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rthola's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Of Such is the Kingdom is a well written book about Orthodox theology of disability and about practical ways that you can be more mindful of how to minister to those with disabilities. Kinard includes all kinds of disabilities that range from autism to gluten intolerance. Throughout the book she includes testimonials from various people of sometimes great and sometimes not great experiences that they have had within the church. The beautiful aspect of the book, and of life itself, is that simply being mindful and intentional can really be a wonderful blessing to all those around. Even though the book is meant to focus on disabilities throughout all ages, I kept finding things that could also apply to the church's approach to our youth. One of the things that Kinard suggests that every parish practices is simply saying (to the person and family with the disability) is that you are glad to see them. That should be said to the youth at church as well. That should be said to the elderly as well. It should be said to everyone, but so often we only say it to people that we think will mentally receive it in the same way that we mentally process it. But just because an adult with severe autism can't process it the same way we do doesn't mean that we shouldn't say it. Just because the young child who is just waiting for snacks can't process it fully doesn't mean that we shouldn't say it. And just because the elderly person suffering from dementia won't be able to remember it doesn't mean that we shouldn't say it. So much of ministry is simply being thoughtful of someone else and that doesn't change at all because of disability, instead it might challenge us more to be creative.
phoebefaragmikhail's review
5.0
I had the great opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and it is a book we need for the church--every church--today.
Listen to this heart-rending fact: "many families with an autistic member stop going to church because there is no tangible mercy extended to them to help them attend."
No tangible mercy.
Granted, there may be good intentions, but Summer's book helps all of us understand and extend a tangible mercy to all members of the community, those with visible and those with invisible disabilities.
In the first chapter of my own book, Putting Joy into Practice, I share the story of one member of our church who has experienced tangible mercy, and is a blessing to our entire congregation. We would not be our church without him. How much more beauty and blessing would our churches experience if we were able to extend tangible mercy to all?
In Summer's words, "A person with a disability who comes to church is already living the resurrection life in foretaste spiritually, even though he still suffers weakness in body or mind."
Several years ago, when my husband's cousin with Down's Syndrome learned of his uncle's passing, he asked, "He died? He's in a coffin?" When we all soberly nodded our heads, he stood up and grabbed the candy platter, distributing a piece of candy to everyone in the room. He knew better than all of us that his uncle's repose was in the hope of the Resurrection.
Summer writes from both a strong theological grounding and a lifetime of experience with disability to share clear and practical ideas for a true welcoming of individuals and families in the church with disabilities. Everyone will benefit from this book, but I specifically learned a lot that I plan to share with my clergy husband and well as with fellow church servants and leaders.
Later this week I'll have a longer review of this book up on my blog, beingincommunity.com
Listen to this heart-rending fact: "many families with an autistic member stop going to church because there is no tangible mercy extended to them to help them attend."
No tangible mercy.
Granted, there may be good intentions, but Summer's book helps all of us understand and extend a tangible mercy to all members of the community, those with visible and those with invisible disabilities.
In the first chapter of my own book, Putting Joy into Practice, I share the story of one member of our church who has experienced tangible mercy, and is a blessing to our entire congregation. We would not be our church without him. How much more beauty and blessing would our churches experience if we were able to extend tangible mercy to all?
In Summer's words, "A person with a disability who comes to church is already living the resurrection life in foretaste spiritually, even though he still suffers weakness in body or mind."
Several years ago, when my husband's cousin with Down's Syndrome learned of his uncle's passing, he asked, "He died? He's in a coffin?" When we all soberly nodded our heads, he stood up and grabbed the candy platter, distributing a piece of candy to everyone in the room. He knew better than all of us that his uncle's repose was in the hope of the Resurrection.
Summer writes from both a strong theological grounding and a lifetime of experience with disability to share clear and practical ideas for a true welcoming of individuals and families in the church with disabilities. Everyone will benefit from this book, but I specifically learned a lot that I plan to share with my clergy husband and well as with fellow church servants and leaders.
Later this week I'll have a longer review of this book up on my blog, beingincommunity.com
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