The Perception of References to Disability in the Bible

Authors

  • Graeme Watts University of Sydney (retired)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/arsr.v25i1.27

Keywords:

disability, perspectives on disability, disability in the Bible

Abstract

Readers were invited to offer their perception of 42 brief extracts referring to disability drawn from the Bible. A total of 103 respondents, of whom approximately 20% had a permanent physical disability, completed this task. Overall, the responses indicated that only 39.3% of the selected extracts were regarded as projecting a favourable perception of the concept of disability. Respondents with a disability themselves reacted least favourably. Only mature age readers with a strong religious commitment responded against the general trend. The generally low level of favourable perception of these extracts relating to disability in the Bible suggests the need to exercise additional sensitivity in reference to such passages.

Author Biography

  • Graeme Watts, University of Sydney (retired)
    Graeme Watts retired from the University of Sydney after a career in teaching behavioural science and in full-time university administration. He subsequently undertook postgraduate studies in the Department of Studies in Religion developing a particular interest in spirituality and disability. He has been involved in support of people with a disability for over 30 years, primarily in the area of sport and recreation for athletes with a disability. He currently has a particular interest in community support for people with an intellectual disability and serves as a director of L’Arche Sydney.

Downloads

Published

2012-07-12

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Articles

License

Equinox Publishing Ltd.

How to Cite

Watts, G. (2012). The Perception of References to Disability in the Bible. Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, 25(1), 27-43. https://doi.org/10.1558/arsr.v25i1.27