Podcast appearances and mentions of John Swinton

“It's not so much our story that makes us who we are. It's God's story who makes us who we are.” Identity, for so many of us, is the sum of our memories, our personality, and the ability to tell the story of who we are. So what's left when we lose all the things that make us who we are? John Swinton is a disability theologian who is helping people find God in the experiences of mental illness, memory loss, and intellectual disability. This gentle genius (with a glorious Scottish accent, I might add!) hangs out in the places where memory, identity, and disability meet. Turns out, there's much to be learned about how to live and how to love from people experiencing mental challenges.Dr. Swinton shared more profound thoughts in our hour together than most of us will have in a decade. You don't want to miss his insights on...How do you live well when your mind is atypicalWhy hope and joy are a possibility, no matter whatDealing with the fear of losing your memory or cognitionFinding flexibility and humility in the Christian faithWhat we have wrong about our relationship to timeIf you want to believe there's more of us beyond our memories and our minds—or if you want to hear my attempt at a Scottish accent!—then this episode is for you.Show Notes:Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship by Dr. John Swinton - https://a.co/d/fHyOjJWScriptures referenced in this episode:Colossians 3:3***There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet's most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenoteGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

A special episode. Recorded live at the Rector's Cupboard studio. John Swinton is Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen. Before becoming a mental health professional and then a writer (of at least four books) on faith and mental health, John wanted to be a rock star. He brought together his interests in recording an album called Beautiful Songs about Difficult Things. We speak with John in studio, hear him reflect on some of his work and the personal nature of some of the songs. John also performs some of the songs for the assembled gathering. Enjoy! A quick note, the “this book” that Todd references toward the beginning of the episode is John's 2016 book, Becoming Friend of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship.

Show Notes:Eddie and Chris are joined by previous guest Dr. John Swinton for a frank yet gentle discussion of the complexities of healing, particularly in the context of mental health. Healing is more than just being physically cured; it's a restoration of connection and community. It's offering holy friendship. It's remembering that Jesus, fully God and fully human, suffered with us and for us. Healing returns us to our identity as daughters and sons of God.Dr. Swinton a Scottish theologian, academic, and Presbyterian minister, as well as a Registered Mental Nurse and a Registered Nurser for People with Learning Disabilities. He is the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy, University of Aberdeen. Dr. Swinton is also the founder of the university's Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability.Resources:Listen to Dr. Swinton's previous episode on The WeightLearn more about Sanctuary Mental Health Resources, free church-based resources to engage the conversation around faith and mental healthLearn more about the Centre for Spirituality, Health, and DisabilityFind Dr. Swinton's books on Amazon

Gillian begins our 2025 season on Belonging by talking with Prof John Swinton, Professor of Practical and pastoral theology at aberdeen university. John is an registered mental health nurse, ordained minister and noted theologian, researching particularly in areas of mental health and dementia. He is also President of GoHealth, and a musician, recently releasing an album Beautiful songs about difficult things.  Together they explore:  Countercultural presence  Absence because of mobile phone use  Getting comfortable with disruption in church  Mental health in terms of discipleship and vocation  Moving from ‘fixing' to friendship.  Theology of the Psalms of lament.  Spirituality of darkness.  Helpful and harmful anger.  Solastalgia.  Belonging as being missed.  Learning to be kind.  The Denis Duncan Lecture 2025  Links Join The GoHealth Community Here Beautiful Songs about Difficult Things by John Swinton  Register here for the Denis Duncan Lecture Full transcript available here. Follow the GoHealth Community on our socials @guildofhealth

Is depression a biological and chemical problem? Is it a mental and emotional, or relational problem? Is depression spiritual in nature? As our guest today says, how we describe something is how we see it, and how we see it changes how we respond and act towards it.  Dr. John Swinton is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. For more than a decade John worked as a registered mental health nurse and also worked as a hospital and community mental health Chaplain. In 2004, he founded the University of Aberdeen's Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. John is the author of a number of books, including Finding Jesus in the Storm: The spiritual lives of people with mental health challenges.Check out the DMIN in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience here. Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

In every deep relationship, there comes a point where we are asked to give up something of ourselves or change in ways we never anticipated. Who will this make me? What will this love cost? Tembi Locke fell in love with an Italian chef named Saro when she was studying abroad in Italy during college. Their romance was a story for the big screen. (Quite literally. One starring Zoe Saldana.) A rare illness upended it all. Tembi spent ten years as Saro's caregiver before he died. In her grief, Tembi took their young daughter back to Sicily to see what of her husband she could find there—in his culture, in his food, and with his family. In this conversation, Kate and Tembi discuss:  becoming the architect of your life  the effects of long-term caregiving (both the beauty and the cost) who grief makes us If you liked this episode, you'll also love:  Katherine and Jay Wolf on what caregiving costs us Thomas Lynch on how we become who we miss John Swinton on living at the speed of love   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Root returns to the podcast for a fascinating conversation about the work of German sociologist Hartmut Rosa. We explore Rosa's insights on the acceleration of modern life and how it shapes our world, creating challenges and opportunities for faith leaders. The discussion investigates Rosa's concept of "resonance," a vital counterpoint to the relentless pace of modernity, offering a deeper understanding of how faith can foster meaningful connections in an increasingly fast-paced society. If you enjoy this conversation, you should join us with Hartmut Rosa, in-person or online, for the upcoming event, The Church, The Pastor, And Resonance In An Accelerated Age. It will surely be an essential gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of modernity, sociology, and spirituality. The event will take place at Princeton Theological Seminary and include a host of spectacular theologians in conversation with Hartmut Rosa, including previous podcast guests John Swinton, Miroslav Volf, and Gerardo Marti. On Monday night, there will also be a live podcast! If you can't join in person, you can grab a digital ticket for just $7.50! This includes both access to the event live and the recorded archive :) WATCH the conversation on YouTube The Church, The Pastor, And Resonance In An Accelerated Age Theological Conversations With Hartmut Rosa September 23–24, 2024 · Hybrid Conference · Stuart Hall, Princeton Theological Seminary In a partnership between Luther Seminary and the Aberdeen Centre for Protestant Theology at the University of Aberdeen, the Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary would like to invite you to a conference honoring the work of eminent philosopher Harmut Rosa in the fall of 2024 at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Over the course of three days, noted theologians and scholars will engage Rosa's work on the topics of acceleration and resonance in the modern world. A range of leading scholars in the fields of practical and systematic theology will speak at the conference such as Andrew Root, Mirsolav Volf, and Philip Ziegler. The format will be a hybrid event so that participants can attend either in-person or virtually, which will allow for greater international attendance and participation. If you want to read Rosa for the first time, check out The Uncontrolability of the World. If you are interested in his recent book that looks specifically at religion, go to Democracy Needs Religion.  Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations. Some of his most recent books are The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018). Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies. Previous Visits with Andy Root Secular Mysticism & Identity Politics the Church after Innovation Churches and the Crisis of Decline Acceleration, Resonance, & the Counting Crows Ministry in a Secular Age Christopraxis with Andy Root Faith Formation in a Secular Age the Promise of Despair _____________________ Join my Substack - Process This! Join our upcoming class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought. Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the podcast this week, the Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley is interviewed about Struggling with God: Mental health and Christian spirituality, which she co-wrote with C. H. Cook and John Swinton. The book is the choice for this month's Church Times Book Club. She is in conversation with Sarah Meyrick. Anne Holmes has written this month's book club essay about the book. Read it at https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/books-arts/book-club Struggling with God focuses on the mental-health challenges facing Christians, and looks at how these issues relate to spirituality, prayer, and church life. This is an accessible book by three academics. The authors address the stigma attached to mental health in church communities, and look at the problems arising from some church settings in which mental health is connected with a lack of faith. Each of the six chapters ends with a biblical reflection with questions for individual or group study. Struggling with God is published by SPCK at £14.99 (Church Times Bookshop £13.49); 978-0-281-08641-2. https://chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780281086412/struggling-with-god?vc=CT509 Dr Hamley, who is the Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, is speaking at the Church Times Festival of Preaching in September. https://festivalofpreaching.hymnsam.co.uk Sarah Meyrick is a novelist. Her latest novel is Joy and Felicity (Sacristy Press, 2021). The Church Times Book Club is run in association with the Festival of Faith and Literature. https://faithandliterature.hymnsam.co.uk Sign up to receive the free Book Club email once a month. Featuring discussion questions, podcasts and discounts on each book: churchtimes.co.uk/newsletter-signup Discuss this month's book at facebook.com/groups/churchtimesbookclub Try 10 issues of the Church Times for £10 or get two months access to our website and apps, also for £10. Go to www.churchtimes.co.uk/new-reader

