Content

This unit will address theological, liturgical, ethical and pastoral care issues associated with ministry with people with disabilities. Issues of inclusion in faith communities and community-based settings will be explored. Participants will also examine access (attitudes, friendship, legislation, rights, communications and architecture), to gain deeper understanding of resistance to inclusion. Scripture will be examined as a means of reflection on contemporary theological-pastoral issues pertaining to disability. The relationship between faith and healing, from both a personal and social perspective, and emerging theologies about disability will be explored. A site visit will be part of the unit.

Unit code: DP9012P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically reflect on perspectives relating to theology and disability.

2.

Identify and describe issues relevant to effective pastoral care and ministry with people with disabilities.

3.

Articulate new learning which enhances the practice of pastoral care with people with disabilities.

4.

Facilitate dialogue and practical responses within faith settings and society.

5.

Critically apply theological and pastoral reflections and contemporary research to articulate new understandings which integrate theory and practice.

Unit sequence

Prerequisite one foundational unit (15 points) in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Pedagogy

The subject will utilize a range of teaching methods: didactic, visiting presenters, personal perspectives, discussion groups, journal writing and reflection, a site visit, selected readings and audio-visual mediums. Students will form learning groups where there are shared areas of interest.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brock, B. & Swinton, J. (eds). Disability in the Christian Tradition: A Reader. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdmans, 2012.
  • Calder, A, and Newell, C. (eds). Voices in Disability and Spirituality from the Land Down Under. New York: Haworth Press, 2004.
  • Carter, E. Including people with Disabilities in Communities of faith: A Guide for Service Providers, Families and Congregations. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing, 2007.
  • Edmonds, M. A Theological Diagnosis: A new Direction on Genetic Therapy, Disability and the Ethics of Healing. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2011.
  • Eiesland, N. and Saliers, D. (eds). Human Disability and the Service of God. Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1998.
  • Gaventa, W. Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness. Waco, Texas, Baylor University Press, 2018.
  • Melcher, S.J. Parsons M.K. and Yong A. (eds). The Bible and Disability: A Commentary. Waco, Texas, Baylor University Press, 2017.
  • Newell, C. (ed). Exclusion and Embrace – conversations about Spirituality and Disability. UnitingCare Victoria, 2001.
  • Pinsky, M.I. Amazing Gifts: Stories of Faith, Disability and Inclusion. Vancouver: The Alban Institute, 2012.
  • Reinders, H. Receiving the gift of Friendship: Profound Disability, Theological Anthropology and Ethics. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 2008.
  • Reynolds, T. Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2007.
  • Shurley, A.K. Pastoral Care and intellectual Disabilty: A Person-centred approach*. Waco, Texas, Baylor University Press, 2017.
  • Yong, A. The Bible, Disability, and the Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdmans, 2011.

Periodicals:

  • * Perspectives on Disability*. St Mark's Review. No. 232 July 2015 (2).
  • * Journal of Disability and Religion*, Taylor and Francis.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Research essay – 3000 words

3000 50.0
Essay

Book review – 1500 words

1500 25.0
Journal

Reflective Journal - 1500 words

1500 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 5 Sep, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2019-06-21 11:45:22 +1000