History of people with disabilities in the life of the church

[angell1]

does anyone know of any good resources for this.

especially in the medieval period or renaissance. I’d like to know how those with disabilities when about their lives.

there’s a lot of biased information on the internet

for example, did people really believe those with disabilities were somehow less spiritually perfect and it was because of their sins? people have to said it to me in my own life. and were they really just stuck in institutions their whole lives? what about things like mobility aids?

also, the concept of charity and pity. what is the proper way to apply this? for example, I really don’t like people feeling sorry for me because I can’t see. and I don’t like just being given things for not reasons. it has happened that people have come up to me after church and try to give me money because “their confessor told them to be charitable to someone”, which I understand. but it’s a little frustrating when they obviously picked you because you’re the one with the guide dog, regardless if you need money or not.

I mean, if this stuff happens now, how about earlier in history? were people with disabilities encouraged to be independent? there is a strong tendency for others to try to do things for me instead of helping me learn how to do it. it’s like I’m expected to wait around and be helpless.

allow me to clarify, this doen’st just happen with people at church, it happens everywhere.

anyways, any information would be appreciated. I like finding out things for myself, not just listening to stereotypes.

 

[mikekle]

I think alot of this stems from that bible verse that says something about handicapped people, and people afflicted with other similar problems should not enter a church, or should not be allowed to approach the Eucharist/ altar?

Anyone know the specific verse im talking about?

I also knew some people that believed anyone who was mentally handicapped in anyway, were actually being tormented by demons, and modern medicine was not willing to admit that, so they gave it another name and explanation. While I dont think this is entirely accurate, I do somewhat understand where they are coming from, but have to admit, its probably just one of those things we arent meant to understand right now.

I always believed mental handicaps were just genetic flaws, but apparently some people dont believe God makes these kinds of mistakes when creating people, and would never do such a thing, again, i kind of understand the argument, but not 100% sure on this.

Then again, I do have to wonder IF it was proven that demons COULD effect humans in these ways…would modern day ‘experts’ admit this…or does it seem more likely they would come up with a normal, natural explanation that does NOT include involve any kind of angelic/ demonic intervention? hmm…I wonder?

 

[mebcb]

Throughout history the handicapped have had a tough road to travel and often thrown into prisons, terrible institutions, forced to beg for survival or died unattended. Even today we are not far removed from that culture. My poor suggestion is to take the money that is offered in true charity and put it in the poor box.

 

[Petaro]

Throughout history the handicapped have had a tough road to travel and often thrown into prisons, terrible institutions, forced to beg for survival or died unattended. Even today we are not far removed from that culture. My poor suggestion is to take the money that is offered in true charity and put it in the poor box.

I would keep it and feed the dog!

 

[WilT]

does anyone know of any good resources for this.

especially in the medieval period or renaissance. I’d like to know how those with disabilities when about their lives.

there’s a lot of biased information on the internet

for example, did people really believe those with disabilities were somehow less spiritually perfect and it was because of their sins? people have to said it to me in my own life. and were they really just stuck in institutions their whole lives? what about things like mobility aids?

also, the concept of charity and pity. what is the proper way to apply this? for example, I really don’t like people feeling sorry for me because I can’t see. and I don’t like just being given things for not reasons. it has happened that people have come up to me after church and try to give me money because “their confessor told them to be charitable to someone”, which I understand. but it’s a little frustrating when they obviously picked you because you’re the one with the guide dog, regardless if you need money or not.

I mean, if this stuff happens now, how about earlier in history? were people with disabilities encouraged to be independent? there is a strong tendency for others to try to do things for me instead of helping me learn how to do it. it’s like I’m expected to wait around and be helpless.

allow me to clarify, this doen’st just happen with people at church, it happens everywhere.

anyways, any information would be appreciated. I like finding out things for myself, not just listening to stereotypes.