Dr. Fettke describes in his essay the differences between normal and abnormal as it refers to creation. Normal people are those who engage in normal relationship and communication with other humans and creation. He explains that for the mentally challenged this communication and relationship with other humans might be deemed abnormal because of their disability. He poses the question, “Just how are categories of normal and abnormal understood in the light of creation?” I have often pondered this question myself. Just what is normal and abnormal and who defines it. Dr. Fettke describes normal as being created in God’s image. I like this definition a lot, simply because we all are made in God’s image. It’s a beautiful thing to think about.
Dr. Fettke description of the “life force”. He explains that all have been created by God’s Spirit with their own unique “life force” that expresses God’s true intention for them. He believes that the disabled are marked by God in their creation and are not problems to be solved. Wow what a great point. It’s sad that the mentally disabled are defined by their disability. People just right them off without ever giving them a chance. They were created for a purpose because God does not make mistakes. Dr. Fettke writes that mental disabilities are not God’s mistake or the product of human sin or demonic activity.
When I see and mentally challenged person, all I see is the disability. Its sad and I’m making a giant effort not to see just their disability. God has designed us all with a purpose. We are to fulfill that purpose to the best of our abilities. Mentally challenged people have a role to play and they are just as influential as you and me. So next time you see or meet a mentally challenged person make sure to smile. He’s always watching!
"When I see and mentally challenged person, all I see is the disability. Its sad and I’m making a giant effort not to see just their disability."
ReplyDeletetotally understand. it sucks we have to work at looking past this. kinda hurts when we think about the scripture that talks about what we do to the least of these we do to jesus
"When I see and mentally challenged person, all I see is the disability. Its sad and I’m making a giant effort not to see just their disability."
ReplyDeleteFirst, I can't believe that Josh and i used the same quote, but i just wanted to say that it takes a lot to admit that, so I respect you very much for doing that.
You're right! A disability should not be what defines a person, we should look to who they are and what they are doing in life to define who they are, just like we do with everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. In fact I honestly had no clue who Dr. Fettke was until I read his essay. I have a lot of respect for him now and I haven't even met his.
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