The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger

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Do people with mental retardation have a special prophetic role? In the field of developmental disabilities, Wolf Wolfensberger is famous for his seminal book Normalization. But Wolfensberger is also a theologian, and the two strands of his thought are inextricable. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger showcases his theories on the spiritual meaning of mental retardation and other... Read more

Do people with mental retardation have a special prophetic role?

In the field of developmental disabilities, Wolf Wolfensberger is famous for his seminal book Normalization. But Wolfensberger is also a theologian, and the two strands of his thought are inextricable. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger showcases his theories on the spiritual meaning of mental retardation and other disabilities.

Up until now, Wolfensberger's work has been available only in small, hard-to-find publications, mostly in the field of human services. Thus his theological perspectives have not yet been heard in many religious circles. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger brings together his essays and presentations from the past thirty years, giving the reader a unique pathway into his pioneering ideas on the spiritual implications of developmental disabilities. In addition, the volume includes critiques of his thought by several noted scholars and practitioners, along with Wolfensberger's response to those critiques.

The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger expresses powerful opinions, some outrageous, all courageous. You will find yourself intently engaged with his provocative theories, including:

why installing wheelchair access ramps may actually block full participation of the handicapped in the life of the church
how the “deathmaking” culture of the modern world prevents Christians from understanding the meaning of suffering
why people with mental retardation are the prophets of our times
why most Christians ignore the powerful Biblical call to communality
which special gifts of grace people with mental retardation may possess
how handicapped and societally devalued patients can be protected from the neglect (or worse) of hospital staff

The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger is challenging, inspiring, and sometimes infuriating. It is bound to stir up controversy among health care professionals, disability advocates, and anyone concerned with spiritual matters. You may not agree with Wolfensberger, as some of the contributors to this volume do not, but he will make you think . . . hard.

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Preface
A Note of Appreciation
INTRODUCTION
Wolf Wolfensberger: Scholar, Change Agent, and Iconoclast
THE THEOLOGICAL PAPERS OF WOLF WOLFENSBERGER
The Prophetic Voice and Presence of Mentally Retarded People in the World Today
An Attempt Toward a Theology of Social Integration of Devalued/Handicapped People
An Attempt to Gain a Better Understanding from a Christian Perspective of What “Mental Retardation” Is
How We Carry the Ministry with Handicapped Persons to the Parish Level
The Most Urgent Issues Facing Us as Christians Concerned with Handicapped Persons Today
The Good Life for Mentally Retarded Persons
The Normative Lack of Christian Communality in Local Congregations as the Central Obstacle to a Proper Relationship with Needy Members
RESPONDERS
A Chaplain's Response
The Works of Wolf Wolfensberger
A Perspective on the Work of Wolf Wolfensberger
BOOK REVIEW
WOLF WOLFENSBERGER RESPONDS
Response to the Responders
Index
Reference Notes Included

Author(s)

Biography

William C Gaventa, David Coulter

The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger

Description

Table of Contents

Author(s)

Biography

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