Towards a Theology of Disability Sport: A Misconstrued Game Plan
Effort devoted to exploring a theology of disability sport is not only misdirected but counterproductive to the interests of athletes with a disability. A theology of sport, in a generic sense, has emerged in the context of theologies addressing areas of specific interest and it is this expansive pr...
| Published in: | Journal of disability & religion |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis
2014
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| In: |
Journal of disability & religion
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| Further subjects: | B
theology of disability sport
B theology of sport B theology of disability |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | Effort devoted to exploring a theology of disability sport is not only misdirected but counterproductive to the interests of athletes with a disability. A theology of sport, in a generic sense, has emerged in the context of theologies addressing areas of specific interest and it is this expansive process that could promote a theology of disability sport. This prospect is not surprising, and is perhaps seen as being caring and inclusive. Athletes with a disability do need and deserve special attention, recognition and support. In general, people with a disability are often regarded as disadvantaged, sometimes as inferior, not only physically, but socially, and even spiritually. From a spiritual point of view, this reaction has led to disability being linked to moral imperfection, as a punishment for sin, as a test of faith, or as an opportunity for redemption through suffering (Eiesland & Saliers, 1998; Yong, 2011). In response to such concepts there have been calls to explore a theology of disability but this, and I think quite rightly, may be rejected in favor of an inclusive theology of humankind. To pursue a theology of disability sport is to reinforce a familiar reaction towards people with a disability. For the athletes involved, a theology of disability sport may not only be unwelcome but unintentionally discriminatory. |
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| ISSN: | 2331-253X |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of disability & religion
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/15228967.2014.868995 |