184 - Becoming Neighbors: Why Inclusion Starts with Loving the People Around You with Amar Peterman

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron DeVries welcomes theologian, public scholar, and author Amar Peterman to explore the powerful connection between empathy, neighborliness, and inclusion. Drawing from his book Becoming Neighbors, Amar shares how true inclusion goes beyond proximity and requires intentional hospitality that ensures everyone can participate fully. The conversation dives into disability theology, the challenges of ableist interpretations in faith communities, and how empathy can reshape how we engage with those around us. Together, Aaron and Amar challenge listeners to rethink what it means to “love your neighbor” and to actively cultivate communities where everyone truly belongs.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Hospitality - Inclusion requires thoughtful planning so that everyone can fully access and participate in shared spaces.

Becoming Neighbors - Neighborliness is not just about proximity—it’s something we actively choose through care and relationship.

Radical Empathy - True empathy centers others’ needs and experiences, creating deeper understanding and connection.

Disability Theology - Disability can reveal divine insight and challenge harmful assumptions that equate disability with brokenness.

Community Responsibility - Building the common good starts locally by engaging the people who live and work around us.

Amar Peterman’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is intentionally creating spaces where everyone can show up, participate and be heard by removing barriers and making room at the table for all.

Amar Peterman’s Bio:

Amar D. Peterman is an Indian American author, speaker, and public theologian. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied public theology and American religious history, and is a current PhD student at the University of Chicago Divinity School. His first book, "Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local" is forthcoming by Eerdmans Publishing Company (Spring 2026).

Through his research and consulting firm, 'Scholarship for Religion and Society,' Amar has worked with leading organizations such as the Fetzer Institute, Neighborly Faith, the Aspen Institute, Church Anew, and the University of Chicago. His writing and research have also been featured in Sojourners, Christianity Today, The Christian Century, Patheos, Georgetown University's Berkley Center Forum, Fathom Magazine, Faithfully Magazine, and more.

Amar and his wife Emīlija currently reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with their dog, Penny.

Connect with Amar Peterman:

Website: https://www.amarpeterman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amardpeterman/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarpeterman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amarpeterman/

Substack: https://amardpeterman.substack.com/

Amazon: https://a.co/d/06I7ZaGt

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 83

No - 99

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