Spirituality and Intellectual Disability

Spirituality and Intellectual Disability: International Perspectives on the Effect of Culture and Religion on Healing Body, Mind, and Soul provides a cross-cultural outlook on how the three major world religions view people with intellectual disabilities. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are examined in relation to topics such as spiritual health, worship practices, and the development of identity. Chapters on women in Middle Eastern society and the influence of Native Americans on the Christian perspective bring new and refreshing ideas to these under-researched topics. The Roman Catholic Church's historically shifting view and present-day ideas on persons with intellectual disabilities is discussed, as is Judaism's attempt to teach intellectually disabled youngsters the meaning of religious symbols. The book also offers creative insights for making religious celebrations more inclusive.