Passage: 7 “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your city gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has. 9 Be careful that there isn't this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,' and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty. 10 Give to him, and don't have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. 11 For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.' -- Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (CSB) Song: He is Among Us (The Least of Us) (https://open.spotify.com/track/5Ffiplm4WHE2DQ8gueRDpS?si=c5c511c3abc0441b) by Andy Piercy, Isaac Wardell, John Swinton, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach Lyrics: You'll find Me with the broken and the weak In the spaces in between You'll hear My voice cry out with those who weep Only if you're listening Whatever you do for the least of these You do it unto Me You'll find Me with the ones without a voice The forgotten and ignored My blessing is on those who love the poor Will you open up the door Hallelujah hallelujah He is among us He is among us By this the world will know the Father's love We will know the Father's love Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

"How can I love you better?" It's a brave question. An interesting question. A profound, yet simple question. It's a really effective question to help with small, achievable steps towards a more healthy and flourishing marriage. Join us this season as we deep-dive into this question together. SHOW NOTES: 1/ ⁠K10 Mental Health online assessment⁠ 2/ Basic triage of mental health and its intersection with spirituality : Ask yourself  (using 1-10 rating scale)How much stress is this causing?How much is this impinging on my life? (consider sleep, relationships, daily functioning)How is this impacting my spirituality namely my sense of God, self and faith? Evaluate your score here 4/ Helplines  Lifeline (13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Headspace (12-25 year olds 1800 650 890), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) 5/ Some key resources that have shaped my mental health experience and understanding:  Darkness is my only Companion by Kathryn Greene-McKnight (Priest and theologian lives with bi-polar)Finding Jesus in the Storm by John Swinton (previous chaplain to the Queen, theologian, registered mental health nurse)The Night is Normal by Dr Alicia Chole (Doctorate in Ministry and Spiritual Formation)The Other Side of Happiness by Brock Bastian (Associate Professor in School of Psychological Sciences Melbourne)A non-anxious Presence by Mark Sayers (Pastor, Cultural Commentator, has bi-polar)Troubled Minds by Amy Simpson (2013 Christianity Today Book Award Winner)Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero (Founder of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship)Kate C Bowler's work including her podcast, devotionals, books (Associate Professor of Christian History, Academic, Podcaster, stage IV cancer survivor) Helpful Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7 Romans 12:2 Romans 15:13 Philippians 4:6-7 1 Kings 18 Luke 8:49-55 Matthew 16:24 Matthew 26:36-45 Philippians 4:8

Host Curtis Chang engages in a profound and moving conversation with distinguished professor, pastor, and champion of Christian healthcare, John Swinton. Together, they delve into the theology of dementia care, exploring the spiritual dimensions of how God treasures all of His created beings, regardless of their cognitive abilities. Professor Swinton sheds light on the sacred act of caring for those afflicted with dementia and points listeners to the profound truth that God remembers His people, even when their remembrances of this life and His love wane.   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Buy Profesor Swintons Books   Read Professor Swinton's Essays   

Ruth Jackson shares some of her favourite moments over the last 99 episodes, including an opiate addict becoming a Christian apologist via a near death experience, an analytic philosopher on why she believes the gospel narratives are reliable, an NFL player on how he'd choose Jesus over winning the Super Bowl and a theologian exploring whether Jesus had a sex drive. • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate For more from Alanso Paul: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-37-alanzo-paul-a-former-opiate-addict-on-how-to-reach-young-people/14800.article John Swinton: Episode 45: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-45-john-swinton-a-psychiatric-nurse-turned-practical-theologian-on-suffering-faith-and-spiritual-care/15176.article Episode 46: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-46-john-swinton-darkness-death-and-extreme-suffering-how-holy-week-brings-hope/15232.article Episode 52: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-52-john-swinton-supporting-people-with-mental-health-challenges/15473.article Episode 53: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-53-john-swinton-disability-learning-difficulties-and-dementia/15550.article Lydia McGrew: Episode 49: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-49-lydia-mcgrew-is-an-evidential-approach-to-christianity-feasible/15332.article Episode 50: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-50-lydia-mcgrew-can-we-trust-the-gospels/15413.article Episode 51: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-51-lydia-mcgrew-who-is-the-true-jesus/15412.article Tyler Scott: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-40-tyler-scott-what-jesus-means-to-a-future-nfl-player/14908.article Andrew Gosler: Episode 85: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-85-andrew-gosler-coming-to-faith-through-dawkins/16938.article Episode 86: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-86-andrew-gosler-why-the-neo-darwinian-framing-of-evolution-is-profoundly-flawed/17036.article Episode 87: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-87-andrew-gosler-are-christianity-and-evolution-compatible/17059.article Vince Vitale: Episode 59: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-59-vince-vitale-from-scepticism-to-christian-apologist/15846.article Episode 60: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-60-vince-vitale-can-we-be-confident-in-our-belief/15908.article Episode 61: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-61-vince-vitale-why-does-god-allow-suffering-and-how-can-i-cope/15949.article Clare Williams: Episode 24: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-24-clare-williams-why-black-history-matters/14114.article Episode 25: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-25-clare-williams-why-racial-justice-matters/14123.article Episode 26: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-26-clare-williams-why-young-black-people-are-leaving-christianity/14230.article Michael Lloyd: Episode 74: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-74-michael-lloyd-should-we-all-study-theology/16498.article Episode 91: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-91-michael-lloyd-where-does-our-value-come-from/17198.article Episode 92: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-92-michael-lloyd-did-jesus-have-a-sex-drive/17222.article Hannah Martin: Episode 93: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-93-hannah-martin-makeup-artist-to-the-stars-on-life-faith-and-navigating-a-filter-obsessed-culture/17288.article Episode 94: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-94-hannah-martin-makeup-royalty-on-supporting-those-who-struggle-with-mothers-day/17311.article Amy Orr-Ewing: Episode 77: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-77-amy-orr-ewing-why-does-mary-matter/16672.article Episode 78: https://premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-78-amy-orr-ewing-why-are-women-central-to-the-christian-story/16703.article Episode 79: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-79-amy-orr-ewing-is-there-any-evidence-for-a-virgin-birth/16779.article Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: Episode 75: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-75-sarah-irving-stonebraker-how-an-atheist-academic-moved-towards-belief-in-god/16608.article Episode 76: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-76-sarah-irving-stonebraker-how-do-we-find-meaning/16645.article Episode 98: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-98-sarah-irving-stonebraker-is-history-irrelevant/17436.article Episode 99: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-99-sarah-irving-stonebraker-how-can-we-be-effective-priests-of-history/17466.article For Arun Arora: Episode 80: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-80-bishop-arun-arora-what-is-advent-and-why-is-it-significant/16816.article Episode 81: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-81-bishop-arun-arora-advent-the-incarnation-and-racial-justice/16861.article Episode 82: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-82-bishop-arun-arora-saint-nicholas-george-floyd-and-unanswered-prayer/16894.article Episode 83: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-83-bishop-arun-arora-stormzy-women-ordination-and-the-hope-of-christmas/16937.article

Saiyyidah Zaidi and Eric Stoddart discuss spirituality when it's memory loss and cognitive decline that is of concern.They make reference to the work of John Swinton whose publications can be found at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/profiles/j.swinton#publications 

Opening Song: “He is Among Us (The Least of These) (https://open.spotify.com/track/5Ffiplm4WHE2DQ8gueRDpS?si=85f430b5935b4f4b)” by Andy Pierce, Isaac Wardell, John Swinton, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach Lyrics: You'll find Me with the broken and the weak In the spaces in between You'll hear My voice cry out with those who weep Only if you're listening Whatever you do for the least of these You do it unto Me You'll find Me with the ones without a voice The forgotten and ignored My blessing is on those who love the poor 'Til you open up the door Whatever you do for the least of these You do it unto Me Whatever you do for the least of these You do it unto Me Hallelujah, hallelujah He is among us, He is among us Hallelujah, hallelujah He is among us, He is among us Hallelujah, hallelujah He is among us, He is among us Hallelujah, hallelujah He is among us, He is among us By this the world will know the Father's love We will know the Father's love Passage: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?' 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' 41 “Then he will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn't take me in; I was naked and you didn't clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn't take care of me.' 44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?' 45 “Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46 CSB) Musical Reflection: Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God's holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.” Prayer: Stir up, O Lord, your power, and come; mercifully fulfill that which you have promised to your church unto the end of the world! [Amen.] -The Gelasian Sacramentary

