Touching the Rock by John M. Hull Summary

Touching the Rock (1990) is John M. Hull’s memoir about adapting to blindness after losing his sight in 1983. It explores the psychological shifts of “deep blindness,” including diminished visual memory, redefined relationships, and spiritual questions. Hull documents daily challenges like navigating spaces without sight and reinterpreting biblical metaphors in his theological work.

This book appeals to readers interested in disability memoirs, theologians studying sensory deprivation’s impact on faith, and psychology enthusiasts exploring neuroplasticity. Oliver Sacks praised it as “the first great account of blindness”. It’s particularly valuable for caregivers supporting blind individuals.

Yes – it ranks among the most cited first-person accounts of blindness for its raw honesty and theological depth. Hull’s observations about spatial awareness, parental challenges, and sensory compensation (e.g., using auditory cues) make it a seminal text in disability studies.

Hull coins “deep blindness” to describe the complete erosion of visual memory and mental imagery over time. He details losing the ability to recall loved ones’ faces or imagine landscapes, forcing him to rebuild identity through sound, touch, and abstract thought.

Initially struggling with anger toward God, Hull reinterprets biblical stories through blindness. He critiques sight-centric religious metaphors (e.g., “light vs darkness”) and develops a theology valuing inner spiritual perception over physical sight.

Key insights include:

• Environmental navigation: Trusting echo patterns for spatial mapping
• Social coping: Directly addressing sighted people’s discomfort
• Self-care: Embracing assistive tools without shame

Hull recounts painful moments like being unable to visually recognize his children, compensating through voice recognition and tactile bonding. He emphasizes fostering independence in kids while navigating parental guilt.

Some theologians argue Hull overemphasizes blindness’s isolating aspects, neglecting communal support systems. Others note the memoir focuses more on adaptation than systemic disability advocacy.

While both analyze blindness’s theological implications, Touching the Rock is autobiographical, whereas In the Beginning… critically examines biblical texts’ bias against blindness. Together, they form a holistic study of disability and faith.

Notable passages include:

• On perception: “Blindness is a way of being – not a lack of being”
• On faith: “God became sound, vibration, the tremor in the air”
• On identity: “I am now a body without eyes”

With AI-assisted navigation tools reshaping blind accessibility, Hull’s human-centered insights remain vital for evaluating technology’s role in disability. His work also informs current debates about neurodiversity in religious institutions.

The memoir is available in print, audiobook, and braille formats from major retailers like Barnes & Noble. Some blindness advocacy groups offer discounted access.