Does A Disability Mean You Are Cursed By God?

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          Stephen Hawking was a brilliant man, so I am not surprised in the interest being shown by the media in his final book. "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" was published after his death, based on personal notes. Hawking began writing the book in order to answer ten questions he says he was asked  regularly. For some reason the media seems fixated on his answer to the question about the existence of God. Considering Hawking was an atheist it's no surprise that he did not believe in God. But in looking at the thinking behind his answer we see a bit of theology that is not based on the Bible. It's unfortunate that Hawking, like many others, thought the Bible teaches that a disability is a sign of a curse from God as reported on CNN.com. Those who believe this, misunderstand the nature of God.
          First an admission: There are people who were stricken with physical ailments because of their sin in the Old Testament. To deny this is to deny truth. And Hawking was right, for most of history people equated disability with being cursed. But there were people in the Bible who lived with ailments and disabilities with no indication of being under a curse. Mephibosheth was disabled most of his life because his nurse tripped while carrying him. Though exiled for a time during the transition from his grandfather to King David, Mephibosheth would return to Israel by invitation of the king. David would show Mephibosheth "the Lord's kindness." As a result he lived out his adult life eating at the king's table. His was not the life of a cursed person. He lived and ate the blessings of royalty, experiencing the kindness of God.
          Jesus' disciples also believed disability to be a sign of a curse. Because of this they asked if a man they met was blind because of his parents' sins or his own. Jesus told them neither, personally setting us all straight on this controversy. The man's blindness was not a punishment nor a curse, otherwise Jesus would have said so. If true for him, it's possible (and highly likely) this is true for anyone. In fact, while again acknowledging physical ailments that were said to be punishments for sin, we do not see a Biblical principle where disability and curse are linked beyond certain situations. To assume a disability to be a curse is to say Jesus lied to His disciples and to add to God’s word something that just is not there.
          This man's blindness was an opportunity. It was his chance to experience the power and love of God. It was also a chance for Jesus to set the record straight while demonstrating His love and compassion, out of which He gave the man sight. True, there are many followers of Christ who are not healed of various ailments or disabilities but this is not the sign of a curse. It's unfortunate that so many have a view of God where He unjustifiably curses people with disabilities. Anyone who believes this has missed the truth.

“You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 19:14