Research Seminar: Curative Eschatology: Disability in Time and the Hope of Perfection

While the expected cure of disability in the Christian afterlife offers a source of hope for many, this paper argues it is also a fundamental site of Christian ableism. This paper introduces the term “curative eschatology” to describe the visceral attachment to the belief that bodies and minds will be made perfect—without disability, madness, or illness—in the final (eschatological) future. The paper argues that curative eschatology shapes present-day religious thought and practice in harmful ways, and concludes by gesturing towards a Crip nontheistic religious practice that nurtures “belief in this world” and affirms a world of becoming and the tragic view of life it entails.

Joshua St. Pierre is Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Critical Disability Studies and Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta. He holds a BA in Humanities (Briercrest College), an MA in Philosophy (University of Alberta), and a PhD in Philosophy (University of Alberta). He is a multidisciplinary researcher and an avid gardener.

This room is flat with level access via the lift and there are height adjustable desks available. The chairs are without arm rests. An infra red assistive listening system is fitted in this room. To use this facility an IR receiver is needed. If you have a receiver, you can sit anywhere in the room where you have a clear view of the presenter. 

For further advice on IR receivers or if your access needs aren't addressed in the information above, please use the relevant text box answer in this form as soon as possible, and we will try our best to meet your needs. Alternatively, email Izzy Jenkinson as soon as possible at I.K.S.Jenkinson@leeds.ac.uk and we will try our best to meet your needs. 

Accessibility directions: Enter via the main entrance, turn right and go around behind the café seating and through the double-door to access the lift. Go up to the second floor and upon exiting the lift turn right, SR (2.12) is the fourth door on the left.