The author, who is disabled, argues that the "hidden history" of nonconventional bodies living ordinary lives with grace and dignity, disgust and disillusion, can make both a theological and pastoral contribution. She affirms that bodies in trouble, that lumber and plod their way through life, are in full continuity with humans' ordinary lives, filled with blessings and curses.

A living religious tradition continually reassesses its practices. In our contemporary situation, the task of reassessment must attend to the presence of persons with disabilities who are increasingly taking part in public life and therefore in the worship and work of the churches. What questions, insights, and perspectives should be advanced if people with disabilities, in all their diversity, were placed at the center of religious life and education?

The fourteen contributors to this volume address this multi-faceted question. Drawing upon various disciplines and diverse...

A Particular Place tells the story of the dramatic changes that take place in the religious lives of a community faced with urban restructuring--in this case, Dacula, Georgia, a once-quiet small town on the outskirts of Atlanta. The demographics of Dacula were changed dramatically by the population inflow, service sector development, and housing expansion brought on by the growing metropolis.

Nancy L. Eiesland provides a qualitative study of how the local religious congregations altered themselves, their relations with one another, and--over time--their community in light of this...