Abstract
The aim of this essay is to draw on themes in the work of the late Donald Eric Capps with the aim of renewing the practices of hospitality, care, and friendship with ‘the other’ in illuminating the experiences of families who have a child that is disabled. The essay incorporates the author’s own experiences of living with a child who has disabilities and interacts with contemporary literature of disability studies in order to facilitate increased effectiveness in caring for families who are affected by disability. The article aims at fostering a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the barriers and pitfalls to participation of children with disabilities and their families in life. The themes of acceptance, understanding and reciprocity are presented as catalysts for the cultivation of renewed practices of mature moral vision and commitment to care for ‘the other.’
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ascough, R. S., & McColl, M. A. (2009). Jesus and people with disabilities: Old stories, new approaches. Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 63(3 and 4), 1–11.
Barnes, M. A. (2012). Open hearts, open minds, open doors: Including children with special needs in ministry. Christian Education Journal , 9,(1), 81–100 Series 3.
Bidwell, D. R., & Batisky, D. L. (2009). Abundance in finitude: An exploratory study of children’s accounts of hope in chronic illness. The Journal of Pastoral Theology, 19(1), 38–59.
Breeding, M. L., & Hood, D. (2007). Voices unheard: Exploring the spiritual needs of families of children with disabilities. Christian Education Journal , 4(2), 279–292 Series 3.
Bunch, W. H. (2001). Toward a theology of inclusion for those with disabilities: A Christian response. Journal of Religion, Disability and Health, 5 (4), 37–44.
Capps, D. E. (1995). Agents of hope: A pastoral psychology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
Capps, D. E. (1998). Living stories: Pastoral counseling in congregational context. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
Carroll, D. W. (2013). Families of children with developmental disabilities: Understanding stress and opportunities for growth. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Conner, B. T (2010). Affirming presence: Spiritual life and friendship with adolescents with developmental disabilities. International Journal of Children’s Spirituality, 15(4), 331–339.
Creamer, D. B. (2012). Disability theology. Religious Compass, 6/7, 339–346.
Edgar-Smith, S., Gill, J., & Palmer, R. B. (2013). Bringing youth with special needs into the church community: A practical guide. Journal of Youth Ministry, 11(2), 57–72.
Eisland, N. (2002). Encountering the disabled God. The Other Side, September & October, 10–15.
Howard, M. A. (2013). Jesus loves the little children: A theological reading of Mark 9:14–29 for children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their caregivers. Word and World, 33(3), 275–283.
Nuner, J. E., & Love, T. S. (2013). Church ministry and the child with autism. Family and Community Ministries, 26, 97–115.
O’Hanlon, E. E. (2013). Religion and disability: The experiences of families of children with special needs. Journal of Religion, Disability and Health, 17, 42–61.
Pohl, C. D. (1999). Making room: Recovering hospitality as a Christian tradition. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Poplin, M. (2015). Christian principles for ministering to families with children with disabilities. In W. Jeynes, E. Martinez (eds.), Ministering Spiritually to Families. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 181–195.
Reynolds, T. E. (2005). Love without boundaries: Theological reflections on parenting a child with disabilities. Theology Today, 62, 193–209.
Reynolds, T. E. (2008). Vulnerable communion: A theology of disability and hospitality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press
Rogers, C. (1961). On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Vanier, J. (1998). Becoming human. Toronto: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Volpe, M. A. (2009). Irresponsible love: Rethinking intellectual disability, humanity and the church. Modern Theology, 25(3), 491–501.
Walton, M. N. (2013). Discerning lived spirituality: The reception of otherness. Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 67(2), 1–10.
Weiss Block, J. (2002). Copious hosting. New York: Continuum.
Acknowledgments
This paper was first presented as part of the New Directions in Pastoral Theology conference at Princeton Theological Seminary in May 2015. In the months that followed we learned of the tragic death of our colleague, mentor and friend, Donald E. Capps. This essay is written in honor of Dr. Capps and with special acknowledgement of his role in supporting our family throughout these years of our challenging journey. He was a reliable and constant presence and will be deeply missed. The author would also like to give special acknowledgement to Chelsey Hope Zylla whose life story inspired this reflection and who graciously allowed excerpts of her complex life-story to be shared.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zylla, P.C. Practices of Acceptance, Understanding and Reciprocity: Caring for Children with Disabilities and their Families. Pastoral Psychol 65, 703–715 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-016-0723-3
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-016-0723-3