Imaging God Together

Exploring God and Self-Representation Through Art and Intellectual Disability

Bibliographic Data

ID19230887
AuthorsKeith Dow (0000-0002-2117-7329, Martin Luther University College, Canada, corresponding author)
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychology and Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-6471 • E-ISSN: 2328-1162
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00916471261429418
OpenAlexW7160917691
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited20

The God representations of people with intellectual disabilities remain largely unexplored in the psychology of religion. This Canadian arts-based study investigates how Christians with intellectual disabilities perceive God and themselves through Photovoice, guided interviews, the LAMBI God representation scale, and an adapted Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Eleven adult participants shared theological and psychological insights through photos, art, and conversation. The research challenges assumptions that theological reflection depends on heightened cognitive capacity and emphasizes the value of including neurodiverse voices in conversations about divine realities and self-identity. Findings show that even inclusive methods require ongoing adaptation to support meaningful engagement. Standardized quantitative tools often fall short in this regard, while creative, relational approaches reveal rich conceptions of God and self. This paper contributes to growing conversations around divine representation, self-worth, and the theological significance of disabled perspectives in shaping a more expansive understanding of God, identity, and the human experience

Adaptation (eye) · Cognition · Expansive · Image of God · Intellectual disability · Representation (politics) · Value (mathematics) · Karl Barth and Christian Theology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Theological Perspectives and Practices

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