Rethinking Relationality: Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Imago Dei
Andrew Kim, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL
Historically in Christian thought, the Imago Dei, or the image of God, is traditionally linked to humanity’s rational and intellectual capacities, following notable theologians such as Augustine and Aquinas. Recent shifts, however, aided by discussions in Disability Theology, have redirected the Imago Dei towards an emphasis on relationality, noting the harmful implications and exclusions of certain populations to the old framework. Despite these advancements and attempts at inclusion, there remains a significant gap in application of the Imago Dei to individuals with relational deficits, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and certain personality disorders. These conditions, often defined by atypical relational capacities, challenge normative expectations in relationships, raising theological questions about the application of Imago Dei to individuals who diverge from neurotypical norms.
We address this gap by examining the concept of “relational capacity” as it appears in ASD diagnostic language as well as recent discussions in Disability Theology, specifically exploring how the concept of the Imago Dei may be reconciled with disorders defined by their relational deficits. Rather than viewing ASD and other disorders as incompatible with bearing God’s image, we propose than the Imago Dei encompasses diverse modes of relational engagement, aligning with a theological perspective that prioritizes inclusion and affirms dignity in the diversity of human experiences. We focus on disorders with strong hereditary factors rather than acquired conditions such as dementia—often viewed as consequences of sin in the world and thus compatible with the Imago Dei—to argue that relational differences in ASD are inherent and designed attributes of a person. By dismantling restrictive interpretations of relationality, this approach challenges current discourse in the Imago Dei to embrace broader understandings of community, belonging, and divine connection at the margins of its current definitions.
Our argument in recognizing ASD-specific relational expressions as part of the Imago Dei affirms the theological inclusivity and dignity of individuals with ASD, reshaping Christian perspectives on relationality and human value. This reconceptualization encourages faith communities to cultivate spaces that honor diverse expressions of relationality, revealing the Imago Dei as a reflection of the full spectrum of human connection. In recognizing these diverse relational capacities, we can better uphold the divine image in all people and patient populations, nurturing hope and dignity for the marginalized, thus fostering a theology that invites all individuals, regardless of relational expression, into the heart of communal and spiritual life.
We address this gap by examining the concept of “relational capacity” as it appears in ASD diagnostic language as well as recent discussions in Disability Theology, specifically exploring how the concept of the Imago Dei may be reconciled with disorders defined by their relational deficits. Rather than viewing ASD and other disorders as incompatible with bearing God’s image, we propose than the Imago Dei encompasses diverse modes of relational engagement, aligning with a theological perspective that prioritizes inclusion and affirms dignity in the diversity of human experiences. We focus on disorders with strong hereditary factors rather than acquired conditions such as dementia—often viewed as consequences of sin in the world and thus compatible with the Imago Dei—to argue that relational differences in ASD are inherent and designed attributes of a person. By dismantling restrictive interpretations of relationality, this approach challenges current discourse in the Imago Dei to embrace broader understandings of community, belonging, and divine connection at the margins of its current definitions.
Our argument in recognizing ASD-specific relational expressions as part of the Imago Dei affirms the theological inclusivity and dignity of individuals with ASD, reshaping Christian perspectives on relationality and human value. This reconceptualization encourages faith communities to cultivate spaces that honor diverse expressions of relationality, revealing the Imago Dei as a reflection of the full spectrum of human connection. In recognizing these diverse relational capacities, we can better uphold the divine image in all people and patient populations, nurturing hope and dignity for the marginalized, thus fostering a theology that invites all individuals, regardless of relational expression, into the heart of communal and spiritual life.