Title | The De-institutionalization of Specialized Ministries: |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1994 |
Authors | Webb-Mitchell, B |
Journal Title | Journal of Religion in Disability & Rehabilitation |
Volume | 1 |
Pages | 47–52 |
ISSN | 1059-9258 |
Abstract | The modern world ushered in vast changes which shifted cultural values and power from the Church's mystical yet nurturing influence to the predictable assurances of scientific thought. The Church, in an effort to regain that lost ground, often emulated modern culture to the point of losing its distinctive position as guardian of the human spirit. One of the most fervent bastions of regard for the human person as worthy of value "just as they are" is, ironically, not the Church but the health care profession. There is a message to be noted here by such a culturally insecure Church. Health care workers often take the forefront in challenging society to be more inclusive of and redemptive toward persons who are broken, wounded, and mishapen-namely, persons with disabilities. The author calls for the Church to reclaim its role as Champion of the disenfranchised, in this instance, by embracing persons with disabilities as the valued and loving creation of God. |
URL | http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J445V01N01_05 |
DOI | 10.1300/J445V01N01_05 |
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