It’s Easter Sunday which means it’s time for another thread about what you can learn about eternal healing, resurrected bodies, & disability from Christ’s resurrection.

The majority of stories about disability told in books of scripture were chosen & written by (presumably) abled authors to emphasize the infinite healing power of Christ.

But when it comes to telling the story of Christ’s personal healing they’re forced to tell it differently.

One of the very few details we know about Christ’s resurrected body is that his scars remained.

While theologically this is often discussed as something that was done to allow his disciples to know him, it also tells us something important about physical pain & resurrection.

An indication of earthly pain/suffering does not make you imperfect.

Christ’s scars are a part of his story and he’s kept them so his friends & family recognize him. They’re a part of his perfected body.

This runs counter to the experience of many disabled people with religion.

Many are quick to tell disabled folks that “in Heaven you’ll be whole again” or that “when you die you’ll be healed”.

This relies on the idea that ressurected bodies fit into an able-bodied ideal of perfection/fitness.

(Also this is rude & hurtful. Stop doing this.)

If Christ’s ressurected body is any indication, our physical bodies are unique to us and will be incorporated into our “perfected” experience.

Christ shows us this can include the parts that are important to us (regardless of how the world feels about those parts of us).

I focus on this every Easter now because each Easter growing up I was taught that my body was imperfect & in need of repair.

I refuse to believe in a Heaven where scars (of any kind) aren’t welcome. Christ showed us through his example that this isn’t true.

Happy Easter.