A review by rthola
Of Such Is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability by Summer Kinard

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.