Thinking Biblically About Disability (with Chris Ralston)

05/06/25 • 37 min

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Why does God allow disabilities? What is the point of someone's disability? What is disability theology, and what are the implications of this for the church? In what sense will disabilities be healed when we meet the Lord? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr Chris Ralston.

Guest Bio: D. Christopher Ralston (PhD Rice University) served on staff at Joni and Friends International Disability Center from 2013 to 2020 and is also a fellow of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity. He is co-editor of Philosophical Reflections on Disability (Springer, 2009, and The Development of Bioethics in the United States (Springer, 2012).

Articles mentioned in this episode:

(2022). “Disability and the Resurrection: An Introduction.” Introduction for symposium on Disability and the Resurrection. Published April 21, 2022 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2022/04/disability-and-the-resurrection-an-introduction/
(2022). “Shining through the Cracks.” Response essay for symposium on Disability and the Resurrection. Published April 21, 2022 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2022/04/shining-through-the-cracks/
(2019). “Disability, Calling, and Transformation: A Response to Hans. S. Reinders’ Disability, Providence, and Ethics.” Response essay for book symposium on Disability, Providence, and Ethics: Bridging Gaps, Transforming Lives (Baylor University Press, 2014). Published December 9, 2019 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2019/12/disability-calling-and-transformation/

Join us for ANCHORED: A Conference for Pastors, Church Leaders and the Community June 9-11, 2025. Hosted by Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in Southern California. Learn more and register at https://www.biola.edu/anchored

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.
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To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at [email protected].

Articles mentioned in this episode:

(2022). “Disability and the Resurrection: An Introduction.” Introduction for symposium on Disability and the Resurrection. Published April 21, 2022 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2022/04/disability-and-the-resurrection-an-introduction/
(2022). “Shining through the Cracks.” Response essay for symposium on Disability and the Resurrection. Published April 21, 2022 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2022/04/shining-through-the-cracks/
(2019). “Disability, Calling, and Transformation: A Response to Hans. S. Reinders’ Disability, Providence, and Ethics.” Response essay for book symposium on Disability, Providence, and Ethics: Bridging Gaps, Transforming Lives (Baylor University Press, 2014). Published December 9, 2019 in Sapientia, an online publication of the Carl F. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL). https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2019/12/disability-calling-and-transformation/

Previous Episode

Cultural Update: The Abortion Pill Harms Women; Dads Are Spending More Time With Their Kids

This week's topics:

Abortion Pill Study: A massive study reveals serious health risks linked to the abortion pill mifepristone, with adverse events 22 times higher than FDA estimates—raising ethical and philosophical concerns about privacy, safety, and the personhood of the unborn.

Fathers Post-COVID: New research shows American dads are spending more time with their young kids, a trend celebrated for its relational and societal impact—challenging cultural narratives that downplay the importance of fathers.

AI vs. College Grads?: A rising unemployment rate among college grads sparks debate on whether AI is replacing entry-level jobs; we discuss the need for adaptability, wisdom, and a renewed understanding of vocation.

What Makes Us Happy?: After nearly a century of research, experts conclude that happiness hinges on purpose, relationships, and service—echoing timeless biblical wisdom about loving God and others.

Listener Q&A: Questions on school taxes, public funding, embryo ethics, and clarify past comments about parental rights and moral obligations.