God Has Chosen This for You”- “Really?': A Pastoral and Theological Appraisal of This and Some Other Well-Known Clichés Used in Australia to Support People with Disabilities

The author explores and critiques some Australian quotations often used to purportedly comfort and support people with disabilities, their families and carers. It is contended that these “God is on your side” clichés are, at best, problematic, and, at worst, instill spiritual trauma upon the recipie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of religion, disability & health
Main Author: Calder, Andy (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge 2004
In: Journal of religion, disability & health
Further subjects:B Disability
B Theology
B Pastoral Care
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:The author explores and critiques some Australian quotations often used to purportedly comfort and support people with disabilities, their families and carers. It is contended that these “God is on your side” clichés are, at best, problematic, and, at worst, instill spiritual trauma upon the recipient, as they perpetuate a sense of victimhood and collusion by God in their suffering. In exploring some of the theology and Christian healing narratives which lie behind these clichés, alternative pastoral responses are proposed; such as companionship, nurture and listening within networks of support and friendship. The Australian verandah is used as a metaphor for the ‘in-between place’ where a range of vistas and perspectives, looking both within and beyond, may help to illuminate an appropriate pastoral response.
ISSN:1522-9122
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of religion, disability & health
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1300/J095v08n01_02