Biblical Exegesis By Persons With Intellectual or Behavioral Impairments

Painters and illustrators are good observers and exegetes of biblical texts. This article points to the exegetical relevance of Bible illustrations by non-professional illustrators who are handicapped by an intellectual disability or by behavioral problems. Special attention is given to the sociological and hermeneutical phenomenon of persons living in a secular environment with only scarce contact to a Christian church. Some of these handicapped persons show strong reactions when they hear a Bible story. Their unconventional illustrations are precious contributions noteworthy for nonspecialists and specialists. This article will present and discuss illustrations made by a Swiss adult and a child relating to two stories of the Old Testament: Jacob's dream about the ladder to heaven (Genesis 28) and Israel's wandering in the wilderness (Exodus).