Deaf theology

Deaf theology is a modern theological perspective that frames theological issues through a Deaf lens. The scope of Deaf theology is mostly Christian, however, a minority of Deaf theologians are of different faith groups. Deaf Christianity ranges from conservative to progressive.

Historically, theologians did not consider perspectives from Deaf people as equal. This was due in part to the fact that American Sign Language was not formally recognized as a "true" language until William Stokoe was able to advocate for language recognition in the 1960s. Early discussion studying Deaf people and theology was created by hearing scholars. However, in recent years, more Deaf theologians have been making the public aware of their existence in the greater Deaf community. Originally, Deaf theological discussion mostly occurred in Deaf church spaces with some Deaf people entering ministry. Over time however, as more Deaf people became knowledgeable about religion and theological topics, a greater spectrum of Deaf thought started taking hold.

Early leaders in the Deaf community such as Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet earned credentials in theology leading them, because of their faith, to establish Deaf institutions of learning in the United States on the basis of charity. Deaf theology focuses on independence, as its own perspective on Deafness and religion by embracing Deaf identity rather than attempting to integrate Deaf people into hearing religious life.