I stumbled across a summary of German theologian Ulrich Bach’s view of God, disability and the Bible in a recent edition of the Journal of Religion, Disability and Health. Pastor Bach lived with the consequences of polio his entire adult life. If the summary is correct, he understood something important about God’s sovereignty in light of his disability:
I believe in a God who still has the ability to heal if he thinks it is right. However, I point out that I also believe in a God who allows people to remain ill or disabled if he thinks it is right. While successful healing can comply with God’s will, non-healing can comply with God’s will, just as well (Bach, 1988, p. 13).
I’m hoping to find an English translation of his last monograph, Without the Weakest, the Church Is Not Complete. Doesn’t that sound biblical?
On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable . . . (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)
I don’t know enough about him to comment any further. But I found that quote above encouraging and helpful.
I was just looking at 1 Corinthians 12:22-27 tonight, and at church this morning. I’d be interested in what you find out about him and more conversation on the scripture too!