Call for Papers on Disability and Religion

Information on a call for papers on Disability and Religion comes to us care of Erynn at Book of Leaves who writes:

They're asking specifically for Pagan contributions among other potential topics. I know several folks on my flist who would be qualified in a number of ways to address these issues.

Perhaps you do, too. The details are below - pass it on.

For those of you attending PantheaCon in February, Erynn will attending, and I believe, presenting at least one workshop.

Speaking of PantheaCon, Ocean at Deaf Pagan Crossroads writes that this year the conference in San Jose will offer sign language interpreters for the first time in their 15 year history. (Well done, PCon!) She also writes about the schedule of workshops and lists a link to the PDF file for same at her website. Check it out.

My tips for the 4 day party and spiritual marathon that is PantheaCon:

1. There is so much to do that it can be a bit overwhelming. Make sure you eat well and get some rest while you are there.
2. Attend any workshops offered by Anne Hill or Thalassa Porter. (Disclaimer: Both women are friends of mine, and they also offer amazing workshops).
3. When you go into the infamous Vendor Room make at least one full turn around the large hotel ballroom before you even think about spending any money. Have a good friend hold on to your wallet for a while and keep yourself on a budget; this is a dangerous place. No Pagan person should ever be confronted by that many books, sexy clothes, handcrafted goodies and shiny things all in one place - it's just too cruel.

Have fun,

Sia

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Call for papers
Title: World Religions and Disability: Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Edited by: Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus
Deadline for abstract submissions: May 1, 2009
Email: dschumm@hollins.edu and mjstoltz@valdosta.edu

The editors of World Religions and Disability: Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives invite contributions for an inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural collection of essays that critically examine how the religions of the world represent, understand, theologize, theorize and respond to disability and/or chronic illness. Religious teachings and practices help to establish cultural standards for what is deemed “normal” human physical and mental behavior and in establishing a moral order for the fit and healthy body and mind. Religion plays an important role in determining how disability is understood and how persons with disabilities are treated or mistreated in a given historical-cultural context.

The existent literature exploring intersections between religion and disability typically focuses on a single religious tradition or cultural context, often prioritizing a Judeo-Christian approach. In response to the challenges and opportunities posed by a post-modern, pluralistic, global world, our goal in this volume is to promote interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and inter-religious conversations regarding world religions and disability. We welcome a wide variety of methodological and theoretical approaches including ethnography, historical, cultural, or textual analysis, personal narrative, and theological/philosophical investigation. Contributors are especially encouraged to incorporate into their analysis literature and theoretical perspectives from the growing field of disability studies. Our aim is to produce a comparative text discussing religion and disability which gives voice to scholars and practitioners of many of the world’s rich and varied religious traditions.

Abstracts not to exceed 600 words are due by May 1, 2009 and should be sent to: dschumm@hollins.edu and mjstoltz@valdosta.edu.

The abstracts will be reviewed and decisions will be made regarding inclusion in the volume by June 15, 2009. Please note that acceptance of an abstract does not guarantee inclusion in the collection; editors will review and make final decisions upon receipt of the completed essays.

Any questions may also be directed to Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus at the addresses listed above.

Possible topics may include, but are not limited to:
Asian religions and disability
Indigenous and/or native religions and disability
Disability and inter-religious comparison, contrast, and dialogue
Celtic, Druid, and/or Wiccan religions and disability
Religious and/or sacred texts and disability
Religion, prejudice, ethics and disability
Religious conceptions of creation, evil, sin, healing, suffering and disability
Religious/philosophical conceptions of the body or self and disability
Founders of religions (i.e. Mohammad, Buddha, Jesus, etc.) and their encounters with disability
The shaping of identity, religion, and disability
Religious rituals and the inclusion or exclusion of persons with disabilities
Critical perspectives on religion and disability
Theologies of disability

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Art: The Literary Raven by Sabrina the Ink Witch