Living a spiritual life in a material world: four keys to fulfillment and balance

Abstract

were in times past, Gaventa argues that professionals should recognise the importance of spirituality in the delivery of their service. He believes that a commitment to spirit will help move the industry beyond mere policy and compliance, facilitating a deeper sense of calling and vocation for workers, and fuller lives for clients. Gaventa makes much the same argument in his conclusion (part V), extending the logic to all of us, that our friendships and community relationships will be made whole where they facilitate inclusive, diverse, spiritual connections. He makes his case without pretending that inclusive communities will be easily formed and sustained, recognising that people with disabilities have their idiosyncrasies and challenges (just like everyone else). Ever practical, Gaventa tells stories and suggests strategies to help readers understand why challenging behaviours occur, and how to create environments that provide positive behaviour supports — respect for the spirit of every person, and communities of spiritual care. Although published with Baylor University Press, Disability and Spirituality is aimed at practitioners more than it is at scholars. As with many books that have ‘disability’ in the title, it is likely to attract a narrow audience, but I hope that it gets a wider readership. Those looking for fresh ways of thinking about spirituality would do well to consider the implications of disability. For me, the book’s major weakness is that Gaventa draws mostly on Christian and Jewish spirituality, with some mention of Islam and Hinduism (but not much). Missing was an extended discussion of African-American spirituality, and indigenous spirituality. Of course, one cannot expect a single author and a single book to cover every topic, and Gaventa understandably focuses on the context in which he has lived and worked. So I make this criticism in the hope that others will build on his work to provide fresh insights about disability and spirituality in these rich traditions that are rarely given voice.