Abstract:

Readers were invited to offer their perception of 42 brief extracts referring to disability drawn from the Bible. A total of 103 respondents, of whom approximately 20% had a permanent physical disability, completed this task. Overall, the responses indicated that only 39.3% of the selected extracts were regarded as projecting a favourable perception of the concept of disability. Respondents with a disability themselves reacted least favourably. Only mature age readers with a strong religious commitment responded against the general trend. The generally low level of favourable perception of these extracts relating to disability in the Bible suggests the need to exercise additional sensitivity in reference to such passages.

Author: Graeme Watts