ESSENCE: Interdisciplinary- International Journal of Concerned African Philosophers

The relationship between Christian faith, mental health and physical disability is a very under-researched issue in the Nigerian context of theological scholarship and pastoral practice. Persons with physical disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria are vulnerable in more ways than one as a consequence of the disability, the PWDs are structurally excluded and are worse off socio-economically. At the same time, they encounter intense psychological pressure (including identity issues, internalized shame, anxiety and depression) often exacerbated by dominating theological discourses within their local churches. Culture and the “theology of healing” that associates physical health with God's blessing, has resulted in a situation where physically ill believers are expected to endure their hardships without receiving pastoral care or psychological assistance. Based on a systematic literature review and biblical-theological evaluation, this paper introduces a constructive Theology of Wholeness as a liberating alternative. Drawing upon the biblical idea of shalom, Christ's approach of compassionate presence, Paul's strength-in-weakness theology, and contemporary psychological theories of post-traumatic growth and resilience, this study claims that a thorough understanding of human flourishing is scripturally sound and scientifically sound. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations to theological educators, pastors and church leaders to create psychologically safe and theologically enabling spaces for spiritual and mental health for PWDs in Nigeria.

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