What is religion? A widely accepted and conventional definition of religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, whereby individual's devote their lives to practicing religious observances which often contain a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. The word practice refers to performing a set list of observances in one's religion.
The purpose of this entry is not to educate people about the specific practices of various religions as I am not a Rabbi, Priest, nor Imam. I am a religious Jew who grew up in a predominantly Christian town in Maine. My childhood best friend is Greek Orthodox and I have worked with devout Muslim speech therapists. In addition, I've prayed in one of the most sacred burial buildings where Jews and Muslims somehow miraculously share the worshiping space. Needless to say, I have been greatly exposed to the general practices of these monotheistic religions.
The underlying principle of our practices and involvement in our religion requires the use of speech. We revere "God as our father", we shout out "Praise the Lord", we recite with vigor " may Allah reward you with good".` Whatever blessing we choose to express, we express it verbally.
It is truly unfathomable to imagine what it would be like to wake up one morning and not be able to speak. In Judaism, when we wake in the morning we recite,"I gratefully thank You, O living and eternal King, for you have returned my soul within me with compassion - abundant is Your faithfulness!". Seriously? Why would anyone who can't speak want to say that?
So what happens to someone who has lost their ability to speak, perform, and practice their religion? How can an individual who has lost their ability to speak be "grateful" that God Almighty has returned them to their soul? However, this is not my entry for Why do bad things happen to good people?
It all boils down to responsibility. Our responsibility is inclusion. We pray together as a community and as a unit. We are bonded together by our faiths. When we separate, ignore and ostracize community members with disabilities we are breaking that bond. What actions should we, as their friends, family and spiritual leaders, implement to help these individuals?
The most important factor is awareness. When we are aware we develop a greater understanding of sensitivity. When we are sensitive we ultimately become educated. We foster and encourage individuals who rely on Communication devices to use prayer applications which can be installed. We proudly share and hold our prayer books upright for those who have no functional use of their extremities. We recite the prayers alongside them so that they may hear our utterances which can prompt them to vocalize their prayers.
So I offer my reflections to my initial question; Is religion without speech really an option?
It is an option when our spiritual leaders and their community members work together to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion.