[00:00:00] Arthur Satterwhite: If I could leave your audience with one thing it would be: If you wanted to do one thing that would help you to begin this journey of diversity, equity and belonging in your context, but also in your personal life proximity, who are you proximate to? Does your circle look like you? Do the places you shop tend to look more like you? Do the places you worship, if we're really honest, and again, this isn't just about white people, black and brown and others do this too. If the people in your space 90 percent of the time look a lot like you, then I would suggest that's your greatest first barrier. It's hard for us to empathize, let alone have compassion for people that we don't know and we don't understand. [00:00:48] Tommy Thomas: Today, we're continuing the conversation that we began last week with Dr. Arthur Satterwhite. Dr. Satterwhite is a recognized voice on leadership and diversity who is passionate about serving and seeing communities flourish. Diversity challenges can be destructive and are some of the greatest barriers to leaders, organizations, and communities in realizing their full potential. Where are they in workplaces or faith spaces? Dr. Satterwhite's belief that by overcoming issues stemming from increasing diversity, individuals and organizations realized greater human and organizational success. Let's pick up on the conversation that we started last week. In full disclosure, people should know that I've tried to recruit Arthur at least twice away from ABS and maybe even recently away from Young Life and have not been successful. So, I'm not sure what that says about my recruiting ability or if it says that he knows what he's doing in terms of God's call on his life. But over, I guess over three or four years, I feel like we've gotten to know each other and I'm very comfortable with you. And so, I've asked Arthur to help me segue into discussing diversity, equity, and belonging on the podcast. We've never really addressed that. And that's a reality in the marketplace. Let's go there. You've obviously had experience in both. And probably back in the private sector, probably for sure, too, in real estate and with ABS and Young Life. I guess people might argue that diversity, equity, and belonging is either a biblical truth or a social construct. [00:02:27] Arthur Satterwhite: Yeah, no, it's not exclusive to the faith spaces we serve in, right? This is definitely across industry and space. Everybody is wrestling with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yes. And belonging. If we just had to jump right in, I think part of the challenge that many organizations and the research highlights is that I think the stat was 75 percent of DEI initiatives fail. And then when you start to dig into why they fail in most contexts, in most cases, it's because DEI is approached as a numbers game. We got to go recruit more fill in the blank, more people of color, more women, more whatever that gap in your population is it's a numbers game. You just got to go recruit more. The challenge with recruiting more, is that if you haven't done the work organizationally to address the cultural issues or the systemic issues that say to those more that your place is maybe not safe or that they don't fully belong unless they assimilate. Like one of my colleagues often says, Hey, we can get them in the front door, but the problem is they go right back out the back door. And we see a lot of these organizations that are approaching it as if it's purely a numbers game, it's just a matter of how do we get more. The other challenge is how you treat DEB as purely something to regulate, right? Equity. We got to put the policies in to regulate, justice and equality. I love how Dr. John Swinton said it when he came and spoke with our community, he's like when was the last time you were actually able to legislate love? When has legislation ever changed the hearts and minds of anyone throughout history? It hasn't. Right? Yeah, it often just, either perpetuates further inequity or creates, instead of creating allies and advocates, maybe creates more adversaries, because people have resented and everything else. The goal isn't diversity or equity. The goal isn't even inclusion. As much as those things matter, the goal is belonging. Now hear me, you still need legislation, you still need policies, to enforce what's new, maybe what's uncomfortable. But the first work. And this is what I am most proud of about our work at Young Life. When we, at least in my tenure, began down this road we said intentionally up front; Hey, the goal isn't diversity or equity. The goal isn't even inclusion. As much as those things matter, the goal is belonging. How do we create a culture and community that says to every person who is called to serve young people, regardless of their cultural background, that you belong here, you belong in and amongst us, and that belonging means you're welcomed, you're loved. Shout out to Eric Carter in his work on belonging - you're invited, you're needed. I love how he put it that you belong when you're missed. When you weren't at that meeting and someone comes up to you after and says, man, ah, where were you? Like that meeting was so much better if you were there, that gathering, that event, that plan, whatever. That's when you belong. What I've been an advocate for and pushed in our community with the help of Newt, our President, and so many others the fruit of belonging, the fruit of creating a community and a culture where everybody knows and feels and senses that they belong, more diverse people are going to want to be there. Because they know it's a good place to be. They're going to feel equitable, the equity of your community, when they are there, because they're going to experience and know that their voice matters, that they are empowered to be full members and parts of that community. They're going to feel included because, again, if they belong, you want them there. You want to make sure that they get to that table, that they're at the right table and the right conversation. Diversity, equity, inclusion are the fruit of belonging. So that's been our work. That's been our aim. What are the things in our context, in our culture, in our organization, in our systems, our structures, holistically, let's be honest about our community and really get intentional about rooting out where are those things, conscious or unconscious, explicit or implicit that may say to someone, you don't fully belong, or you can't belong unless you come and assimilate into this. And again, we're not fully there, like many other organizations who are having the same conversations. We're not fully there. We still got our issues. We're still wrestling with places where we haven't yet fully been able or already to remove the blinders, but we're being intentional. Being intentional about needing to first be people who see, because once we become people who see, we can be those who then create belonging for others. +++++++++++++++++++++++ [00:07:01] Tommy Thomas: I know one of your superpowers is strategy so how does or does strategy overlay into this discussion? [00:07:13] Arthur Satterwhite: Oh, absolutely. I think inherently we must all become more strategic leaders. I forget who said it, one of these leaders was probably Drucker. If it's something smart, we don't know who it is. We just say it's Drucker, right? We'll just say Drucker once said change is the only constant. My dad used to ask me “What are the implications of each decision?  Are you comfortable with the implications?  Are they taking you where you want to go?” And to understand change and to navigate change towards whatever that end result is, we have to be thinking strategically. My dad said when I was younger, what are the implications of each decision? And are we comfortable with what those are? Are those implications going to move us towards that next thing? I'm told that war analogies are just bad, we should stop using them, but it's like in war. Just taking this hill in front of you, moving you towards the victory that you're seeking in, but to win the war or, by taking this hill, do you spend all of your resources such that you're going to lose every hill after that, as we think about, D.E.B. The work we're doing is about being strategic. It's about understanding all of the battles that we're going to have to fight. Let's not be rainbow eyed and rose-colored glasses wearing, let's be real about this – it's hard work. It's change work. It's work that isn't simply about getting more people, putting more policy regulation. This is heart work. We're changing the heart, which means we're touching on, even in professional context, issues of identity, issues of power. Real world cultural implications that we're now having to struggle with in our boardrooms. If we are to create spaces that truly see the difference in gaps. Every time I give a talk around belonging, especially in our spaces, I often start with one or both of two sort of soliloquies. The first one is belonging is a gospel issue. It's not a cultural impetus. It's a gospel issue. Why do I say that? What happened at the Fall? We all lost our access to the Kingdom. We no longer belonged. Right? We got kicked out the garden. We were set aside because of our sins, so we no longer belonged. And that was the work that Jesus did. It was, that whole, starting with calling out the Israelites, and everything through Jesus on the cross was God's effort to create belonging for each of us so that we can once again belong in his Kingdom. And then what did Jesus do? He said, deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me. Go do what I did. That means we should be those who create belonging for other people. I often open with that so people can see that this is a gospel issue. This isn't a cultural issue. As much as there is a cultural zeitgeist happening around us, right? We're in but not of the world, but let's not forget that we're still in the world. The second thing I often open with, and in these rooms there are a lot of white people, especially white men, we need you to belong to, I think too often this conversation is seen as a zero sum argument, and either, or, this false dichotomy that in order for people to belong, that means you've got to give up your seat. No, I think that is a really minimalist view. And I think the real opportunity, at least from a Kingdom perspective is really, how do we build bigger tables? How do we build bigger tables that have room for more seats? And often when I start with those places, it helps us to then have some conversations. Hey, can we talk about privilege? I know it's a big trigger word, and it's maybe been used to make you feel guilty, but from a Kingdom perspective, from a biblical perspective, God's always been about blessing people. The people throughout the Bible, some have had more, and some have had less. The question is, what are you doing with what God has blessed you with? Are you hoarding it and using it for yourself or for your own? Or again, from a Kingdom perspective, as we saw with Jesus, are you using it to benefit others? Are you using it to create space for others? You were blessed, not for yourself, but you were blessed to be a blessing. If I had to shout out some of the preachers that I've had the privilege of sitting under, I think those two things really help. They've helped our community, but as I've been around other communities, they've helped them to then enter in to have some real conversations around race and gender and generations, even abilities. Shout out to Johnny and friends and Daryl and the team over there, Laura and the team over there, they're doing some amazing work. What they have to wrestle with. And as they look to serve our friends with disabilities is very practical realities, right? John Swinton came and talked to us about, let's talk about time. He has a great book, being friends with time and for able bodied people. Our relationship to time is very different. I'm a three on the Enneagram. I'm an achiever. I'm productivity and pace is just wrapped up in who I am. But what Dr. Swinton helped me and others to see is hey, your relationship to time is based out of your able-bodied cultural experience. So, when you approach the disability community and, sometimes you have to slow down. You have to factor for other things. Like you can't just keep running at that because in doing so you are intentionally, maybe unconsciously and unintentionally, whether it's discriminating or just not being mindful, all of those things. Something as simple and practical as that as an example of, where else does that exist? How do we unconsciously or unintentionally say to women in our context that you're less than or you're not equal that maybe you don't bring as much, where do we say to younger generations, you don't know enough yet, you're not smart enough yet. The things that we just say in passing that we don't think is hurtful. We don't think is minimizing. We don't think, stunts belonging, but does, right? Where did we say to people of color, black and brown and others, maybe, your cultural context and experience, you got to tweak some things. It's less than, it has less dignity. Maybe, again, we don't say that outwardly, but maybe unintentionally, unconsciously, our systems, our structures, our processes, our policies, our approaches, our culture can send messages that we don't think are there because they're normal to us and they're comfortable for us. But because we don't stop to think about them, to look at them, to turn the Rubik's Cube and see them from a different perspective, we miss the, Oh, when I did that, I thought I was saying this, but that's what you heard. Oh, okay. That's different. [00:13:46] Tommy Thomas:  Let's go back maybe to your upbringing in Jersey.  