insight into the struggle these people face and gives practical suggestions for how to make worship more accessible. I also like how the author talks about people with disabilities as adding to the worship, not detracting.
I also really liked how the audiobook included all the endnotes! This made the listening experience much richer, and is something I haven't seen many publishers do with audiobooks. It worked really well for this book.
That said, I kept getting irked whenever the author said that disabilities are a gift from God for our salvation. The author talked briefly about privation theory to explain the existence of evil, but she didn't delve deeply into it or tie it back to the topic in a clear way. Instead, she repeated her view that disabilities are a gift, which I found an impossible view to reconcile with my own disability. To me, it's almost as bad as Calvinists saying that God created some people for eternal damnation for his glory.
I think maybe some of the trouble comes down to the nature of disabilities. The author shares that she personally has autism. Even though society might put us both in the "disabled" category, there's a big difference between physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities, and I could see how a book trying to speak to all of them would invariably end up offending someone!
Anyway, like I said, it was a mixed experience reading this book. If you are interested in this topic, either personally or because you want to be a better friend to those with disabilities, it's definitely a worthwhile read. I would just question some of the statements about where disabilities come from and what their purpose is.
I thought the author was spot on in calling our attention to disabilities in the church. I would guess my parish has more people with diabilities than average, and I've heard from many fellow parishoners about how hard it is to feel welcome at some churches. The author offers insight into the struggle these people face and gives practical suggestions for how to make worship more accessible. I also like how the author talks about people with disabilities as adding to the worship, not detracting.
I also really liked how the audiobook included all the endnotes! This made the listening experience much richer, and is something I haven't seen many publishers do with audiobooks. It worked really well for this book.
That said, I kept getting irked whenever the author said that disabilities are a gift from God for our salvation. The author talked briefly about privation theory to explain the existence of evil, but she didn't delve deeply into it or tie it back to the topic in a clear way. Instead, she repeated her view that disabilities are a gift, which I found an impossible view to reconcile with my own disability. To me, it's almost as bad as Calvinists saying that God created some people for eternal damnation for his glory.
I think maybe some of the trouble comes down to the nature of disabilities. The author shares that she personally has autism. Even though society might put us both in the "disabled" category, there's a big difference between physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities, and I could see how a book trying to speak to all of them would invariably end up offending someone!
Anyway, like I said, it was a mixed experience reading this book. If you are interested in this topic, either personally or because you want to be a better friend to those with disabilities, it's definitely a worthwhile read. I would just question some of the statements about where disabilities come from and what their purpose is.
April 16, 2021
I received a review copy of the audiobook for "Of Such Is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability" by Summer Kinard.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the early sections discussing how the Orthodox Church understands disability and the fact that God allows disabilities for the purpose of cultivating virtue. I found this part really encouraging to listen to. I felt like it even applied to my experience of infertility, which of course is the inability to do something that others can do and that a healthy body can do.
I had some concerns about the author's suggestions for accessible Church School curricula. I talked with my husband about it, because he has a type of muscular dystrophy that affects all his motor neurons and causes all his voluntary muscles to be weaker. Kinard's suggestions heavily emphasize hands-on activities for all students in order to accommodate students with brain-based disabilities. This is something that would actually exclude my husband. He said that, if he were a kid, he would try to avoid going to class because he would think, "Ugh, I get really tired from doing the physical activities they do in class!" and it would feel like another place where he doesn't really belong and can't do what other people are doing.
The book seems primarily geared toward families dealing with autism or other similar conditions. Kinard makes an effort to mention suggestions related to other disabilities, and she has some "spotlight" sections on particular issues, such as blindness. However, much of the book feels specifically applicable to those who have autism themselves or in their family or among their church community members. From the way the book was advertised, I expected it to be more generally applicable to people with all kinds of disabilities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book the most in the earlier sections, and as it went on, I felt less and less engaged. In the beginning I expected to be giving it a 5-star review, but by the end it had fallen to a 3-star review for me.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the early sections discussing how the Orthodox Church understands disability and the fact that God allows disabilities for the purpose of cultivating virtue. I found this part really encouraging to listen to. I felt like it even applied to my experience of infertility, which of course is the inability to do something that others can do and that a healthy body can do.
I had some concerns about the author's suggestions for accessible Church School curricula. I talked with my husband about it, because he has a type of muscular dystrophy that affects all his motor neurons and causes all his voluntary muscles to be weaker. Kinard's suggestions heavily emphasize hands-on activities for all students in order to accommodate students with brain-based disabilities. This is something that would actually exclude my husband. He said that, if he were a kid, he would try to avoid going to class because he would think, "Ugh, I get really tired from doing the physical activities they do in class!" and it would feel like another place where he doesn't really belong and can't do what other people are doing.
The book seems primarily geared toward families dealing with autism or other similar conditions. Kinard makes an effort to mention suggestions related to other disabilities, and she has some "spotlight" sections on particular issues, such as blindness. However, much of the book feels specifically applicable to those who have autism themselves or in their family or among their church community members. From the way the book was advertised, I expected it to be more generally applicable to people with all kinds of disabilities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book the most in the earlier sections, and as it went on, I felt less and less engaged. In the beginning I expected to be giving it a 5-star review, but by the end it had fallen to a 3-star review for me.
April 15, 2021
Of Such is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability by Summer Kinard is an excellent resource on how to not only be more understanding toward those with disabilities but also, on how to create an environment where those vital members can participate fully in the church life.
It is a difficult subject that is neglected in many spheres of life. How do we accommodate those whose experiences are different and we don’t understand? It is often not convenient and takes practice, but it is essential to create a full community. This book makes it clear that no person should be left out of a community when there are actions others can take to incorporate them in. It benefits everyone when members with disabilities are in the community.
