Growing in Humanity: On Vulnerability, Capacitation, and Encounter in Religious Education: A Christian Practical Theological Approach

This article focuses on how the conversation on vulnerability between theologies of disability and religious education (RE) promotes encounter between pupils of different abilities. I argue that talking about the gift of vulnerability in RE can help pupils of different abilities perceive each other as full human beings. Indeed, RE can empower students regardless of their abilities, if it builds on their vulnerability to promote their ability to act. In order to achieve this I suggest a "capacitating" reading of biblical narratives in RE to counter able-bodied beliefs about normalcy and "perfection."