I recently had a conversation with a friend who was doing research on issues surrounding disability ministry. In the midst of the conversation he asked, "Do you think that disability is the result of the fall of man?' Well, he knows who I am. I am not a theologian or pastor, but just a person who reads his Bible and thinks a lot about disability issues. So on some level I am not sure what kind of a response he was expecting. But as I thought about it I responded in the only way I could think of.
"It doesn't matter" I replied.
That isn't the response a theologian wants. And sure, on many levels it is important to try to understand deep things. However, in terms of whether or not there is disability is a result of the fall of man, makes absolutely no difference relative to the way I interact with people with disabilities in my life. Obviously there are things that people have experienced resulting in disability that are very important to understand in order to come alongside of them to support them. Whether it is violence, disease or some form of emotional abuse, I want to be sensitive to a person's history. But it doesn't matter to me whether or not Adam's sin caused disability or didn't. His sin definitely led to the sinful world we all live in. My response to that is to ask, "How can I be made right with God?"
I do have an answer to that question. Romans 3:22 says, "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." This is the bigger answer that we need to have. This is also what we need to help everyone to understand, "no matter who we are."
McNair
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20 comments:
Your friend had a very interesting question and I believe that he was right to ask your opinion since you are somewhat of an expert on Church and disability. The Bible says in Exodus 20:5, “ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” This passage makes me believe that there may be some truth to people experiencing hard times, sickness etc because of the actions of their ancestors. I agree with you that it does not matter if disability is the result of Adam’s sin. What matters is how we treat individuals who “might” have a disability because of it. We are all God’s children. How we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ might end up affecting our own offspring and the generations who will come after us. I do believe that God is sometimes painted as the bad guy because He allows bad things to happen to good people but at the same time, I understand that He has made a compromise with all people that those that have faith will be blessed.
As I read through your blog post, I wondered what my response would have been to this question. When I first read the question that was proposed to you, my first reaction was that, "yes, disability is probably a result from Adam's first sin." So after reading what your response was, I felt a little bit of shock. I am not entirely why I was so shocked, because I agree with you. My youngest sister has a disability, but I have never thought that her disability was a direct result of sin. I just always knew that my family and myself had to accommodate her on a daily basis.
Reading your response to the question caused me to stop, and say, “yeah, it doesn’t and shouldn’t matter.” I have understood before that all have fallen short of the glory of God; however, when Jesus came to be a sacrifice for the world, He paid the price for all of our sins. Therefore, even if disability is a result from the original sin, it has been forgiven and no longer matters. I appreciated reading the sentiment, and realizing, that it does not matter. Everyone is deserving of God’s love, and to be treated fairly and justly.
I believe you are the right person to speak on this topic between the idea about the church and disability. I am going to reference something that you always bring up in class because it happens to be my favorite point you make and ultimately extremely true. All people are made in the image of God. So, whether someone possesses a disability or not, they mirror some form of God for us to see. Genesis 1:27-28 points to the fact that a person with a disability bears the same image of God as others do. Thus, they possess the same level or value in God’s eyes as regular people do. This is hard for many people to process since society has created this negative association with disability and linking it to sin. By embracing the viewpoint that all humans, disabled or not, are created as some form of God, then there should be no link made between sin and having a disability. Thus, society should recognize and embrace all disabilities within the church for this reason. It has become too common for people to view disability as a negative thing. We should find it in our hearts to embrace all human beings.
I absolutely agree with you that it does not matter if disability is the result of Adam's sin. Whether you're born with a disability due to a chromosomal/birth defect, family heredity, accident, etc...does not matter. It's all about helping the disabled feel welcome in our churches and getting to know them and making them feel wanted there and included. I have seen both the good, bad, and ugly in this area where some churches have been wonderfully inclusive of their disabled members and others who have ignored their disabled members. If we can't welcome and love all our neighbors, we are disabling ourselves from getting to know some beautiful people that just want to be loved and feel normal.
“It doesn't matter.”
