Blindness and Healing in The Gospel Of Matthew
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Date
2005
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
I had been at Shiaiimane School for the blind in Ethiopia for some time.
The life of the blind children and the challenges they face in the society were never
so crucial for me until I attained a deeper understanding of the blind in the biblical
time through my study of theology. During the lectures on the gospel of Matthew.
the exegesis on the healing of the blind (Mt. 9, 27-31) reminded me of the blind
students of Sh1iThumiine. I was motivated to make a research on the healing and
reintegration of the blind into the society since the present social situation of the
blind, more precisely the social stigma, in Ethiopia resembles that of the Jewish
society during the time of Jesus.
The society in Ethiopia excludes the blind from various social activities. I
have noticed that the attention that has been given to the blind people in the
contemporary Ethiopian society is not better than that of the Jewish mentality of
2000 years ago. The blind need to be continually supported and encouraged in their
struggle in the society and for a physical and psychological healing.
PROBLEMS
The blind are often a problem to the family and to the society. The parents
always have to provide for their blind children amidst the social contempt they face.
Lack of educational facilities and other isolations limit the development and social well-being of the blind. In addition, poverty and lack of knowledge of the parents
also contribute to the pathetic situation of the blind in the social settings of Ethiopia.
Many of the families believe that to have a blind child is a curse from God, a
punishment for their sins. The tendency of sonic of the families to bring up their
blind children privately, confining to closed rooms has its spring in this belief We
also see sonic parents taking their blind children to the streets to earn their daily
living by begging. In short, the blind children grow up with the realization that they
are unwanted in the society and in the family. Consequently, they develop hatred
towards life itself, leading a life without any hope.
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Keywords
Blindness and Healing, Gospel Of Matthew, ShaShamane School for the Blind, Social Communication