You probably were raised in a fairly ethnic diverse community, I'm guessing. [00:13:55] Arthur Satterwhite:  My upbringing was a tale of two cities. And really my education probably speaks to it the most. So, from kindergarten to fourth grade, I went to this private Christian school there in Central Jersey that I was one of five African American students. In the whole school, not just in the class. And yeah, that's five years of being a super minority. And the amount of time you spend at school, that was my community. Fourth grade, ended up leaving there and my parents moved me to the public school, which was the complete opposite. Now it's 80% black and brown. So, talk about culture shock, right? My parents, my mom, especially, was very intentional about pouring into me black history, African American history, African history. I got comfortable and understood my cultural ancestry and background. My mom was very intentional about teaching me Black History - African and African American history. At an early age, I was beginning to understand my cultural ancestry and background. When I look back at that through life, it has been this series of going from one cultural extreme to another. When I went to Monmouth University, I don't have these specific stats, but black and brown folk, we were the super minority when I was there in the early 2000s, and the majority of us played sports. The rest of the population came from pretty well off spaces. And again, I don't say that as a knock against Monmouth, that was just the reality. It's a private school that was very expensive. Fast forward my early career, I'm in now boardrooms in New York City. Those rooms, again in the early 2000s, there weren't a lot of people that looked like me. Again, not just skin color, but then also generational. So I learned at a young age how to navigate these cultural extremes which I think has benefited me, where we've had to call out another superpower. And I've been told I'm a very effective bridge builder. Even a cultural translator, helping folks to begin to hear one another when they maybe lack that competence, that really comes out of exposure, if I could leave your audience with one thing, if you wanted to do one thing that would help you to begin this journey of diversity, equity, and belonging in your context, but also in your personal life proximity. Who are you proximate to? Does your circle look like you? Do the places you shop tend to look more like you? Do the places you worship, if we're really honest, and again, this isn't just about white people, black and brown and others do this too. If the people in your space 90 percent of the time look a lot like you, then I would suggest that's your greatest first barrier. It's hard for us to empathize, let alone have compassion for people that we don't know, and we don't understand. [00:16:45] Tommy Thomas: Go back to your sports team. Did they create a sense of belonging and how did that work out? [00:16:50] Arthur Satterwhite: Again, I had the privilege of sitting under some great coaches. I would say the sports teams I sat on, to steal a line from some of my military friends, you go into military and the only color is the red, white, and blue. As I've heard the other colors fade away because you're in the trenches. These are the people that, I need to know you're my brother, my sister, you're going to have my back. I got your back. We're going to get through this together. Playing soccer, especially at a high level, there is a bit of that where that the team culture is like, hey, everything else is about us together going out. Taking this hill, whether it's a game, practice, whatever. But in that because we built those relationships and because, soccer, at least at the spaces I played, tended to be more diverse. Playing soccer in Spain, Peru and other international cities helped me to appreciate the value and dignity of people from different backgrounds. I was exposed to some more diverse cultures, I got to travel the world. The relationships created the opportunity for me to learn more about whether it was my Latino friends, my Asian friends, my Indian friends, having the privilege of going down and playing in Peru and over in Spain and in other places helped me to just see and appreciate the value, the dignity that each of these, cultural backgrounds, people of different ethnicities bring to the table. I say that's a unique experience because many of the people that I know, especially in the evangelical religious spaces, a lot of them have not had that cultural exposure. They have not had that intentional, proximate relationship with people that look different, that think different, that come from different backgrounds. And I'd say that's maybe one of, again, just the biggest stumbling blocks as I engage with folks in our community to try to help them begin to take steps towards belonging. It's man, we have to create understanding and relationship before we can then circle back and begin to have those other conversations. So what do we do? How do we actually go and create belonging? Because there's a difference between centering oneself. Because I'd say that's the other problem that I see in a lot of this work. There's a lot of research and a lot of writing out there on allyship and advocacy and it's good. It's necessary. But the challenge is when the allyship and the advocacy is less about the people that you're trying to be an ally or an advocate for, and it's actually more about yourself being seen as that advocate or that ally that can be just as dangerous and just as detrimental because those who don't belong when they see that your advocacy and your allyship is, disingenuous it further otherizes them. Now they're a victim. You're still disempowering them, disenfranchising them, even as you were trying to advocate not being an ally of them. +++++++++++++++++ [00:19:34] Tommy Thomas:  We read in the news every two or three weeks something about, I guess particularly in education, affirmative action and representation. Can you give us, at least from your perspective, the difference there? [00:19:47] Arthur Satterwhite: Yeah, affirmative action, as I've read it and, as I've seen it, it was a strategy. And you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. It was a reaction to, people not being invited, not being recruited, not being, you're having access to many of our spaces. As good government does, government treats everything with a broad sword, right? If you're a hammer, then everything's a nail. So, we came out with legislation, which, again, was, I think, good in spirit and nature and intent. But the challenge is, again, we just replaced oppression with oppression. It's okay, so we're not going to look at this. We're only going to look at this. We're not going to recruit this. We're only going to recruit this. And I think, again, the spirit and intent was yes, we don't have these people in here, so we have to go recruit them. I'd say part of the opportunity and representation, when we change our perspective, it's not simply about legislating, getting different people in the seats. It really is about a value and an appreciation and seeing the dignity and necessity of having different voices, diverse voices at the table. Then all of a sudden, we start to think about who's not at the table. And why they're not at the table. Many of the organizations that I've had the privilege to consult for, even now, work for, as we've had this conversation I had one leader in a former organization, they were hiring for a senior level position and they really wanted it to be a diverse hire because they saw the gaps and they truly valued the, oh man, we're missing this perspective around the table. So, we want to make sure that we be our intentional about looking for that. Again, it still was about, we want to hire the best person, but you can't ensure that you're hiring the best person if you're not being intentional and looking in diverse places. So, the occasion point in this situation, they were going back to the same places that they always recruited from. Which those places tended to be more white, came out of more Christian schools, which trend more white and more male. And they were just like, man, I just, I don't understand. Like all we're getting is white men applying. And their takeaway from that was that there was no women or black and brown people that were qualified for the role. And I was like, ah, I don't know, that's the takeaway. The takeaway might be, maybe we need to go, if the pond you're fishing in is only giving you one type of fish, then you probably need to go figure out, are there other ponds that offer me a broader diversity of fish, right? If this stream only has salmon, you're not going to catch trout in it. If you want trout, you got to go figure out where the trout are. And that's one thing that, at Young Life, we've been trying to be really intentional about as we are looking to recruit for roles up and down the organization it really is, it's not about, oh, we're only going to hire black people or brown people or women, I think again, that intentional, while there's good intent in that it does diminish the opportunity. Which is no, let's go find the most qualified people. But to find the most qualified people, that means we have to look in more places. That may require more work. It may require more uncomfortable conversations because we're going to places we've never been, and we don't have relationships, but it will help us to see that it'll actually elevate the bars. I would suggest that we have, whether it's a role or an opportunity within organizations, as we are exposed to people who bring diverse qualifications and backgrounds and experience that could be just to steal a quote from the Bible immeasurably greater than we ever asked or thought about. [00:23:25] Tommy Thomas: Good. I'm going to close out maybe with a little lightning round of maybe lighter questions. Probably shorthand. First though, I guess I've learned that not always, but what's a small act of kindness that you were once shown that you will never forget? [00:23:46] Arthur Satterwhite: I'll point back to that experience I shared earlier -that mentor who punched me in the nose at the moment did feel kind, but it was kind because it came from a truly genuine and caring space. It was like, I want the best of you, and I want the best for you. So, I'm going to say some hard things to you right now, because I need you to hear them in the hopes that they help you to begin to see and reflect more. [00:24:20] Tommy Thomas: What's the best compliment anyone's ever paid you? [00:24:24] Arthur Satterwhite: My wife, that she loves me first and foremost, and I still don't understand why at times. I had to point to my team recently, as we were just reflecting on the last year and just talking about collaboration there, it was just a simple hey, we get it, yeah, we get it. We get why we've been doing this intentional work to learn how to collaborate, to build a familiarity with one another and then the clarity around one another's roles. And then the intentionality that I've called them to their acknowledgement lately. We get it. We see it. This is good. That was really good. [00:25:00] Tommy Thomas: If you could go back in time and tell a younger version of yourself something. What would you tell him? If I could go back in time and tell a younger version of myself something, I would tell him – You're enough, Dude, you're enough! [00:25:07] Arthur Satterwhite: Oh, I've thought about this one a bunch. I would tell him, dude, you're a head case. Go get some help. No, I would tell him you're enough. When you're from a non-dominant culture, whether that's black or brown, racial ethnicity, non-dominant or generational non dominant, most of our communities have some version of the talk that parents are giving their kids, you need to be smarter, you need to work harder. You need to be better. There's rightness in that because it pushes us to be successful, but then the downside of that can leave you with a complex where you're wrestling with, am I enough, am I enough in these rooms and these spaces, when will I be enough? So, if I did could go back and tell my younger self anything else is just let him know you're enough, dude. +++++++++++++++++++++ Tommy Thomas This has been a great conversation. I appreciate you carving out this time out of your schedule and you sharing these things with us. And I'm sure as I unpack this you may be on the list of people that get invited back. Thank you so much. Arthur Satterwhite Tommy, Thank you for having me. It's a privilege and an honor.  Just grateful for you and your leadership, my friend. Tommy Thomas In addition to Arthur's day job with Young Life, he does a lot of speaking and training around diversity, equity and belonging. I'm posting a link to his personal website in the episode notes. Next week, keep doing your part to help make the nonprofit sector more effective and sustainable.   Links & Resources JobfitMatters Website Next Gen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas Young Life Website Satterwhite Company   Connect tthomas@jobfitmatters.com Follow Tommy on LinkedIn Follow Arthur on LinkedIn

