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Accompanying Disability

Caretaking, Family, and Faith

Topher Endress

  • 4/7/2025
  • 0664269168
  • 978-0-664-26916-6
  • Paperback
  • Pre-Order

Product Details

  • Paperback
  • 150
  • 5.5 x 8.5
  • 8.00 oz

Product Excerpts and Related Resources


Reviews

"It is a rare gift to realize the significance of a term in its first publication in the moment. Endress introduces the term accompaniment theology as a distinct branch of disability theology. This book will literally be the reference point for this topic for decades to come. His balance of respect and irreverence makes the topic accessible and engaging. It is emotional without being maudlin, informative without being arrogant, and holy without being sanctimonious. The interaction between father and son is powerful, reminding all readers that all roles shift over time. The reality of these changing roles creates space for learning to give care and receive care with dignity and grace."—Amy E. Jacober, author of Redefining Perfect: The Interplay between Theology and Disability

"A profound gift to caregivers, this moving book explores the sacredness of shared journeys, weaving stories and theological insights to reveal how our lives can be transformed as we accompany our loved ones faithfully."—Erik Carter, Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities, Baylor University

"In Accompanying Disability, Endress presents a theology of lived experience in its fullest form. He weaves together deep theological reflection and personal narrative with a palpable sense of humanity. His writing strikes a rare and delicate balance of being both deeply thoughtful and wholly accessible, philosophical yet profoundly practical. In honoring his father’s legacy, Endress has created something truly significant: a book that both informs and transforms. For theologians, and for anyone who has faced—or will face—the realities of caregiving, this work will be an indispensable companion."—Katie Cross, Christ’s College Lecturer in Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen

"Endress’s personal account is full of candor and wonder. His theological reflection draws the reader in and beautifully invites us to consider both the responsibility and the gift of accompaniment. This journey is well worth taking as Endress points us to the God who will always go with us."—Phil Letizia, author of Held in the Love of God: Discipleship and Disability

"Through the weaving of Endress’s personal experiences and extensive study of topics related to disability, he invites the reader into the world of people affected by disability. The book includes stories told through the varied lenses of friend, son, student, teacher, ally, advocate, father, and caregiver. He introduces to disability theology an emphasis on the caregiver, those who accompany, the ones who are with the disabled. He writes about this challenging and transformative role that he terms accompaniment theology. I hope this will be a conversation that will be entered into with humility and curiosity as we imagine how Christ accompanies us."—Pam Harmon, Church Consultant, With Ministries

"The stories of disabled people often do not fit the patterns of society, but the stories of those who accompany people with disabilities sometimes even do not fit disability discourses. In a personal voice and not eschewing the hard questions, Endress carves out the much-needed theological and pastoral space for a theology of accompaniment."—Armand Léon van Ommen, Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology, Codirector of the Center for Autism and Theology, University of Aberdeen

"With an accessible, relatable tone and rich insights into the worlds of caregiving and disability, Endress tackles tricky topics of identity and interdependence with wisdom and grace. Accompanying Disability’s captivating father-and-son narrative demonstrates the manifold ways our stories intersect with and diverge from each other."—Keith Dow, Manager of Organizational and Spiritual Life, Karis Disability Services, and author of Formed Together: Mystery, Narrative, and Virtue in Christian Caregiving

"Intrepidly joining his father on his difficult journey from avid hiker to quadriplegic, minister and theologian Topher Endress invites us to think anew about accompaniment and disability theology from the perspective of the caregiver. A powerful testimony to how to give care and keep company with those in need."—Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, author of Follow Your Bliss and Other Lies about Calling and E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair and Professor Emerita of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, Vanderbilt University

"Topher Endress offers a groundbreaking account of accompaniment theology in this moving and personal book. Never before have disability theologians so directly and sensitively addressed the plight of allies who care about and want to speak up for disabled people without speaking over them. This academically rigorous and eminently readable volume marks a new era in disability theology."-Brian Brock, Professor of Moral and Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen

"Endress marvelously merges the role of pastor, theologian, and caregiver in this book that brings the reader into a better understanding of disabilities—not just the clinical understandings of disabling conditions, but more so in how we connect emotionally and relationally with and alongside individuals with disabilities." —Chris Snow, Pastor, North Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Spokane, Washington

"Topher Endress alternates his down-to-earth and theological reflections on accompanying people with disabilities in supportive relationships with chapters written by one of those persons, his father, John, who describes his own adjustment to quadriplegia caused by a hiking accident. This book highlights both the grittiness and sublime and can be read by anyone."—Bill Gaventa, Founder and Director Emeritus, Institute on Theology and Disability, and author of Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness

"Endress offers a deeply moving and theologically rich reflection on the intersections of disability, caregiving, and faith. Through poignant storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Accompanying Disability challenges us to reimagine the sacred roles of accompaniment and care, revealing God’s presence in the complexities of everyday life. This is essential reading for anyone seeking a nuanced and compassionate exploration of caregiving as both a spiritual and transformative act." —John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen

"Accompanying Disability is a beautiful and honest collaborative theological project between a theologian and his disabled father. Accompaniment theology offers a new way of doing disability theology that honors first-person disability narratives and accompanying theological reflections on caregiving."—Devan Stahl, Associate Professor of Religion, Baylor University