Call for papers
Title: World Religions and Disability:
Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Edited by: Darla Schumm and Michael
Stoltzfus
Deadline for abstract submissions: May
1, 2009
Email: [log in to unmask] and [log in to unmask]
The editors of World Religions and Disability:
Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives invite contributions for an inter-disciplinary
and cross-cultural collection of essays that critically examine how the
religions of the world represent, understand, theologize, theorize and respond
to disability and/or chronic illness. Religious
teachings and practices help to establish cultural standards for what is deemed
“normal” human physical and mental behavior and in establishing a moral order
for the fit and healthy body and mind. Religion plays an important role in
determining how disability is understood and how persons with disabilities are
treated or mistreated in a given historical-cultural context. The existent literature exploring intersections
between religion and disability typically focuses on a single religious
tradition or cultural context, often prioritizing a Judeo-Christian approach. In response to the challenges and
opportunities posed by a post-modern, pluralistic, global world, our goal in this
volume is to promote interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and inter-religious conversations
regarding world religions and disability.
We welcome a wide variety of methodological and theoretical approaches
including ethnography, historical, cultural, or textual analysis, personal
narrative, and theological/philosophical investigation. Contributors are especially encouraged to
incorporate into their analysis literature and theoretical perspectives from
the growing field of disability studies.
Our aim is to produce a comparative text discussing religion and
disability which gives voice to scholars and practitioners of many of the
world’s rich and varied religious traditions, actively engages the field of
disability studies, and reflects multicultural and inter-religious attitudes
and perspectives. We invite contributions
which offer creative and critical insights on the intersections between world
religions and disability.
Abstracts not to exceed 600 words
are due by May 1, 2009 and should be sent to: [log in to unmask] and [log in to unmask] The abstracts will be reviewed and decisions
will be made regarding inclusion in the volume by June 15, 2009. Please note that acceptance of an abstract
does not guarantee inclusion in the collection; editors will review and make
final decisions upon receipt of the completed essays.
Any questions may also be directed
to Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus at the addresses listed above.
Possible topics may include, but
are not limited to:
Asian religions and disability
Indigenous and/or native religions
and disability
Disability and inter-religious
comparison, contrast, and dialogue
Celtic, Druid, and/or Wiccan
religions and disability
Religious and/or sacred texts and
disability
Religion, prejudice, ethics and
disability
Religious conceptions of creation,
evil, sin, healing, suffering and disability
Religious/philosophical conceptions
of the body or self and disability
Founders of religions (i.e.
Mohammad, Buddha, Jesus, etc.) and their encounters with disability
The shaping of identity, religion,
and disability
Religious rituals and the inclusion
or exclusion of persons with disabilities
Critical perspectives on religion
and disability
Theologies of disability
Please reply to [log in to unmask] and [log in to unmask]
Dr. Christine A. James
Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
1500 North Patterson Street
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698-0050
229-259-7609, Fax 229-259-5011
[log in to unmask]
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