In my eyes, I believe that this is the perfect response to the question your friend proposed to you. Although my experiences with individuals with disabilities have been very limited, I know that I should not see a disability and treat individuals any differently because of the disability they have. The times I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals with disabilities, I focus more on getting to know them, developing relationships and put an effort into not making them feel inferior to me, because they most definitely are not. Throughout my time in your course, I have learned how important inclusion and integration is for our friends with disabilities and I believe getting to know and developing relationships with them is the first step.
I also appreciate the point that you made to being sensitive to a person’s history and how they got their disability. That is extremely important because although I am trying to be the best support system and friend I can be, it all starts with understanding them and who they are. I cannot understand who I am befriending if I do not understand their experiences. So, I agree that we cannot be blind to their experiences and how they got where they are today. All we should do, although we are not limited to, is understand, listen, develop relationships, most importantly, care for our friends, “no matter who we are.” As the Bible says in John 13:34, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”
I absolutely agree with the point that you made. It does not matter if disability was a result of the sin of man because either way they should be treated equally and respectfully. I agree that the most important thing is to be sensitive to the person's history because one cannot know what they have gone through and being there and supporting them is sometimes the only thing the person needs. In order to understand a person and what they have gone through, it is important to befriend them and understand their story and who they have become. I like the phrase that you used "How can I be right with God." This makes me think of the question, "how can I love people who are seen as different or abnormal, the way that God sees them; as His loved children?" My goal with working with Special Needs is to love them as God loves them and not see their disability as a hinderance to helping them understand that God loves them for who they are; perfectly made in His image.
I myself have had questions asked similar to this, which lead me to feel as though this is a common thing in todays society, to try and find who is to blame for things that we do not understand. I agree with your response that it does not matter. It is my job to love thy neighbor, to forgive, and to spread His word. It is not my job to condemn or cast judgement and look for reasons as to why there is sin in the world. There are a plethora of ideas, or thoughts of what could be the reason for why things they way they are, but I personally feel that we should trust in God. Psalms 9:10 "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
I appreciate your post, and I enjoyed reading every bit of it. I loved your response, "it doesn't matter." This is a response that perfectly suits what Jesus said in John 9:1-3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him…” Scripture shares with us that we are all created to bring glory to God, and we each have a purpose. In the summer of 2019, I went to Taiwan to work with an organization called Taiwan sunshine. This specific organization ministers to children and families of children with disabilities. Through my experience, I learned that children with disabilities should not be treated any differently than children who do not have a disability. While reading the part where you stated, "Obviously, people have experienced things resulting in disability that is very important to understand to come alongside them to support them.” When I was in Taiwan, I served at a facility where individuals were in a vegetative state. Their disability resulted from a car accident, and each individual had a different story- Still, my interaction with each of them did not differ. I strongly believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. Jesus perfectly modeled the way to treat others with love no matter their background and differences. James 2 explains how favoritism is forbidden and shares how we shall treat everyoe equally.
THE MEEK are those who are gentle, humble, and unassuming, simple in faith and patient in the face of every affront. Imbued with the precepts of the gospel, they imitate the meekness of the Lord, who says, "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart."
Chromatius, Tractate on Matthew
We hear about this -- almost infamous -- line of the Bible quite often in pop culture, but how often does one really mull over its meaning? Christianity is a religion which, in its egalitarianism, grants even those most malfortunate among us the ability to seize the life they have and use it to the fullest of their capacity. Those war-torn and "beat upon" by the natural hierarchical forces can find salvation in Christianity and be assured that through their struggles in this realm, they will "inherit" the world in the next.
There is perhaps an interesting discussion to be had about what one commenter mentioned above -- that he/she believe there might be some "truth to people experiencing hard times, sickness etc because of the actions of their ancestors." In such cases, one cannot judge the individual based on the deeds of the father because, there is no "Greek, Jew" no "brother, sister" or "father" other than THE lord. That connection supersedes the others.
Romans 3:22 says, "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are."
