Does inclusion save us all?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on qualitative research, this article reflects on how academic theology might contribute to practising inclusion as taking part in God’s salvific actions. After an overview of the disability-discourse in theology, and presenting some empirical findings, we conclude that theological discourse is a reflective practice in response to God’s salvific actions. Theologies of disability must, therefore, be practice-driven and invest in theological reflection. Furthermore, we scrutinise this practice-driven approach by analysing the discourse of ‘practice’ within qualitative research. Here, as well as in the theological discourse, the inclusive practice of reflection is brought to the fore. We conclude by pointing at the concrete sites of such inclusive reflection: local church communities that live out their calling to be transformative. Theologies of disability should be intimately connected to and informed by concrete church practices, while continuously keeping a critical conversation going to challenge those practices.