Being in encounter : toward a post-critical theology of knowledge of God for persons with intellectual disabilities : with special reference to Karl Barth's 'Church dogmatics' III:2
Abstract
This study is an exercise in understanding both doctrinally and pastorally the nature of
knowledge of God for persons with intellectual disabilities. Its central question is:
“How might one know the Word of God without words?” At present, no extended
theological systematical consideration has taken place of this question, and confusion
arguably exists in the church and wider disability circles as to if/how persons with
high support needs, such as intellectual disability, should be afforded pastoral care.
This study addresses this need in dialogue with Karl Barth’s theological insights, and
by developing an account of knowledge of God for persons with intellectual
disabilities that is at once theologically informed and pastorally effective.
In the last thirty years theological reflection considered in light of the situation of
disability has seen tremendous growth and change, as the discipline has budded and
blossomed. In particular, theologians of disability have reflected on the significance of
disability in relation to the Christian doctrines of creation, anthropology, Christology,
the imago Dei, ecclesiology and eschatology, amongst others, with rich and varied
results. Similarly, this project suggests that consideration of the doctrine of revelation
and the discipline of pastoral care in light of the situation of intellectual disability will
yield unique and valuable outcomes for the disability community, but also for the
wider church. Karl Barth will be the primary dialogue partner in these preparatory,
theological stages. His thought regarding the incarnation of the Word in various forms,
perhaps surprisingly, opens new avenues for our reflection. By engaging Barth’s
theological anthropology as well as his theology of co-humanity of being with others
in encounter, this project aims to demonstrate that knowledge of God is possible for all
persons of all abilities.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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