People, Not Problems

by Merchant, Paul | Category: Disability And Dignity | Dec 1999

The Formula One motor racing successes of Frank Williams are world famous. In 1997 he won the Grand Prix Constructor's Championships for the ninth time. Whilst he enjoys international motor racing success, it may be a surprise to many to know that he uses a wheelchair. When competing for a Grand Prix, it is Frank Williams' expertise and skill which are crucial, not his disability. His example is a challenge for us to see disabled people as people first. This should be our attitude towards other people, famous or not, who also have disabilities.

On a global scale it is reckoned that there are 600 million disabled people. If they were in one nation that nation would be the third largest after China and India. In the UK one family in four is affected by disability. Recently, the British parliament passed a Disability Discrimination Act that upholds the rights of disabled people in various aspects of daily life.

Involved

During His life Jesus frequently chose the company of people with disabilities. He visited the Pool of Siloam and healed one of the many people lying around the pool. He deliberately went across the Sea of Galilee to meet the outcast called Legion. After the mountain top experience of transfiguration, He descends to the valley and responds to the need of the boy with epilepsy. Jesus showed special kindness by touching people who had leprosy. The parable of the good Samaritan exposes the distorted values of those who passed by the man in desperate need.

Jesus' teaching about hospitality is about positive discrimination towards those with disabilities, 'But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed (1). Jesus was breaking down barriers and challenging prejudice. He saw beyond the impairment to the person. His message was about receiving and accepting people as they are.

The prejudice and rejection often experienced by disabled people are reminiscent of what was felt for other reasons by the Servant of the Lord in the description of exclusion and oppression in Isaiah 53, 'He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men... (2).

Paul touches the theme in his letters to the churches of God. The God of the gospel reveals that His values are opposed to secular values: 'Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many of you were influential... God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong' (3). In Christ, everyone has equal worth, 'Here there is no Greek or Jew... slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all' (4).

Integrated

Throughout the Bible, God shows his concern for justice and for the rights of vulnerable people, whether in the nation of Israel or among His New Covenant people. The challenge is for churches of God today to be a witness to God's values. To integrate people rather than to exclude them.

Some practical ways to promote this could include provision of easy access to buildings in order to welcome rather than hinder those who need assistance. Many older Christians have a hearing impairment and benefit at churches that have installed 'hearing loop' systems. Jesus was an enthralling communicator and part of His success was to teach through vivid stories. This method is suitable for everyone and especially for adults with learning disabilities. Gatherings of Christians are where people should feel most accepted, and rather than being a problem, should be valued for their diversity rather than excluded because of their disability.

(1) Luke 14:13,14); (2) Is. 53:2,3; (3) 1 Cor. 1:26,27; (4) Col. 3:11.

Biblical references are from the NIV.

Merchant, Paul | Dec 1999
Disability And Dignity