We are joined again by Professor John Swinton, ahead of his summer class “Theology, Mental Health and the Problem of Suffering” (May 12-16). We discuss his recent research on systemic factors that contribute to mental health challenges, methods in practical theology and the issue of casual theodicy in Christian communities. We discuss the mystery of God’s hiddenness, sitting with the unresolved in church communities, and the importance of boundaries in friendship and caring for people with mental health challenges and disabilities. John also briefly mentions his album Beautiful Songs About Difficult Things, where he integrates his many years of theological reflection into artistic meditations for the church. We're hoping he'll sing a few songs for us in May!
Bio
Professor John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, ordained minister in the Church of Scotland, and a former mental health nurse. He holds the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, where he specializes in practical theology and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to disability theology and the theology of mental health. Throughout his career, John has emphasized the importance of understanding personhood and spirituality in the context of mental health and disability, advocating for more inclusive and compassionate approaches within religious communities and healthcare settings.
Previous Podcast Appearances
A Thick Understanding of Mental Health (December 2022)
I Have Never Met a Mentally Healthy Person (June 2019)
Books Referenced
Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges (2020)
Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (2012)
Regent College Podcast
Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend.
Follow Us on Social Media
Keep in Touch
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.