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative (TMC) at Duke Divinity School and the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine at Duke held a seminar on October 21, 2022 with John Swinton, BD, PhD, RMN, RMND titled “Can a Pill Do What the Holy Spirit Could Not?: Psychiatric Medication, Personhood, and Living Faithfully with Mental Health Challenges.” Dr. Swinton is a Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History at King's College University of Aberdeen. TMC Seminars are a semi-monthly gathering of faculty, students, clinicians, and others interested in the intersections of theology, medicine, and culture. For more information and recordings, visit tmc.divinity.duke.edu/seminar/​.

Shownotes:The language surrounding mental health often limits the fullness of each complex human experience. Stigma, stereotypes, and media representations perpetuate one-dimensional portraits of what it means to live with a mental illness. Additionally, Christians tend to view sadness and joy in a narrow manner, when the Bible speaks to a vast array of human emotions we all experience. With all of this in mind, how can we speak about mental health in a more liberating and comprehensive way?In this episode, Chris and Eddie speak to John Swinton, author of “Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges.” A registered mental health nurse, Swinton has listened to the multi-layered experiences of Christians who deal mainly with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Swinton maps out what it looks like to redefine health and healing in the context of connection, he speaks to the unique resources and community that the church can offer, and he addresses the sense of abandonment that Christians feel, especially when dealing with depression. We hope that this episode gives you permission to move through your story with freedom and greater imagination.Resources:Check out John Swinton's book “Finding Jesus in the Storm” hereFollow John Swinton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnswintonabdn 

So much in this episode: God and time, the evolution of clocks, slowness, and the gifts those with disabilities bring us. Amazingly, these subjects all flow together and cause us to take a challenging look at the way we view both time and those with disabilities. After all, we will all grow into disability as time moves on. It's only a matter of time. Discover what role the Benedictine monks had to play in invention of the clock. How can we become friends of time and embrace slowness and a pace that is new to us? The episode is based largely on the book, Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship by John Swinton. The author references his information on the clock and time from the book, Time Wars: The Primary Conflict in Human History by Jeremy Rifkin. Closing prayer from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie, updated and revised by Susanna Wright. More episodes on time: #79 Wasting Time With God #125 Shorter Days: A Gift of Rest Locate the Message button on your listening platform to leave us a voicemail for our upcoming episodes on JOY! Just your name, and where you listen from, and what is sparking joy in your life right now. Thank you in advance for sharing what brings joy with us and for passing this episode on to someone who might enjoy it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle-tornetta/message

Recorded live at Spring Harvest, this episode features highly respected theologian and minister in the Church of Scotland Professor John Swinton in conversation with Premier's Justin Brierley. The pair discuss John's journey from growing up as a child in a religious household to his time working as a nurse with people facing mental health challenges. The interview also delves into John's groundbreaking research on the theology of friendship and its transformative potential for individuals with mental health challenges. With compelling stories of breaking down barriers and cultivating genuine friendships within church communities, John argues for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental health within the church. He also talks about the meaning behind Jesus' healing miracles, the current mental health crisis among young people, and how the church can offer support by creating communities where people are truly present and missed when they're not there.   This interview was recorded live at Spring Harvest   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for HALF PRICE at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University and a former psychiatric nurse, challenges the way we approach disability, ensuring we create spaces where everyone belongs and has their spiritual needs met. We also discuss difficult questions around dementia, such as what it means to know God when you have limited conceptual intellectual capacity.   For professor John Swinton: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/profiles/j.swinton   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Bonus Episode with more from Trinette Stanley, Family & Life Skills Educator (Mental Health) at ⁠Anglicare⁠. Tim and Trinette chat about some theological considerations when it comes to mental ill-health and how the gospel is uniquely equipped to speak into the lives of those who are in the midst of experiencing psychological distress. We'd love to hear from you. Send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net⁠. Click on through to discover more from ⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠ and find out how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church. Trinette's Recommended Reading List: ⁠‘Finding Jesus in the Storm' by John Swinton⁠,  ⁠‘Tackling Mental Illness Together' by Alan Thomas⁠ ⁠‘Troubled Minds' by Amy Simpson

May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, so we spoke to John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University, who spent 16 years as a psychiatric nurse. He shares his thoughts about how to care for those experiencing mental health difficulties, particularly young people.   For professor John Swinton: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/profiles/j.swinton   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Trinette Stanley, Family & Life Skills Educator (Mental Health) at Anglicare, joins us to discuss mental health in children and teenagers and how children and youth ministry leaders can best support young people and their families. You can reach out to Trinette by email and find out more about the work of Anglicare. Read ⁠⁠'Tell Me More' by Al James⁠ ⁠at Youthworks.net. We'd love to hear from you. Send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net. Click on through to discover more from Youthworks Ministry Support Team and find out how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church. Show links and phone numbers: Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800, kidshelpline.com.au Lifeline, 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au Suicide call-back service, 1300 659 467, suicidecallbackservice.org.au Headspace, headspace.org.au Wesley Mission Service Finder, wesleymission.org.au/find-a-service Anglicare Counselling Services, anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/counselling Further reading at Youthworks.net: Trinette's Recommended Reading List: ‘Finding Jesus in the Storm' by John Swinton,  ‘Tackling Mental Illness Together' by Alan Thomas ‘Troubled Minds' by Amy Simpson

