Disabilities in the Ancient World

The Church's approach to disabilities has changed drastically in the last several decades, from a focus on healing disabilities to a focus on inclusion and accessibility. As a result, the healing miracles of Jesus can rub some of us the wrong way. However, with a deeper understanding of how people with disabilities were viewed and responded to in the ancient world (both within and outside of Israel), we can begin to see Jesus' healings in an entirely new light.

In this presentation, Pastor Barry Rodriguez will use ancient texts and inscriptions to explore the lives of people with disabilities from across the Greco-Roman world to understand what life was like for them and what support structures (if any) were on offer. From a visually impaired landowner in Egypt to disabled welfare recipients in Athens to physically deformed priests in Jerusalem to even the Roman emperor Claudius himself, we will find that Jesus' miracles, when situated in their true social location, were far more about inclusion and accessibility than we might at first assume.

This presentation is geared towards those who want to more fully understand the compassion and justice of Christ as they seek to live out that same love and mercy in their own lives and ministries.