Module 1, Topic 1

In Progress

The Religious Model

Models of Disability The Religious Model

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Models of Disability The Religious Model

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Models of Disability The Religious Model

Disability is an act of God

sin, shame, divine punishment

The first and oldest model, The Religious Model, believed that Disability is inflicted upon a person by God due to a sin committed by the person, their parents, or ancestors. It can also be explained as a result of bad karma or moral transgression of previous birth. The fear of Disability was used as a tool to uphold the moral standards of religion and society. These perceptions often resulted in the social exclusion of Disabled people.

Another theory of the religious model explains Disability as God’s “test of faith” for developing characteristics like patience, courage, and profound faith. These perceptions resulted in Disabled people being seen as “blessed souls”.

Today, many religions feel that their faith means they have a duty to care for those with Disabilities. Many Disabled people, however, have reported feeling unwelcome and excluded from their religious services because of the negative attitudes and biases of community members and leaders.

Models of Disability The Religious Model

Disability is an act of God

sin, shame, divine punishment

The first and oldest model, The Religious Model, believed that Disability is inflicted upon a person by God due to a sin committed by the person, their parents, or ancestors. It can also be explained as a result of bad karma or moral transgression of previous birth. The fear of Disability was used as a tool to uphold the moral standards of religion and society. These perceptions often resulted in the social exclusion of Disabled people.

Another theory of the religious model explains Disability as God’s “test of faith” for developing characteristics like patience, courage, and profound faith. These perceptions resulted in Disabled people being seen as “blessed souls”.

Today, many religions feel that their faith means they have a duty to care for those with Disabilities. Many Disabled people, however, have reported feeling unwelcome and excluded from their religious services because of the negative attitudes and biases of community members and leaders.