Some people are the LEAN IN sort. They lean into your unsolvable problems, show up on your impossible days, and walk with you all the way to the end. How do we become them? How do we create belonging when the people we love experience such uncertainty? Practical theologian and mental health nurse John Swinton knows a thing or two about this kind of love.   In this conversation, Kate and John discuss:  The importance of learning to be present for people with intellectual disabilities, dementia, or in mental health crises  How two places that should be known as places of belonging—the church and the hospital—have become difficult for fragile people… and how we might begin to make these institutions better A theology of hope we might all be able to sign up for (Spoiler: Hope is a long story.)  How love moves at a certain speed, so we all might need to slow down a bit *** Looking for the transcript or show notes? Click here. Find Kate on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter. THE LIVES WE ACTUALLY HAVE: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days is out now. Learn more, here. Leave us a voicemail and who knows? We might even be able to use your voice on the air: 919-322-8731 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some people are the LEAN IN sort. They lean into your unsolvable problems, show up on your impossible days, and walk with you all the way to the end. How do we become them? How do we create belonging when the people we love experience such uncertainty? Practical theologian and mental health nurse John Swinton knows a thing or two about this kind of love.  In this conversation, Kate and John discuss:  The importance of learning to be present for people with intellectual disabilities, dementia, or in mental health crises  How two places that should be known as places of belonging—the church and the hospital—have become difficult for fragile people… and how we might begin to make these institutions better A theology of hope we might all be able to sign up for (Spoiler: Hope is a long story.)  How love moves at a certain speed, so we all might need to slow down a bit ***Looking for the transcript or show notes? Click here.Find Kate on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter.THE LIVES WE ACTUALLY HAVE: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days is out now. Learn more, here.Leave us a voicemail and who knows? We might even be able to use your voice on the air: 919-322-8731 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of his discussion with Ruth Jackson, Professor John Swinton shares what Holy Week means to him and explores what impact the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus has on a world in need of hope.   For professor John Swinton: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/profiles/j.swinton   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Ruth Jackson speaks to John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University. Having spent 16 years as a psychiatric nurse, John speaks about the importance of spiritual care in medicine. He also shares his thoughts on the problem of suffering.   For professor John Swinton: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/profiles/j.swinton   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

The Luminaries series is a collection of interviews with premier thinkers working in the theological academy and the church. Professor John Swinton is a renowned practical theologian and the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. On this episode, Dr. Swinton and I discuss his career prior to entering the theological academy, a theology of mental health challenges, the experience of time for those living with disabilities, and confronting the problems of both “radical evil” and “banal evil.” PODCAST LINKS: USE CODE “DELIVER23” AT CHECKOUT FOR 40% OFF PROF. SWINTON'S NEW BOOK, Deliver Us from Evil: A Call for Christians to Take Evil Seriously: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666734003/deliver-us-from-evil/ * (Coupon code is good through 2/28/2023.) * Blog post: [coming soon] Jasmine Pearl Tea: https://thejasminepearl.com/ SOURCES MENTIONED: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Arendt, Hannah. Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. ———. The Origins of Totalitarianism. Hull, John M. Touching the Rock: An Experience of Blindness. Koyama, Kosuke. Three Mile an Hour God. Luhrmann, T. M, and Jocelyn Marrow, eds. Our Most Troubling Madness: Case Studies in Schizophrenia across Cultures. Swinton, John. Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship. ———. Deliver Us from Evil: A Call for Christians to Take Evil Seriously. ———. Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges. World Health Organization, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. OUTLINE: (02:02) – Black tea (with coffee beans), Coke Zero, and (thoughts of) Scotch (03:30) – From nursing to the theological academy (07:18) – Distinguishing practical theology as a subdiscipline (10:26) – Diagnostic descriptors as experienced by diagnosed persons (15:32) – Problematizing the DSM (20:31) – Describing the experience of mental health challenges (24:24) – Living with mental health diagnoses in the West (30:12) – Advice for those living with mental health challenges (31:45) – Advice for churches trying to welcome those with mental health challenges (32:59) – The “temporarily able-bodied” (35:40) – The speed of Western time and the speed of God's time (42:20) – Living in God's time (44:47) – “You've changed”: personal identity amidst the changes that come with disability (51:06) – Evil according to Paul the Apostle, Susan Eastman, and Hannah Arendt (58:57) – Resisting evil

What does it look like to integrate our emotional and mental health with our faith? We've likely all experienced, or ourselves said some things in this area that are unhelpful and even hurtful. On this episode we talk to theologian John Swinton and psychologist Peace Amadi to hear their thoughts on fruitful ways to consider our mental health in relationship to our minds, bodies, God, and others. Tune in to find out what we can learn about being human by paying attention to our emotions and the lives of those with mental health challenges.John Swinton is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. He is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland who for more than a decade worked as a registered nurse specializing in psychiatry and learning disabilities. John is the author of many books including Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges. Peace Amadi is Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Hope International University. She is the founder of The Pink Couch to empower women and The Ruby Project for survivors of trauma and abuse. Peace is the author of Why Do I Feel Like This?: Understand Your Difficult Emotions and Find Grace to Move Through.

In this episode we're talking about Dementia with Prof. John Swinton, who is Chair of Divinity and Religious Studies and Professor of Theology at the University of Aberdeen (in Scotland). Prof. Swinton is also a Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and a Registered Nurse for People with Learning Disabilities (RNMD), and the author of a number of books, including, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (published by Eerdmans) and Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship (published by Baylor University Press). In our conversation we talk about what led Prof. Swinton into theological work on Dementia, and as the discussion unfolds Prof. Swinton addresses models of personhood in relation to memory, overly dualist/rationalist conceptions of who we are as humans, and the importance of relationality and communality as people. Theologically, we talk about what it means to know God, when you've forgotten who God is, and the importance of situating personhood in Christ and the importance of being held in God's memory of us. Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. John Anthony Dunne, Stephanie Kate Judd, and Rev. Dr. Chris Porter.

This episode is the first episode in our series on disability and theology, in which we're joined by Prof. John Swinton, who is Chair of Divinity and Religious Studies and Professor of Theology at the University of Aberdeen (in Scotland). Prof. Swinton is also a Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and a Registered Nurse for People with Learning Disabilities (RNMD), and the author of a number of books, including, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (published by Eerdmans). In this conversation Prof. Swinton provides us with an overview of key terms and methodologies within the field of Disability studies as well as theological conversations around disability to help set up the conversations in our series. In addition to some of those foundational concepts and topics, Prof. Swinton also shares with us some of his insights surrounding the importance of personhood, belonging, dependence, participating in the Body of Christ, our conceptions of time, and the nature of resurrected bodies. Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. John Anthony Dunne, Dr. Grace Emmett, Stephanie Kate Judd, Dr. Madison Pierce, and Rev. Dr. Chris Porter.

