Armies of Misfits: Mobility Disabilities and Activism in the Biblical Studies Classroom

Abstract

This article argues for the disabled body as a site of resistance and for the biblical studies classroom as one venue to mobile towards world-changing activism. After reviewing a range of models from disability studies (the medical, social/minority, religious and political/relational models) this article advocates for what the authors call “misfitting”. Using select biblical stories that feature characters with mobility disabilities and that also demonstrate discriminatory attitudes toward these characters, namely 2 Samuel 5:6-8 and Mark 2:1-12, misfitting is illustrated.

Keywords

• disability
• activism
• misfitting
• 2 samuel 5: 6–8
• mark 2: 1–12
• feminist disability theory