The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger

In the field of developmental disabilities, Wolf Wolfensberger is famous for his seminal book Normalization. But Wolfensberger is also a theologian, and the two strands of his thought are inextricable. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger collects his original writings, critiques of his thought by several noted scholars and practitioners, and Wolfensberger''s response to those critiques. You will be challenged, outraged, and inspired by his ideas on the problem with wheelchair access ramps in churches, the meaning of suffering, the Biblical call to communality, and the spiritual gifts of the mentally retarded. You may not agree with Wolfensberger, as some of the contributors to this volume do not, but he will make you think . . . hard.

Do people with mental retardation have a special prophetic role?

In the field of developmental disabilities, Wolf Wolfensberger is famous for his seminal book Normalization. But Wolfensberger is also a theologian, and the two strands of his thought are inextricable. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger showcases his theories on the spiritual meaning of mental retardation and other disabilities.

Up until now, Wolfensberger''s work has been available only in small, hard-to-find publications, mostly in the field of human services. Thus his theological perspectives have not yet been heard in many religious circles. The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger brings together his essays and presentations from the past thirty years, giving the reader a unique pathway into his pioneering ideas on the spiritual implications of developmental disabilities. In addition, the volume includes critiques of his thought by several noted scholars and practitioners, along with Wolfensberger''s response to those critiques.

The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger expresses powerful opinions, some outrageous, all courageous. You will find yourself intently engaged with his provocative theories, including:

• why installing wheelchair access ramps may actually block full participation of the handicapped in the life of the church
• how the “deathmaking” culture of the modern world prevents Christians from understanding the meaning of suffering
• why people with mental retardation are the prophets of our times
• why most Christians ignore the powerful Biblical call to communality
• which special gifts of grace people with mental retardation may possess
• how handicapped and societally devalued patients can be protected from the neglect (or worse) of hospital staff
  
  The Theological Voice of Wolf Wolfensberger is challenging, inspiring, and sometimes infuriating. It is bound to stir up controversy among health care professionals, disability advocates, and anyone concerned with spiritual matters. You may not agree with Wolfensberger, as some of the contributors to this volume do not, but he will make you think . . . hard.