Book Review: Disability and the Gospel
Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace
Rating: 5/5
Summary
Disability and the Gospel by Michael Beates is a thoroughly biblical, historical, and practical guide to disability and its connection with the Christian gospel. Michael S. Beates, a graduate of Covenant College and Reformed Theological Seminary, serves as a pastor, Dean of Students at the Geneva School in Winter Park, Florida, and a board member for Joni and Friends. His concern is more than just professional; his eldest daughter was born with multiple profound disabilities.
Thoroughly Scriptural
Beates provides a clear biblical theology of disability and addresses several key passages. His primary conclusion is that God has not changed His view as it relates to disability. Disability exists because we live in a fallen world. Yet this does not mean that every disability directly results from an individual's sin. Rather, as detailed in Chapter 2, God allows disabilities to show His glory. Beates emphasizes that God’s purposes are often revealed through human weakness and suffering, demonstrating His power and grace. This perspective challenges readers to see disability not as a mere consequence of sin but as a part of God's sovereign plan.
Addresses Modern Evils
Beates does not hide from the modern problems facing disabled individuals and disabled families both within the church and outside its walls. He deals thoroughly with the evils of what could be called modern eugenics and addresses where the church is falling short in caring for and loving the disabled community. Beates highlights the societal pressures that push toward selective abortions and the devaluation of disabled lives. Furthermore, he calls the church to repentance and action, urging believers to become advocates and allies for the disabled, reflecting Christ's love and compassion.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, as a parent of a child with disabilities within the church, you feel as if you are the only one shouting into the void on these issues. You feel as if you are the only one noticing the problems faced by families with disabilities. This book is one that, if I am honest, I wish I could have written myself because it states so well what has been on my heart for the last three years.
Who Should Read This Book
Church Members
Pastors
Parents of Children with Disabilities
Disabled followers of Jesus
Top Quotes
“When we begin to do for the least of these what David did for Mephibosheth, and what Jesus called his followers to do, we discover this: we are the broken and the needy. They. Are. Us. Perhaps more openly and undeniably, but all the same, they remind us of our true state before God. That is the gift they bring to God's people.”
― Michael Beates, Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace
“Hear Joni Tada once again as she brings this idea home in a powerful manner: "You probably know at least a few disabled people. But did you ever think of the Lord Jesus in that category? No, he didn't have a physical disability, but he did handicap himself when he came to earth...Talk about handicaps! To b e God on one hand...yet to make yourself nothing. What a sever limitation! If you have a handicap, you're not in bad company. If anything, you're in an elite fellowship with Christ himself.”
― Michael Beates, Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace