Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the possibilities that emerge from a theology of disability with regard to what it means to be human. It explains the possibilities that emerge when churches move from being places where people with disabilities are included to places where people with disabilities belong. The book shows the possibilities that emerge when a theology of disability is engaged from an eschatological perspective and allowed to reshape our current ways of thinking, being, and practising. As John Swinton has highlighted, whilst disability theology is rich with possibilities for practical theology, its richness has drawn engagement from across the theological disciplines. The book emerges from the conviction that the gospel compels to embrace deeper ways of being human together that will overcome false divisions and exclusions in search of flourishing, graced communities.