John Swinton
John Swinton is a Scottish theologian and former mental health nurse currently based at the University of Aberdeen. As a practical theologian, he specializes in the intersection of theology, mental health, and disability. His research focuses on how Christian theology engages with profound intellectual disability, dementia, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions, offering theological perspectives on suffering, personhood, and vocation. Prof. Swinton is the founder of Sacred Minds: A Network for Theology, Mental Health, and Culture, which fosters global dialogue on mental health across cultural contexts. He is an author and speaker, having written extensively on the theology of mental health, including works like Dementia: Living in the Memories of God and Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefulness, and Gentle Discipleship. In 2025, Prof Swinton will deliver the prestigious Gifford Lectures at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. A singer-songwriter and podcast host, his work also explores the intersection of theology and music.