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

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   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

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