Timeful friends: Living with the handicapped

In this paper Hauerwas reflects on the significance of the L’Arche communities as exemplars of the true nature of Christian community. He explores the philosophy and theology of Jean Vanier as a mode of embodied theology. Hauerwas reflects critically on Michael Bérubé‘s book Life as We Know It, in which he describes his experiences with his son who has Down’s syndrome. In drawing together the perspectives of Bérubé and Vanier, Hauerwas explores the nature of disability in liberal society and presents an ethical and moral perspective which calls us to take seriously the significance of meaningful community marked by friendship and ‘timefullness.' Such a community will enable us to become ‘friends of time,' a form of friendship which seeks meaningful ways to ‘be with’ and not to ‘do for’ people with developmental disabilities.

Duke Scholars

Author Stanley M. Hauerwas Divinity School