How do we think Biblically about autism, something that was not known as such when the books of the Bible were written? This is not a merely abstract question. If, according to one estimate, one out of every one hundred people is autistic, then autism is already a part of the Church, the Body of Christ. Following Saint Paul’s analogy, the Church cannot say to autistic people, “We do not need you”. Autistic people need love and support from their fellow Christians because of their unique challenges and needs. On the other hand, autistic people need the Church to take seriously their gifts and perspectives, and allow them to challenge some typical perspectives that may not be Christlike at all.
This is the task that Grant Macaskill, a professor of New Testament studies at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, takes on in writing this book. He brings to bear on this project his expertise as a Biblical scholar as well as his personal experience of being on the spectrum – while remaining sensitive to the fact that “if you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”. He shows a sensitivity to the needs of autistic people at various points on the spectrum as well as those who love them. Continue reading “Book Review: Autism and the Church”