Alongside my classes at CBU, I am also enrolled in vocation classes at my local church. We touched upon the “fall” of Adam, and because Adam did not want to give himself completely to God, we now live in a sinful world. I agree with your belief that disabilities are not a result of the “fall of man.” Several disabilities are caused by genetics, and others by accidents. However, God creates us in His image, we are a representation of God; this goes along with Romans 3:22. Many people with disabilities are among the most gifted. They are gifted in other ways that “abled” people are not. They are accepting and understanding of others around them, which is something I practice every day. To further understand people with disabilities we need to remember they were made in God’s image. There are passages in the Bible that touch upon the subject of people with disabilities and special needs. Through these passages it further implicates how able people with disabilities and special needs are. We need to offer them opportunities and help them to be a part of the community as they are meant to be in God’s image. By taking the opportunity to learn about their backgrounds and their interests we are integrating them into the community. We should treat each other as we would like to be treated and be kind to one another.
It does not matter…
This was a great response to what I believe could be considered an extremely rude or hurtful question.
Your answer was perfect. How you treat a person should not matter if they are created out of sin or not. We are all imperfect beings living in a sinful world. Kindness and respect should not come with conditions so no, it does not matter. Also, the most important thing should be how we are going to treat each other and support people who have disabilities.
That question causes more divisiveness instead of promotion inclusiveness. That is the last thing that the disabled community needs, especially coming from the church where they’re supposed to be all loving and show the love of Christ to other.
(Corrected)
It does not matter…
This was a great response to what I believe could be considered an extremely rude or hurtful question.
Your answer was perfect. How you treat a person should not matter if they are created out of sin or not. We are all imperfect beings living in a sinful world. Kindness and respect should not come with conditions so no, it does not matter. Also, the most important thing should be how we are going to treat each other and support people who have disabilities.
That question causes more divisiveness instead of promotion inclusiveness. That is the last thing that the disabled community needs, especially coming from the church where they’re supposed to be all loving and show the love of Christ to others.
I think it was great that you noted that you are sensitive to others backgrounds; that is key when building relationships and know how to genuinely help and support others. Personally, I have never heard of disabilities being created from sin and it blows my mind to think that others believe that. I’ve encountered so many people with disabilities who have the purest souls. I mentor a student with Down’s Syndrome and I am convinced that he is a walking angel. He exudes love and joy, you can definitely see God in him. I have a hard time believing this to be true.
This was an excellent and thought provoking post! Thanks for your insight.
Dr. McNair, your answer to the question did the fall of man cause disability is eye-opening. "It does not matter" it truly does not, regardless of what the answer may be, it is important to treat all disabled individuals with love and respect. With this being said, as you mentioned, it is important to understand one's background and where they came from. Understanding their background allows us to better aid them and care for them. The bible says that if we claim Jesus as our lord and savior, we have been saved. My heart and mind are at peace knowing that every individual who walks this earth has the choice to an eternal life with God.
Elaborating further on that idea, it is important that all who walk into the house of the Lord, our churches, feel welcome and accepted. When catering to those within the church who have disabilities it is essential to treat them as if they are anyone else who walks into those doors. Yes, modifications may be necessary, but those with disabilities are human as well. Rather than focusing on the biblical cause of why disabilities exist, as educators, we must acknowledge and accept the fact that disabilities are a part of education. We must better understand the disabilities and understand how to better assist those who live with them.
I really appreciate your post and enjoyed reading it. After reading your response, I took a moment to think about what I would say. I truly believe that I would have responded the same way, “It doesn’t matter”. Regardless of a disability and whether it was condemned on man due to punishment. All human beings should be treated with equal respect. We as people should be there to support and help those with disabilities grow rather than judge because we are no one to judge. God made us all different and He did that for a reason. God wants us to be there for those with disabilities and guide them to achieve their full potential. We are equal!
Acts 10:34
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality”
Those with disabilities should be able to live in a world where they don’t feel like they are different. They should feel accepted by everyone that is around and encouraged by those who can help. Developing friendships with people who have disabilities can be an eye opener for many and can help them to understand and respect those with disabilities.
John 9:2-7 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”. So he went and washed and came back seeing.