Why is it important to find the right language when we talk about mental health?  How should we talk about mental health that paints a more wholistic narrative?  What is the goal for those who have a mental illness and how can the church and community  support them in this?  What does it look like to hold one another's joy amidst suffering and sadness? We discuss these questions and more with Dr. John Swinton.  We hope you enjoy!If this conversation peaked your interest, John Swinton and Daniel Whitehead are teaching a  course this J-term, called "Seeking Sanctuary, Finding Shalom: Love, Community, and the Lived Experience of Mental Health Challenges".  Thanks for Listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about Regent College and our upcoming courses, visit: https://www.regent-college.edu

Opening Song: Drive Out the Darkness (https://open.spotify.com/track/2wvTmH3hGUGztde4DZeBgB?si=7519001e0ddf48b9) by Dan Marotta, Isaac Wardell, John Swinton, and Paul Zach Lyrics: Come O come be our light Drive out the darkness Come Jesus come Ev'ry year under the thorn Ev'ry wrong that we have known Ev'ry valley will be raised The ancient ruins will be remade Ev'ry weapon made for war Ev'ry gun and ev'ry sword Will be melted in the flame To be used for gardening In the emptiness of grief Through the night of suffering Ev'ry loss and in the tears God our comfort O be near Come O come be our light Drive out the darkness Come and end all the violence Come and do not be silent Come we cling to Your promise Come You'll break all injustice Come Jesus come Passage: 1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. 5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. 6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. 9 They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. 10 At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it. 11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk's Second Complaint 12 Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. 13 You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? Habakkuk 2:1-4 1 I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith 2 And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. 4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.[a] Musical Reflection: O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler Reflection Notes: This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ's death with deep sincerity. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Theologian John Swinton was Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland. He spoke to Life & Faith on the day she died.   --- John Swinton has been many things in his life: Mental Health Nurse, Presbyterian minister, academic and author. He was also Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland, a role his mother was especially proud of! On the morning he was due to come into the CPX studio news came through that Queen Elizabeth II had died.   We talked about the Queen, her faith, and the role of Chaplain, that John briefly played. What made the death of this 96-year-old woman so profound for so many people?  This topic led to a broader discussion about the caring professions, and spiritual care as a crucial part of any wholistic approach to true health.   “... the way you learn how to be a decent person is by looking at decent people. And she always strikes me as a decent person that I have learned a lot from, even though … from a distance until relatively recently.”   --- Explore some of John Swinton's books:   Dementia: Living in the Memories of God.  A Graceful Embrace: Theological Reflections on Adopting Children  Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges 

When we release ourselves from the burden of proving our value by what we make of time, we can learn slowness for the sake of our whole selves – our minds, bodies and souls—and for the sake of those in our world who are most vulnerable. But this is spiritual work. If we want to value the lives of those who will never produce enough to be considered good, we have to first value ourselves outside of what we can do.    “When we begin to understand what it means to reside within God's time, we are opened up to a whole new way of being in the world, a way that not only respects the difference that disability brings, but in a sense requires it.” That's why we need a vision of God that is love, and a vision of all that God has created as born from love. We are not robots set on earth to do enough work in enough time to be deemed good. We are born of love and given a loving, expansive creation: Time is a gift of love. That means we are invited to be whole bodies (not just brains), who are learning what it is to love one another. Links: This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Newsletter. Read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis here. Read Becoming Friends of Time by John Swinton here. Find a transcript of this episode here.  Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here Find Micha on Instagram Find Micha on Twitter Micha's other podcast, The Lucky Few, is all about Down syndrome advocacy. She cohosts it with Heather Avis and Mercedes Lara. Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer is available everywhere books are sold     

Opening Song: He is Among Us (https://open.spotify.com/track/5Ffiplm4WHE2DQ8gueRDpS?si=80760e21fca04fa4) (The Least of These) by Andy Piercy, Isaac Wardell, John Swinton, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach Lyrics: You'll find Me with the broken and the weak In the spaces in between You'll hear My voice cry out with those who weep Only if you're listening Whatever you do for the least of these You do it unto Me You'll find Me with the ones without a voice The forgotten and ignored My blessing is on those who love the poor Will you open up the door Hallelujah hallelujah He is among us He is among us (REPEAT) By this the world will know the Father's love We will know the Father's love Passage: 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25–37 ESV) Musical Reflection: Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury Reflection Notes: This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Prayer: Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and, that we may receive what we ask, teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask only those things that are pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the same Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

How do we create communities where friendship is a possibility among people of differing abilities? Dr. John Swinton, theologian and author, talks with Amy Julia Becker about mutual relationships of care, the meaning of health and healing, and the speed of love.___Guest Bio:“John Swinton is chair of divinity and religious studies at the University of Aberdeen. He has published widely within the area of disability theology, spirituality and health, qualitative research, and mental health.”___For full show notes, go to: amyjuliabecker.com/john-swinton/___Season 5 of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear podcast connects to themes in my newest book, To Be Made Well...you can order here! Learn more about my writing and speaking at amyjuliabecker.com.*A transcript of this episode will be available within one business day, as well as a video with closed captions on my YouTube Channel.

What sort of conversations should the church be having around mental health? What is it's role in supporting those in congregations who are experiencing mental health challenges or know someone who is?   Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, a Vancouver based organization is doing some amazing work in regard to conversations about mental health in the church. We had the honour of welcoming Daniel Whitehead, Sanctuary CEO, and Dr. John Swinton, Sanctuary Ambassador, Practical Theologian, and newly appointed Chaplain to the Queen, to talk with us. We spoke with Daniel and John about the role of the church in mental health, ways to reframe our understandings about mental health challenges, and some helpful resources for those wanting to learn more about mental health and faith.   Sanctuary has just released a free course for churches to work through how to have these kinds of conversations and to have better understandings about mental health issues.   Tasting Notes   We enjoyed two Amaro based drinks, a Negroni and an Amaro Spritz, made with Amaro from The Woods Spirit Co. based in North Vancouver. If you'd like to mix your own drinks here are the recipes:   Negroni 1.25 oz Gin (we used gin from The Woods) 1 oz Amaro .75 oz Red Vermouth Garnished with a slice of orange peel   Amaro Spritz 2 oz Amaro 3 oz Prosecco Topped with soda water and garnished with an orange wedge

The Fourth Sunday of Easter | Acts 9:36-43 | Psalm 23 | Revelation 7:9-17 (all NT readings from First Nations Version) | John 10:22-30 | May 8, 2022 | Rev. Danny Bryant | St. Mary of Bethany Parish (Nashville, TN)  Readings & Resources: Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship - John Swinton

"There is no such thing, at this date of the world's history as independent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you who dares to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinion out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the streets looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my paper, before twenty-four hours my occupation would be gone. The business of the journalists is to destroy the truth; to lie outright; to pervert; to vilify; to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and I know it and what folly is this toasting an independent press? We are the tools and vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes." //John Swinton, "managing editor" of the New York Times cirka 1880. Precis ingenting har förändrats sedan dess utan blivit mångt mycket värre - och Andreas Cervenka tillhör alldeles uppenbarligen en av de mer ludermässiga inom de svenska presstitutionsbrigaderna... #CarlNorberg #DeFria De Fria är en folkrörelse som jobbar för demokrati genom en upplyst och medveten befolkning! Stöd oss: SWISH: 070 - 621 19 92 (mottagare Sofia S) PATREON: https://patreon.com/defria_se HEMSIDA: https://defria.se FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/defria.se

For centuries, the mentally ill have been misunderstood and ostracized within religious communities. What would it mean to seriously transform how we view, discuss and treat those struggling with mental illness as Christians? In this episode, co-host Shari Oosting sits down with John Swinton, professor of practical theology and pastoral care at the University of Aberdeen Scotland to examine these questions, and discuss his new book, Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges. John Swinton is a Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. For more than a decade he worked as a registered mental health nurse. He also worked for a number of years as a hospital and community mental health Chaplain alongside people with severe mental health challenges who were moving from the hospital into the community. In 2004, he founded the University of Aberdeen's Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. He has published widely within the area of mental health, dementia, disability theology, spirituality and healthcare, qualitative research and pastoral care. He is the author of a number of monographs including Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness and Gentle Discipleship (Baylor Press 2017), Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (Eerdmans 2012), and Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of People with Mental Health Challenges. (Eerdmans 2020) . 

After a brief break to recover from Covid, Joy shares an interview with John Swinton where they speak about God's gentle, slow love, and how we should share that love with each other.

