Copious Hosting: A Theology of Access for People with Disabilities

Description

It is estimated that there are 43 million Americans with one or more physical or mental disabilities. Over the past several decades, the disability movement has grown in strength and sophistication, attaining maturity with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This landmark civil rights legislation ushered in a new era for people with disabilities.Many religious people, however well meaning, are unfamiliar with the language and philosophy of the disability movement. They unintentionally give offense by language and actions that reflect a by-gone era. This book aims to do two things: to acquaint church and synagogue leaders with the history and philosophy of the disability movement and to provide resources from scripture and theology for thinking and preaching about disability in a new way.

Jennie Weiss Block has been involved in the disability field as an advocate and a professional for over 25 years. She has Master's Degree in Business Administration and is currently completing a PhD in theology. She is the author of Project Neighborhood, dealing with community living for persons with disabilities.

"Copious Hosting smartly explores disability and theology in wonderfully contemporary terms. Jennie Weiss Block confesses not to speak for people with disabilities, acknowledging that she herself is not disabled; yet this thoroughly researched study masterfully examines the breadth and depth of the diverse disability community, relates this body of knowledge to sometimes conservative theological tenets, and provides an agenda for change and a rationale to support it."--John D. Kemp, attorney and nationally acclaimed keynote speaker on disability issues "Copious Hosting invites us to view the lives of disabled persons through the lens of dignity. We realize, through Jennie Block's sensitive and informative treatment, that the church sustains a tremendous void when it loses sight of the immeasurable contributions that are lost whenever disabled persons are denied full inclusion in the church. Jennie Block has provided the nondisabled population with a unique opportunity to listen and learn from those who best know the gifts and challenges of living with disabilities."--Rev. Sharon Austin, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church "Jennie Weiss Block offers not only a primer on the pastoral care of people with disabilities but a systematic theology of access and advocacy that draws on both David Tracy's method of critical correlation and Gustavo Gutierrez's theology of liberation. Moving from a critique of basic Christian "texts"-Scripture, liturgy, the sacraments she explores the vibrant Trinitarian roots of a new ecclesiology that sees the church as an inclusive 'model for accessible community."--Nathan D. Mitchell, associate director for research, Notre Dame Center for Pastoral Liturgy "Recommended, especially for libraries serving ministers, and those preparing for ministry." --Augustine J. Curley, Library Journal, March 2002 "Ms. Block is well equipped to write this book....I like the book. The writing is easy to understand and it offers both the context and a theology of disability. I rate this books as a 8.5 out of 10." --Thomas St. James O'Connor, ThD, Journal of Relilgion "Religious groups need remedial help on being inclusive of people with disabilities. This book is a good primer." - WATERwheel * Weavings *