A disability is not a result of sin but rather God giving people the opportunity to glorify Him. I view sin as an act punishable by hell. “The wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23. Having a disability is not a curse from God or a punishment and there is nothing wrong with having a disability. I believe that all of us, in one way or another, are flawed. No one is perfect.
The way people treat the disabled is a microcosm of how people treat everything else. They want to look away, they do not care, and generally want to help but ultimately decide not to.
Perhaps I am being negative, however, I think people are generally selfish and tend to only care about their own affairs. They rationalize their selfishness by donating a dollar at McDonalds. They only care if it impacts them. So in a way, your friend is absolutely right. The way people treat the disability is a perfect example of the fall of mankind. People would would rather fawn over celebrities than help their neighbor or hold the door open for a stranger.
"Okay smart person, how do we fix it then?" There is no cure or drug for selfishness. However, we could all benefit from a little bit of knowledge. McNair's class has done just that. We can better prepare ourselves and learn about the necessities for disabled peoples. Some of those necessities may apply to our everyday life...
When I read your post I completely agreed. "It doesn't matter" is the correct response completely as God created us all intentionally and in the mirror of him. The fact of why or how disability was created is irrelevant because at the end of the day we are made in the image of him. God did not make any of us on accident or by mistake and to question or create doubt into why disability was created would be disrespectful to the thought that he put into creating each and every one of us. I think that when having doubts or questions like this we should always sit in the scripture of Psalm 139: 1-6 Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb, I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. What I love about this verse is that God creates all life purposefully and that life begins in the womb. So to go back to your point of "it doesn't matter" is completely correct. Because regardless of the why, God has a PURPOSE for all of us.
Disability being a consequence of the fall of man implies that disability or impairment is rooted in sinfulness. John 9:2-4, ” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him." Even though Dr. McNair states that it doesn't matter, we've still to say that all have sinned and fallen short. I've recently communicated to a friend of mine who has Down's; while he's limited in verbal communication he serves as an ordained minister for disabled people at his church. My friend helps raise awareness of how ministering and outreaching to the disabled community is a will of God-he and his mother/caretaker believe that, despite the worldly impairment, there are no spiritual limitations in this community. In a modern lens, God wanted spiritual equity-or else what does it mean that we are all remarkably and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)? Not to mention that all are made in God's image and likeness, He doesn't make mistakes. There is divine purpose willed since our formation in the womb, there is purpose in disability just the same. Exodus 4:11, "Then the LORD said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?'." God not only emphasizes the purpose He wills for His children, He authors and credits Himself for creating disability.
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is very eye-opening to have a conversation like this with the right person, especially with someone like you, who is so passionate about topics relating to church and disability. I appreciate your response. It does not matter whether or not disability is the effect of the fall of man because it cannot be changed. However, what can be changed is the way we treat people. Referring to Exodus 4:11, God made each and every one of his children with a purpose. With that verse in mind, we need to understand that it is okay not to understand why He created disabilities. We are not the all-knowing ones, He is. Our job is to treat every person with respect and kindness because we are all God’s children, and we are all created in His image. This is why it is so important to include people who have disabilities in the church. As followers of God, we need to set an example of what it means to show love to everyone. In no way does this mean showing pity on those who have disabilities, but to have a conversation with them instead and treat them like human beings.
I really appreciated your response to this question. I think it is much too easy for us to convolute the Bible because we are too preoccupied with a deeper meaning and a deeper theology. There is nothing wrong with desiring to know more about God, but sometimes we let that get carried away. When we start caring more about theology than the meaning behind God’s words and commands, there is an issue formed. We must make sure that we are placing all authority in God. It is easy for anyone to do, but I like that you addressed it the way you did. Whether or not disabilities were created as a result of the fall, it does not really matter. It is still up to us to continue being a source of love and care to those who have a disability. The way we respond to them should not change in the least. So why argue whether or not disabilities existed before the fall? This is a good reminder for me too. It is important to keep my eyes on God instead of getting hung up on the small and unnecessary details. This was a short posting, but one of my favorites.
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