Autism Theology: Discussions from an emerging field

Abstract

This multi-authored book review explores the current state of the field of Autism Theology through a discussion of four recent publications. A concluding section reflects on several key themes in the individual reviews, drawing particular attention to: Autism Theology's focus on the ideas and practices which enable autistic people’s thriving; the importance of the inclusion of different voices in the conversation (including those who are non- or minimally speaking); and the richness which autistic people’s presence and contributions bring to theology and to the Church as a whole.

Reviewed works:
Claire Williams, Peculiar Discipleship: An Autistic Liberation Theology (London: SCM Press, 2023), pp. 272, ISBN 978-0334063063.

Ruth M. Dunster, The Autism of Gxd: An Atheological Love Story (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2022), pp. xix + 420, ISBN 978-1725268357.

Stewart Rapley, Autistic Thinking in the Life of the Church (London: SCM Press, 2021), pp. xiv + 178, ISBN 978-0334060871.

Cynthia Tam, Kinship in the Household of God: Towards a Practical Theology of Belonging and Spiritual Care of People with Profound Autism (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2021), pp. x + 191, ISBN 978-1725274419.