Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness (Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability)

William Gaventa's book is a thought provoking, insightful read. My thoughts have returned to it often in the months since I completed it.In the world of theology and disability, Gaventa raises a bigger tent. He covers models of spiritually and human development right from seminary and expands upon them, citing new authors, research, and voices from the disabilities community. This is refreshing.Gaventa smashes stereotypes, especially in areas of language, aging, accessibility, and developing authentic friendships in faith communities. He correctly observes over a lifetime of work in the disabilities community that all people are God's own, complete with gifts and talents that can transform daring faith communities from a mindset of mission giving to vessels of grace and love.This book urges all to cast our nets wider, embracing the Spirit that resides in every individual. Citing new models and expanding traditional definitions more broadly, Gaventa uses kind antidotes to support his conclusions.I believe this is a must read book for the daring, lay and clergy alike, who seek to know God more clearly and to love our neighbors more completely.

There are few people, if any, with the perspective and understanding gained from more than 30 years’ experience in the faith and disability field that could write this book. In Disability and Spirituality, Recovering Wholeness, Rev. Gaventa thoroughly leads the reader through the important tenants that link disability and spirituality. From the experience of the family affected by disability to the challenges of self-advocates, the response of congregations and the theological perspective behind it all, Gaventa’s book is an important and necessary resource. His experience and perspective as a member of the clergy and in the disability service field provide the reader with a comprehensive picture to aid in developing both successful disability ministries in faith communities and innovative, thoughtful spiritual supports for those affected by disability.“Inclusive and accessible congregations often focus on architectural accommodations to their buildings, with special attention to the sacred spaces for worship, the sanctuaries. But “sanctuary” first implied and means a safe place….When everyone feels welcome, it enhances that sense of sanctuary for all.”Page 278

Bill Gaventa's "Disability and Spirituality" provides something that has been missing. It opens up a way of starting a generous conversation about spirituality in contexts where people caring for those with disabilities are not used to religious or spiritual talk. At the same time, because it is based in Bill's long experience as a Christian chaplain, it doesn't drift into generalities. A really useful resource for anyone trying to have that conversation.