Mutual Accompaniment as Faith-Filled Living

In this book, Gerard J. Ryan examines the interrelationship between recognition theory and theology with their respective concerns for what it means to be a human. He advocates a mutual accompaniment that reformulates recognition theory within a practical and public theology. Ryan develops this interpersonal recognition through the accompaniment of vulnerable people, particularly persons with disabilities and those who suffer from mental illness. He explores three contexts that support this mutual accompaniment and the labour of recognition. These are narrativity, the stories we live out of; vulnerability, the basic human condition common to all; and participation, the inter-relationship of humanity.

“Since the seminal work of Charles Taylor and Paul Ricoeur, the idea of mutual recognition has become an important tool for understanding our multicultural society. While recognition promotes the flourishing of new identities, its relationship to vulnerability, disability and human finitude tends to remain unexplored. Gerard Ryan connects contemporary philosophy and theology of recognition with these essential features of human existence. His study demonstrates how our suffering and limitations can be understood in terms of recognition.” (Risto Saarinen, University of Helsinki, Finland)

“This book is a piece of genuine creative theology. It pushes the boundaries of practical and philosophical theology. The issue of disability, and its recognition through a mutual accompaniment in which everyone involved is transformed, is handled with enormous sensitivity and imaginative vision. What emerges is a moving and powerful read so relevant to the society we live in.” (Graham Ward, Regius Professor of Divinity, Professor Extraordinarius University of Stellenbosch Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church, Oxford, UK)

“This compelling work introduces readers to the new and distinctive voice of Gerard Ryan. A study of recognition, this book engages recent philosophical debates in an erudite and creative manner and leads readers to new understandings of the nature and significance of recognition.  With his contextualization of the theme in the L’Arche Daybreak community Ryan offers a truly original account of recognition, an account in which accompaniment and vulnerability are shown to be central to the kinds of transformation that recognition engenders.” (Linda Hogan, Professor of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)

“In Mutual Accompaniment as Faith-Filled Living, Gerard Ryan responds to Charles Taylor's invitation to consider the extraordinarily important issue of recognition in the context of religion. Ryan's illuminating response looks at human agency through the lens of mutuality and inter-relatedness. Using the model of vulnerable accompaniment he proposes a life-giving and sustainable pathway for recognition. This beautifully written, foundational work will shape the trajectories of political, philosophical, and theological ethics.” (James F. Keenan, S.J. Canisius Professor, Boston College)

“Gerard Ryan lived in a L’Arche community for three years in the early 2000s. Two decades later, he explores intensely how the path of mutual accompaniment challenges us to stop, to listen, and to share the truth of our lives. Ryan’s bold study calls us to examine our own notions and experiences of ability and disability, relationship, and vulnerability. His invitation to encounter the other is a spiritual gauntlet for our time.” (Trish Glennon and Carl MacMillan, L’Arche Daybreak, Canada)

Gerard J. Ryan is Assistant Professor of Political Theology, Regis College, Toronto School of Theology in the University of Toronto, Canada.