Also, this book has good information on how humans (particularly children) best learn and interact. There are little things we can do to better engage ourselves and others in the faith. One section I know I will find particularly useful was on prayer practices.
Personally, now that I have listened to the audiobook I will buy a physical copy that I can refer to when needed. Audiobooks are great ways to make books more accessible, but there is enough useful information in this book that I know having a physical copy will make it easier to find again. The recording quality is good overall, but there is an occasional faint high-pitched sound that I could hear when listening in my car.
Overall, this book effectively tackles the difficult and important subject of disability in church life. It is truly humbling to see the shortfalls that are often present and we could all work toward moving past. There are many other discussions that need to be had on how to invite people in who may have difficulties incorporating into a church community, and this is an excellent start.
It is a difficult subject that is neglected in many spheres of life. How do we accommodate those whose experiences are different and we don’t understand? It is often not convenient and takes practice, but it is essential to create a full community. This book makes it clear that no person should be left out of a community when there are actions others can take to incorporate them in. It benefits everyone when members with disabilities are in the community.
Also, this book has good information on how humans (particularly children) best learn and interact. There are little things we can do to better engage ourselves and others in the faith. One section I know I will find particularly useful was on prayer practices.
Personally, now that I have listened to the audiobook I will buy a physical copy that I can refer to when needed. Audiobooks are great ways to make books more accessible, but there is enough useful information in this book that I know having a physical copy will make it easier to find again. The recording quality is good overall, but there is an occasional faint high-pitched sound that I could hear when listening in my car.
Overall, this book effectively tackles the difficult and important subject of disability in church life. It is truly humbling to see the shortfalls that are often present and we could all work toward moving past. There are many other discussions that need to be had on how to invite people in who may have difficulties incorporating into a church community, and this is an excellent start.
June 22, 2020
This is the first Orthodox Christian book to address the Church's incorporation of people with disabilities, and it addresses it extensively. First, a theological basis is briefly laid, in regard to participation in the Resurrection. Summer Kinard goes into great detail as to the full range of opportunities for ministry by persons with disabilities, as well as to how non-disabled people in the Church can welcome them. Practical, concrete ways to nurture children with disabilities abound, such as a prayer corner and the many, many simple means of learning the practices of the Faith and participating in Orthodox Christian worship through all the senses, such as felt candles, accessible icons attached to a string for wheelchair users, and of course the responsive gestures that are involved in the Church's worship, in the sanctuary and in the home. Accessibility, both physical and social, is discussed. Arrangements for people with allergies is addressed. The book covers the bases. Very hands-on, very practical! I expect this book to have a substantial impact in our Church. And the book would also be valuable to all that seek to honor Christ by loving the persons with disabilities in their midst.
March 29, 2021
"Of Such is the Kingdom" provides an eye opening view into the struggles many Orthodox Christians with disabilities face in parish life.
As someone without disabilities, I found this to be a valuable "inside look" at the crosses (seen and unseen) that many of our fellow Christians bear. Frequent patristic citations and relevant anecdotes work together in painting a picture of what an inclusive parish should look like.
From a practical point of view, this book lives up to its name. The chapters are divided into easily digestible segments, and include a recap / discussion questions to drive home key points. I was also impressed by the audiobook narrator's inclusion of the end notes without interrupting the overall flow of the narrative.
This book would work very well for a "book club" to start conversations within a parish. I would recommend this book to any Orthodox Christian looking for a fresh perspective on how to include all members of our parishes in community life.
As someone without disabilities, I found this to be a valuable "inside look" at the crosses (seen and unseen) that many of our fellow Christians bear. Frequent patristic citations and relevant anecdotes work together in painting a picture of what an inclusive parish should look like.
From a practical point of view, this book lives up to its name. The chapters are divided into easily digestible segments, and include a recap / discussion questions to drive home key points. I was also impressed by the audiobook narrator's inclusion of the end notes without interrupting the overall flow of the narrative.
This book would work very well for a "book club" to start conversations within a parish. I would recommend this book to any Orthodox Christian looking for a fresh perspective on how to include all members of our parishes in community life.
October 25, 2024
As soon as I discovered this book I immediately put off my current reads to quickly delve into this work.
This book should be in every parish library.
What a beautiful and wonderful gift the disabled are to the Church, and to humanity as a whole, they are essential and we can not ignore them. We are all children of God.
Much more could be said about this book but I want to leave a verse to ponder.
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:7 KJV
This book should be in every parish library.
What a beautiful and wonderful gift the disabled are to the Church, and to humanity as a whole, they are essential and we can not ignore them. We are all children of God.
Much more could be said about this book but I want to leave a verse to ponder.
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:7 KJV
December 29, 2023
Of Such is the Kingdom: A Theology of Disability by Summer Kinard (Ancient Faith Ministries) gives teachers, greeters, clergy, and any parishioner the tools in which to welcome people with seen and unseen disabilities into the Church, for surely of such is the kingdom of heaven. This includes personal stories from families with children who have a variety of disabilities and how they can be better welcomed in church community settings.
November 29, 2022
This is an extremely practical guide for churches to we welcome disabled people into their community. Although it is written specifically for Orthodox Churches, the content is applicable to churches of all traditions.
May 2, 2020
An excellent book on the theology of disability that focuses not only the theory but the practical and concrete ways to serve those with disabilities in our churches.
June 26, 2024
Written by an autistic mom of autistic children who teaches children in her own church. Very insightful.
December 9, 2024
Must-read for every Orthodox Christian!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews