John Swinton is a Scottish theologian recognized as a significant figure in the development of disability theology. His work delves into the intricate connections between spirituality, health, and disability, seeking to understand profound theological questions that arise from the human experience. Rooted in his background as an ordained minister and academic, Swinton's approach effectively bridges theoretical insights with their practical implications for life.
Originally published in 1884, this collection of essays and articles provides a snapshot of the great labor-capital debate that raged during the late 19th century. Contributors include representatives from both sides of the issue, as well as prominent journalists, politicians, and social commentators of the time. The book provides a unique insight into the ideological battles that shaped American political and social thought during an era of rapid change and development.
Lenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end.
John Swinton describes his place of formation walking alongside people living with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges and dementia, and how it has gifted him with the opportunity to ask different theological questions of the Christian tradition; questions that emerge from the lives of people who see the world differently.
The exploration of evil delves into its true nature, challenging the perception that it is solely associated with monstrous figures or horrific acts. Instead, it suggests that everyone may unknowingly participate in acts of evil, contributing to harm, particularly to the vulnerable. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding these hidden aspects of evil to effectively resist and combat it. By bringing awareness to our own potential complicity, it advocates for a proactive stance against the insidious influences of evil in our lives.
The author draws on his experiences with individuals facing intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and dementia to explore profound questions about faithfulness, discipleship, and community. This unique perspective enriches his theological insights, inviting readers to consider how diverse ways of seeing the world can deepen their understanding of spirituality and human connection.
Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has been chosen by scholars for its importance in understanding historical and societal contexts, offering insights that are essential to the study of our collective heritage.
Winner of the Michael Ramsay Prize 2016 Dementia is one of the most feared diseases in Western society today. Some have even gone so far as to suggest euthanasia as a solution to the perceived indignity of memory loss and the disorientation that accompanies it. In this book John Swinton develops a practical theology of dementia for caregivers, people with dementia, ministers, hospital chaplains, and medical practitioners as he explores two primary questions: • Who am I when I’ve forgotten who I am? • What does it mean to love God and be loved by God when I have forgotten who God is? Offering compassionate and carefully considered theological and pastoral responses to dementia and forgetfulness, Swinton’s Dementia: Living in the Memories of God redefines dementia in light of the transformative counter story that is the gospel. Now with a new cover and repackaged edition for the popular market.
In Becoming Friends of Time, John Swinton crafts a theology of time that draws us toward a perspective wherein time is a gift and a calling. Time is not a commodity nor is time to be mastered. Time is a gift of God to humans, but is also a gift given back to God by humans. Swinton wrestles with critical questions that emerge from theological reflection on time and disability: rethinking doctrine for those who can never grasp Jesus with their intellects; reimagining discipleship and vocation for those who have forgotten who Jesus is; reconsidering salvation for those who, due to neurological damage, can be one person at one time and then be someone else in an instant. In the end, Swinton invites the reader to spend time with the experiences of people with profound neurological disability, people who can change our perceptions of time, enable us to grasp the fruitful rhythms of God’s time, and help us learn to live in ways that are unimaginable within the boundaries of the time of the clock.