John Swinton is een Schotse theoloog, erkend als een belangrijke figuur in de ontwikkeling van de handicaptheologie. Zijn werk duikt in de ingewikkelde verbanden tussen spiritualiteit, gezondheid en handicap, en probeert diepgaande theologische vragen te begrijpen die voortkomen uit de menselijke ervaring. Geworteld in zijn achtergrond als geordineerd predikant en academicus, overbrugt Swintons benadering effectief theoretische inzichten met hun praktische implicaties voor het leven.
The author draws on his experiences with individuals facing intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and dementia to explore profound questions about faithfulness, discipleship, and community. This unique perspective enriches his theological insights, inviting readers to consider how diverse ways of seeing the world can deepen their understanding of spirituality and human connection.
The exploration of evil delves into its true nature, challenging the perception that it is solely associated with monstrous figures or horrific acts. Instead, it suggests that everyone may unknowingly participate in acts of evil, contributing to harm, particularly to the vulnerable. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding these hidden aspects of evil to effectively resist and combat it. By bringing awareness to our own potential complicity, it advocates for a proactive stance against the insidious influences of evil in our lives.
Lenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end.
John Swinton describes his place of formation walking alongside people living with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges and dementia, and how it has gifted him with the opportunity to ask different theological questions of the Christian tradition; questions that emerge from the lives of people who see the world differently.