Do you ever think about your “forever home?” The place where all believers will dwell eternally in the presence of God, a glorious city with streets of gold and pearly gates, where there is “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4)?
My vision of heaven was rocked several years ago when I watched a video called Disability in Heaven. I never considered the existence of disability in heaven, and, while that possibility may seem heretical to some, the film presented a range of views that made me examine my notion of disability more closely.
I’m not going to espouse a particular perspective regarding disability in heaven here (although I will share my view at the end of this blog), but the topic is worth contemplating. As Christians, we know there will be no suffering or sorrow in heaven, so any disability that does cause pain will not exist. However, we also have to realize that not every disability is a source of torment for the person with that disability. In fact, a person with a disability may consider his condition so vital to his identity that he would not be the same without it, as might be the case of a person who is deaf or has autism or Down Syndrome. Therefore, we might ask, in heaven, will he be stripped of that part of his identity? Scripture indicates we will recognize others in heaven, but how will we know them? Will their distinguishing characteristics be physical, emotional, spiritual, or something else altogether?
Of course, we will not know the answers to these questions until we are in the presence of Jesus, but the topic of disability in heaven is worth considering. Where we land in the matter says a lot about our how we view disability, people with disability, and even God Himself.
So, in the spirit of transparent conversation, which is the whole idea behind this “Hangin’ Out Naked” blog, here’s what I think. I do believe it’s possible people may have disabilities in heaven, BUT none that cause pain or sorrow. In my opinion, many disabilities are simply differences—in processing, communication, or sensing—and just because one person’s manner or method isn’t the norm, I can’t label it as “less than.” I’ve really tried to change my view of disability over the last few years to look at disability in terms of degree of difficulty rather than degree of defect. So much of the pain surrounding disability on this earth comes from prejudices and our very imperfect, human ideas about the way things “should” be. I don’t believe disability was in God’s perfect design; it is a consequence of sin entering the world. All suffering has its roots in sin…and that’s where I get the idea that if the disability does not entail suffering, maybe it will exist in heaven. Additionally, people with disabilities seem to love so unconditionally, accepting others just as they are (like Jesus), that I can’t help but think they may be closer to a divine state than neurotypical people are. So…that’s where I land, at least for now. Disabilities in heaven? Possibly. Pain and sorrow? No.
What do you think? Join me in the “dia-blog” by leaving a comment and telling me what YOU think…and why. The goal of entering your comment is to contribute to the conversation (not point out others’ mistakes), and since this topic that has to do with our faith, to show the truth we find in scripture. I’m not sure this question can be definitively answered this side of heaven, but we can get the conversation going and “set our mind on things above” (Colossians 3:2). Thanks for the transparent conversation and “hangin’ out naked.” Let’s be brave together.