Radical Dependence Exploring Dr Iozzio's Contributions to Disability Theology and Justice

Disability theology has often been overlooked in mainstream theological discussions, yet it holds profound insights into how society understands human dignity, dependence, and justice. Dr. Iozzio, a professor of moral theology at Boston College’s Clough School of Theology and Ministry, has dedicated her career to reshaping this conversation. Her work bridges scripture, ethics, and lived experience to highlight the importance of inclusion and the moral significance of disability. This post explores Dr. Iozzio’s contributions, focusing on her latest book, Radical Dependence: A Theological Anthropology of Disability, and the broader impact of her scholarship on disability theology and justice.

Dr. Iozzio’s Academic Journey and Foundations

Dr. Iozzio’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to history, theology, and ethics. She began with a degree in history, concentrating on ancient Greece and Rome at Pennsylvania State University. This foundation in classical history informs her understanding of early Christian thought and moral traditions. She then pursued multiple advanced degrees: a master’s in theology focusing on the history of religion from Fordham University, a master’s in biblical studies from Providence College, and a PhD in theological ethics from Fordham. Her education also includes a licentiate in sacred theology from Boston College and a certificate in counseling and spiritual direction from the New York Archdiocese.

Before joining Boston College, Dr. Iozzio spent two decades teaching at Barry University in Miami, where she earned a reputation for outstanding teaching and scholarly depth. This extensive background equips her to approach disability theology with both historical insight and ethical rigor.

The Core of Dr. Iozzio’s Work: Disability Theology and Moral Analysis

At the heart of Dr. Iozzio’s scholarship is the conviction that disability challenges common assumptions about independence, ability, and moral worth. She combines careful scriptural interpretation with moral analysis to reveal how habits and virtues shape both individual character and society’s structures. Her approach emphasizes that human beings are inherently interdependent, and this dependence should be understood not as weakness but as a fundamental aspect of human dignity.

Her work draws on Catholic social teaching and virtue ethics to argue for a more inclusive theology that recognizes the contributions and voices of people with disabilities. By doing so, she challenges theological traditions that have marginalized disabled persons and calls for a reimagining of community and justice.

Radical Dependence: A Theological Anthropology of Disability

Dr. Iozzio’s latest book, Radical Dependence, represents a capstone to her career. Set to be published by Baylor University Press and introduced at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting in Boston, this volume offers a comprehensive theological anthropology centered on disability.

The book explores how dependence is not merely a condition to be overcome but a radical reality that shapes human existence. It argues that acknowledging dependence opens new ways to understand vulnerability, care, and justice within Christian theology. This perspective invites readers to rethink traditional notions of strength and autonomy, emphasizing instead the virtues that arise from mutual support and community.

Radical Dependence also integrates voices from marginalized populations, ensuring that theology reflects diverse experiences. This inclusion strengthens the field of disability theology and pushes for broader social and ecclesial change.

Collaboration and Influence in Disability Studies

Dr. Iozzio’s impact extends beyond her writing. She actively collaborates with scholars in disability studies, fostering dialogue and expanding the reach of inclusive theology. Through conferences, consultations, and networks, she promotes interdisciplinary approaches that enrich theological reflection and practical ministry.

Her work encourages theologians, ethicists, and church leaders to engage with disability not as a peripheral issue but as central to understanding human flourishing and justice. This collaborative spirit helps build bridges between academic theology and lived experience, making her contributions both scholarly and deeply relevant.

Practical Implications for Theology and Justice

Dr. Iozzio’s scholarship offers practical insights for faith communities and society at large:

• Reframing Dependence

Recognizing dependence as a shared human condition fosters empathy and solidarity rather than stigma.

• Inclusive Community Building

Churches and institutions can develop practices that welcome and empower people with disabilities, reflecting the virtues of hospitality and justice.

• Ethical Reflection on Social Structures

Her work challenges unjust systems that exclude or marginalize disabled persons, calling for policies and attitudes that promote equity.

• Virtue Ethics in Action

Emphasizing virtues such as patience, humility, and compassion, her theology guides moral formation that values all members of society.

These practical outcomes demonstrate how theology can influence real-world attitudes and policies, promoting justice and dignity for all.

The Broader Impact of Dr. Iozzio’s Work

Dr. Iozzio’s contributions have helped establish disability theology as a vital field within moral theology and ethics. By integrating scriptural interpretation, Catholic social teaching, and virtue ethics, she offers a rich framework for understanding disability beyond medical or social models alone.

Her scholarship challenges theologians to listen to marginalized voices and to rethink foundational concepts like autonomy, dependence, and community. This shift has implications not only for theology but also for social justice movements and pastoral care.

Her work inspires ongoing research and dialogue, encouraging others to explore how disability shapes theological anthropology and ethical reflection.

Final Thoughts on Radical Dependence and Disability Theology

Dr. Iozzio’s Radical Dependence invites readers to reconsider how dependence and disability inform our understanding of human dignity and justice. Her scholarship bridges academic rigor with practical relevance, offering a vision of theology that includes all voices and experiences.