Meet My Exes: Theological Reflections on Disability and Paralympic Sport—A Continuum of Ephemeral Deaths and Eternal Resurrection

Abstract

In a Christian context, the eternal change of identity from death to life through Jesus Christ becomes all-encompassing. Yet, other ephemeral identities also shape individuals. Using a range of theoretical ideas evident within disability studies and sports discourse, this essay attempts to contextualize and reflect upon the life of a disabled person who became a “born again” Christian in the aftermath (and amidst the tensions) of physical impairment. Reflections are provided on the interactions between the following identities: ex-solider (including Special Forces); ex-lorry driver; ex-nondisabled person; ex-Paralympic athlete (1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain); ex-sports development officer (for disabled people); disability activist; Christian; and academic. It is argued that the constructs of disability studies and disability sport need to be considered in terms of their relationship to the Christian faith. This area requires further research because within disability studies Christianity is largely ignored or placed in a historical context rather than explained as a current subjective experience (see Barnes & Mercer, 2011). In turn, disability sport discourse often either dismisses Christianity or contextualizes it historically rather than addressing its impact on the personal and the present (see Thomas, 2003).