Disability Studies and Biblical Literature - by C Moss & J Schipper (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Since the emergence of disability studies over the last several decades, disability theorists have often settled for sweeping generalizations about "biblical" notions of disability. Yet, academic or critical biblical scholarship has shown that many texts involving disability in the Bible is much more nuanced than a casual reading or isolated proof texting may indicate. A primary goal of this volume is to familiarize a wide audience, including advanced students, scholars, clergy, and interested lay readers, with research on disability and the Bible done by scholars who specialize in biblical studies.

Review Quotes

'This book assembles an impressive array of scholars whose collective work changes the terrain of disability studies and biblical scholarship. Adding nuance and deep expertise to the discourse, Disability Studies and Biblical Literature shows us how superficial and general has been much of the previous discussion of religious attitudes toward people with disabilities in the western world. Focusing on the heterogeneity of individual biblical texts, as well as complex cultural and historical factors, these scholars give us a multifaceted understanding of the ways the ancient world saw disability through its textual representation.' - Lennard Davis, Distinguished Professor of English, University of Illinois at Chicago

'In this valuable volume, Biblical scholars introduce critical nuance to the reading of sacred texts of the Hebrew and Christian testaments by working with social and cultural models of disability. The authors refuse to hide disability behind presumably greater or more important spiritual truths. They break through ideological uses of 'disability, ' including that sensibility which insists spiritual insight is more valuable than material experience. Persons living with disabilities may finally be recognized as resident actors in these texts.' - Sharon V. Betcher, author of Spirit and the Politics of Disablement

'The editors of this timely collection, which brings together high quality Biblical studies and an issue of central importance to oursociety, are to be commended for this pioneering and necessary initiative.' - Christopher Rowland, Dean Ireland's Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, Queen's College, Oxford University

About the Author

Author Candida R. Moss: Candida R. Moss is a professor of New Testament and Early Christianity in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame