I have never met Michael Beates but we corresponded some years ago as he was finishing his thesis on disability and the Bible. He is the father of a young woman with significant disabilities and has served on the International Board of Directors for Joni and Friends.
So, when I discovered he had contributed a chapter for the book, Genetic Ethics: Do the Ends Justify the Genes?, I bought it. (Yes, I agree that is an awful title for such a serious subject.)
His chapter was definitely worth reading! Even the footnotes had content worth chewing over, like this one:
Even though a Trisomy 18, an encephalic, or Tay-Sach’s syndrome child is doomed to a short and even possibly painful life, it is not our place to subvert God’s sovereign creative act by destroying such a life. When we do, we add two human injustices to our usurpation of God’s authority: We deprive the child of the privilege of being held in the loving arms of the parents; and we deprive the parents of the opportunity to hold – however briefly – their child as a vital part of the grieving process. (Beates, p. 59)
As Christians who see God’s sovereignty everywhere in the Bible, we do not pass lightly over the suffering inherent in this present age, including the suffering caused by disabilities. How refreshing and encouraging to see God’s sovereignty applied so clearly: do not kill the little ones; do not add sin upon sin; do not attempt to usurp God’s activity.
It is a short chapter, but full of insight worth additional coverage. I am hoping the other chapters provide similar value.
More on this to come.
The Works of God 
Thanks for sharing this…these thoughts have been on my mind lately..
Thanks for sharing this. Eight years ago I had a son, Jonah who was born with Trisomy 18 and died shortly after birth. We were advised to terminate (hate this word) him by well meaning Christians and then told we lacked faith by other well meaning Christians after he died. No one could seem to get that God could/did receive the glory he was due through a little baby having a disability and dying, just like he could if He healed him. My son was fearfully and wonderfully made however brief his life on earth was.
Our current cultural approach to life is so sad. Unless you meet the productive criteria you aren’t worth anything. Every life is of value simply because it was created by a loving God. I also think we avoid pain and hardship far to much. It really is a means to shape us for His glory. Enough said!
WOW! I think I would also like to read that book. I was wondering if there was any way to get ahold of his thesis on disability and the Bible that you mentioned. I would consider that a hugely worthwhile read considering there is such little material on the subject. Save your blog I have had a hard time finding much that is Biblically accurate and Christocentric on the subject. Always helpful and hugely encouraging many many Blessings to you and your family
Richard