Volume 86, Issue 1

Dis/ability Studies have found their way into Bible Studies in recent years. In particular, the cultural model of Dis/ability has proven to be instrumental in the analysis of biblical texts. After giving an overview over the most relevant terms, this paper considers the metaphorical uses as well as selected theological implications of dis/abilities within the Old and New Testament. Finally, it stresses the relevance of dis/ability hermeneutics both for an open dialogue between dis/ability in modernity and in biblical (con-)texts.

This article aims to show the extent to which the questions and perspectives of Dis/ability history can provide impetus for Church history and Christian history for gaining new insights. To this end, the author first explains her understanding of Church and Christian history and where there are points of contact with Dis/ability studies and Dis/ability history. Using the phenomenon of leprosy as an example, it will be shown to what extent medical, socio-historical, and religious-cultural perspectives are involved in dealing with leprosy patients and how they influence and permeate each other.

A number of systematic theologians draw from the concept of affordances from design theory and ecological theory to evaluate the way doctrines, theological forms, and method provide either creative opportunities or noxious hindrances to the flourishing of the one encountering the theology. This article introduces the concept of disability affordance to the discussion as a way to consider the dynamic possibility of the affordance for theological construction hospitable to a range of embodiments and life experience. The article concludes with examples from disability theology to illustrate how affordance and disaffordance have functioned within the discipline.

The article reinterprets the Pauline image of the »body of Christ« through the lens of Disability Theology. Beginning from the wounded and risen Christ, it argues that fragility, dependency, and difference are constitutive dimensions of ecclesial life rather than deficits to be overcome. Christologically grounded in the unio hypostatica and communicatio idiomatum, divine presence is revealed in wounded embodiment. Ecclesiologically, the church appears as a communio vulnerata – a vulnerable, relational body sustained by mutual gift and recognition. Ecumenically, this perspective envisions unity through shared brokenness, where holiness is manifest not despite but through human limitation.

This article explores inclusive and ableism-critical perspectives in homiletics and religious education by analyzing the method of Bibliolog. While worship services and religious instruction often claim to be inclusive spaces, their practices and traditions remain shaped by ableist assumptions. The Bibliolog offers significant potential for inclusive learning processes, empowering diverse contributions beyond cognitive or denominational boundaries. At the same time, it risks reproducing ableist stereotypes, especially in relation to biblical healing stories and normative expectations of the leader’s body. The study highlights criteria for adapting the method in ways that promote participation and foster a theology and pedagogy that critically reflect on ableist traditions while valuing diverse perspectives.

This commentary responds to the preceding texts and examines how contemporary theology deals with disability studies. It notes the emergence of a distinct »disability theology« characterized by careful hermeneutics and a focus on disability as a central analytical category. Although this field is generally not politicized, it shows a strong commitment to inclusive theological and pedagogical practice. The text identifies gaps – such as limited dialogue with other critical theologies – and suggests future research on normative bodies, ableism, paternalism, human rights, and theological concepts of care. Overall, theology is presented as a constructive and self-critical partner for disability studies.