Thero Mitchell joins as the special guest this week. He uses a story about his son's path towards becoming more devoted to his soccer ability to highlight the virtuous cycle of recognizing a talent or skill, which leads to a desire to practice or refine that gift, which leads to success which then starts the cycle over again, ultimately leading to greater success. He reminds us of the need to boost others up by focusing on the positive three times more than the negative while trying to catch people doing the right things and proclaims that everyone benefits when more people are successful. His word for the year is invest, trying to be more deliberate in how he invests his energy and time and we talk about how our dreams can be broader to focus more on others and not just ourselves. His wife taught him from her organization to always start with care and he encourages us that people are often able to perform beyond their current capabilities when they have a leader who believes in them and who sets high expectations. We hope that we can inspire others as they go throughout this week that started with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to be more intentional about including others and expanding opportunities to others especially those who have been marginalized in the past so we can stop playing injured and reach our full potential.  Thero is currently Director of Client Services at Intermedia, a Software as a Service company that helps over 124,000 businesses connect better with their portfolio of communications and collaboration solutions delivered through one highly reliable and secure platform. Intermedia's Client Services Organization has been named  JD Power Certified Assisted Technical Support (C.A.T.S.) + TSIA rated outstanding: 6 years in a row, 2016-2021. He leads a Technical Services Department of thirty professionals focused on helping customers and partner implement Intermedia's cloud solutions.  This department has maintained average Customer Satisfaction surveys scores of over 9.5 for the last 5 years. He holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University, and is PMP Certified by the Project Management Institute. Resources: Martin Luther King Jr - I Have A Dream speech full transcript on NPR https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety Fireside with Blair Hodges - Slow Down with John Swinton https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fireside-with-blair-hodges/id1559678265?i=1000547527182 Dr. Christa Kirsch & Dr. Janet Peters - Leadership from Inside Out: Student Leadership Development within Authentic Leadership and Servant Leadership Frameworks https://journalofleadershiped.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/16_1_peters.pdf John Swinton - Becoming Friends of Time https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Friends-Time-Timefullness-Discipleship/dp/1481304097?crid=3I2TXGO2ZT2CZ&keywords=john+swinton+friends&qid=1642119746&s=books&sprefix=john+swinton+friend,stripbooks,109&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=bycomcon-20&linkId=7b33cc9afa4aa645b291039b6025e202&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl  

John Swinton's path-breaking book, Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefulness, and Gentle Discipleship takes us through a brief history of time, showing how western culture has changed its experience of time in big ways, and how those changes have impacted people with intellectual disabilities, brain trauma, and people with conditions like Dementia. As a theologian, Swinton reflects on what this history suggests for Christianity. Transcript at our website, firesidepod.org/episodes/swinton.Buy the book and other merch at firesidepod.org/store.

Chris sits in the host chair to speak with two outstanding first-time podcast guests: Andy Root and John Swinton. They have a sharp and philosophically-informed discussion on our experience of time, modernity, and the social concepts of "acceleration" and "resonance."John Swinton is professor of theology at the University of Aberdeen, and author of numerous books. Some listeners may remember that we ran an interview last year with John about his book, Finding Jesus in the Storm: The spiritual lives of people with mental health challenges. However, today's conversation will highlight an earlier book of John's: Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship. Andrew Root is professor at Luther Seminary, and author of, among other books, The Congregation in a Secular Age: Keeping Sacred Time against the Speed of Modern Life, the third and final book in his Ministry in a Secular Age series, which engages Charles Taylor's A Secular Age, exploring what Taylor's work might mean for our life together in the church.Books & Writing Mentioned in this Episode:If you'd like to order any of the following books, we encourage you to do so from Hearts and Minds Books(An independent bookstore in Dallastown, PA, run by Byron and Beth Borger) Becoming Friends of Time: Discipleship, Timefullness & Gentle Discipleship by John SwintonFinding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges by John SwintonThe Congregation in a Secular Age: Keeping Sacred Time Against the Speed of Modern Life by Andy RootA Secular Age by Charles TaylorA Geography of Time: The Temporal Misadventures of a Social Psychologist by Robert LevineAlienation and Acceleration: Towards a Critical Theory of Late-Modern Temporality by Hartmut RosaSocial Acceleration: A New Theory of Modernity by Hartmut RosaThe Uncontrollability of the World by Hartmut Rosa & James WagnerThree Mile and Hour God by Kosuke KoyamaThe Soul of Care: The Moral Education of a Husband and a Doctor by Arthur KleinmanThe Complete Mystical Words of Meister Eckhart

The language surrounding mental health often limits the fullness of each complex human experience. Stigma, stereotypes, and media representations perpetuate one-dimensional portraits of what it means to live with a mental illness. Additionally, Christians tend to view sadness and joy in a narrow manner, when the Bible speaks to a vast array of human emotions we all experience. With all of this in mind, how can we speak about mental health in a more liberating and comprehensive way?In this episode, Chris and Eddie speak to John Swinton, author of “Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges.” A registered mental health nurse, Swinton has listened to the multi-layered experiences of Christians who deal mainly with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Swinton maps out what it looks like to redefine health and healing in the context of connection, he speaks to the unique resources and community that the church can offer, and he addresses the sense of abandonment that Christians feel, especially when dealing with depression. We hope that this episode gives you permission to move through your story with freedom and greater imagination.Check out John Swinton's book “Finding Jesus in the Storm” hereFollow John Swinton on Twitter:https://twitter.com/johnswintonabdn 

(00:00-10:02): A few headlines to get us kicked off on this Monday afternoon: Bears overcome a 16-point deficit to win third straight game to start the season, Passion of the Christ sequel? Donald Trump’s Tax avoidance. (10:02-19:34): Matthew Kitchen writes “Smartphones Transformed Everything. Now, There’s More Disruption to Come” in Wall Street Journal. As WSJ’s Off Duty section reported, smartphones upended every element of society during the last decade, from dating to dinner parties, travel to politics. This is just the beginning. (19:34-29:03): Paul David Tripp, in a video with Crossway, touched on his thoughts on what has gone wrong with leadership. He says “We have diminished the importance of a strong, watchful, comforting, and confronting leadership community around a leader. Every leader needs a strong community. You cannot walk away from God’s norms and be Okay. (29:03-39:27): Sierra White writes an “open letter” to Sean Feught on Facebook. It touches on her thoughts on what revival is, and criticizes his massive events. (39:27-48:38): Brandon Showalter writes “Americans intercede in prayer in nation’s capital on day of repentance, Prayer March” in Christian Post. PLUS, “Did You Miss 'The Return'? You Can Still Watch The Entire Prayer Event Right Here”. (48:38-56:34): We were joined by Pastor Robert Jeffress to talk about the Bible Prophesy Tour. On the tour, he will be visiting the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Pool of Bethesda and many other biblical sites. What can people expect when they join you for the trip? What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Israel? The trip is March 2-21, 2021. Get more info here: https://www.inspirationcruises.com/christian-tours/pathway-to-victory-israel-2021?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign= (56:34-1:05:39): John Swinton writes “Mental Illness and the ‘Medical Theodicy’ Trap.” Why do we feel such a palpable sense of spiritual relief when the problem is with the body rather than the mind? (1:05:39-1:15:16): Brian and Ian close the show out with “10 ways to take care of yourself because things may get worse before they get better” in Baptist News Global.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this debut episode of a new series of short videos, Glenn Packiam interviews John Swinton, Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Swinton was given the Oskar Pfister Award by the American Psychiatric Association for making an outstanding contribution to religion and psychiatry in 2018. His latest book is called, "Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefulness, and Gentle Discipleship". In this conversation, Swinton describes his view of Christian hope, how his work relates to hope, what a song of hope is, and the power of music for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's.

Augustine once said that he knew what time was until someone asked him to describe it. In this episode, John Swinton attempts to do just that. His thoughts on time, traumatic brain injury, and discipleship challenge believers to slow down and settle into God's time.The Distillery is a podcast that explores the essential ingredients of book and research projects with experts in their field of study. Learn what motivates their work and why it matters for Christian theology and ministry.    Guest: John SwintonSubscribeApple Podcasts   |   Google Play   |   Stitcher 

To kick off the first Homebrewed interview of the new year, Tripp is talking with John Swinton about time, disability, and all things nerdy. John is the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen and founder of the Centre for the Study of Spirituality, Health and Disability. Learn a little bit about how John become vocationally a scholar of religion and interested in religion and disability studies, how his work as a chaplain lead to his work as a practical theologian, and how issues surrounding the lives of people with disability shaped his research interests. John gives a very helpful and simple definition of practical theology, talks about the rituals and practices in the life of the church and their impact on the lives of people with disabilities, disability and the shift from charity to discipleship, and the way our conception of time shapes our ideas of friendships and relationship from his newest book, Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship. what does it mean for someone with advanced dementia to have forgotten, perhaps, who Jesus is, and yet still be a disciple with a vocation in the church? is inclusion really the solution for people with disabilities within the church? how does disability change our perception of what it means to be human? Plus, Tripp and John talk about a theology of time, Saint Augustine's discussion of time in Confessions, our obsession with time and how it has shaped our ideas of vocation in the modern world, memory and embodied spiritual practices, the need for honesty and lament and how all of this changes our understanding of Jesus' healing narratives, and the spiritual dimension of health and how ideas of health in the bible are different from what Western medicine considers health. John mentions this paper in the conversation, and you can find a great syndicate discussion about John's book with his replies here. Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices