By: Sonya Hu
April 28, 2022
Religion has long been touted as a potential source of comfort and a method of promoting mental well-being. In the last several decades, however, additional research has revealed that exclusive religious institutions and narratives have also resulted in the ostracization of individuals living with mental illnesses. Of particular relevance in the United States are Christianity and Buddhism. My project seeks to analyze the doctrines and community structures that equip American Christianity and Buddhism to support individuals' mental well-being, as well as areas of improvement.
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Rebecca Spurrier. The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship. Fordham University Press (2019).
Nancy Eiesland. “Encountering the Disabled God.” PMLA, vol. 120, no. 2 (2005).
Sonya Hu (C '22) graduated from Georgetown College with a double major in economics and computer science, and a minor in religion, ethics, and world affairs. Having advocated for mental health and disability justice since high school, she is interested in evaluating the role of religious communities in promoting overall wellness. She is originally from Columbia, Missouri, and plans to remain in Washington, DC, after graduation.
