Life in Proximity to Difference

An Update on the work of Global Scholar, Dr. Andrew Barron

On August 9, we hosted a fundraiser with my research assistant, Tiffany Devries, in support of our ongoing work in Disability and Theology—spanning research, teaching, and writing. My journey is deeply shaped by my 30-year-old son, Rafi, who has Down Syndrome. Living in proximity to people who are different—in terms of disability, worldview, faith, or any of the countless ways humans can be unique—profoundly transforms how we perceive and think about the world. It reshapes how we ask questions and reflect on the stories we tell.

The fundraiser was a wonderful evening filled with delicious food and uplifting music. We shared insights from my new book, and Rafi contributed his voice, bringing a heartfelt dimension to our discussion.

I’m delighted to share that the book is gaining excellent traction. You can read an excerpt here. This fall, my publisher has invited me to appear at two major theological conferences in Boston: The Evangelical Theological Society and the American Academy of Religion. At the Evangelical Theological Society, I will present a paper called  “Beyond Hyper Cognitive Discipleship: Rethinking Spiritual Formation for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.” At the American Association of Religion, I will be presenting a paper called “ Crippling Assumptions: Disability, Mental Illness and the Myth of the Able-Bodied Disciple.”

Dr. Barron is teaching Disability, Theology and Spiritual Formation at Tyndale this Fall:

Module 1: A History of Disability: Embracing Our Humanity October 18, 2025 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will explore the history of the notion of disability, learn how to think about what it means to have a body and to be human, reflect on the importance of caring for individuals with disabilities and what it means to cultivate hospitality and friendship. 

Module 2: Disability and Time: Enabling Theology November 15, 2025 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will examine the concept of time relating to persons with disabilities. How should non disabled persons share time with disabled persons? How are disabled persons affected by conventional understandings of time? While referring to biblical sources, students will develop a disability theology that fosters proximity and understanding. 

Module 3: Ableism, Lamentation, and Brokenness January 17, 2026 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will identify and critique ableist rhetoric. You will reflect on the significance of suffering and disability in the biblical context. We will examine the themes of lament, suffering, and divine silence, and how they relate to disability and ableism. 

Module 4: The Hebrew Bible, Jesus, The Gospel, and Paul February 21, 2026 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will try to approach how God is connected to disability in various biblical texts. In this module, we will practice analyzing scripture passages through a disability lens. We will observe how God engages with disability as presented in the biblical narrative, and learn how to address the spiritual, ethical, and hermeneutical problems that arise. 

Module 5: Including and Belonging March 21, 2026 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will bring a particular emphasis on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the calling of Matthew. We will reflect on the Church’s call to cultivate “belonging” and envision practical ways that individuals with disabilities can be further implemented in Church communities. 

Module 6: Mental Health & Disability Ethics April 11, 2026 | Dr. Andrew Barron 

This module will explore Human action in Death. We will discuss suicide, euthanasia/MAID and infanticide and how they are addressed within a framework of disability theology. We will critically examine where ableist rhetoric appears. We will examine the implications of technologies that have the power to manipulate, extend, and end life.

If you would like to support Tiffany and me in our ongoing work in the field of disability and theology, you can give through this link.

Visit Dr. Barron’s Global Scholar page here.

Thank you for your continued friendship!

Andrew Barron