Resurrecting the Person: Friendship and the Care of People with Mental Health Problems

by John Swinton

In Resurrecting the Person, John Swinton argues that while mental illnesses are often biological and genetic in origin, the real handicap experienced by individuals is imposed by the types of reactions, values, and attitudes which are typical of contemporary western society. In other words, how a mental illness is experienced has much to do with how it is socially constructed. How will the church react to this suggestion? Swinton suggests that the key to the effective pastoral care of individuals with severe mental illness lies not only within the realms of psychiatry, therapy, and pharmacological intervention, but in the rehumanization which is borne within the relationship of friendship.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Psychology, Christian Non Fiction, Mental Health, Spirituality

238 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

John Swinton (born 1957) is a Scottish theologian. He is the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy, University of Aberdeen. He is founder of the university's Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. He is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland and Master of Christ’s College, the university's theological college. Swinton is a major figure in the development of disability theology.

Reviews

[Bart Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding - Voices Heard that in Church too often are Silenced

This is a profound book that addresses issues of mental health within the context of the Religious Community.

It is academically well referenced, socially relavent and further it helps to explain why Churches by and large are not addressing these elements of our general society without necessarily just unilaterally condemning them as uncaring and unfeeling. The assumption is made that many would respond better if they were aware of the issues and equipped better to address them.

The primary thrust of this book builds upon the theme of working redemption and resurrection into the lives of those who appear to be among the most ostracized and alienated within our society; namely those suffering from profound mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, manic depression and cyclical depression, although it is by no means limited to those and in fact the general principles brought forth could be applied in other areas as well.

Intentional relationship building is a recurrent theme here, especially with those who may lack the resources, abilities or opportunities to reciprocate or indeed, may even repell or reject such overtures. The theme of Christ's focus upon those who are poor, outcast and without the ability to respond in kind is suggested as a reflection of Christ's ministry through his Church which must be intentionally fostered and inculcated rather than just expecting that it will happen spontaneously.

A very insightful discourse upon the nature of schizophrenia introduces this book, whcih seeks to dispel the stereotypes common in our society which sadly are reflected in our religious communities too. The theme of institutionalization which (necessarily at times) spirits these sufferers out of sight and thus out of mind is looked at and placed in the context of the need for those sufferers to build to the highest possible context of their resources and abilities toward participation and expression within the community of the Church.

This book is a natural for those in chaplaincy ministry, advocacy roles or counselling communities. It is well enough written though that it can be read for great benefit by Pastors, Church Leaders and even family members, caregivers and those wrestling with mental illness with the resources to interact with such a book.

I recommend this book very highly.

5 stars.

Bart Breen

[Shawn Enright · Rating 3 out of 5]

"[This book is] about the liberation of people with enduring mental health problems from relational deprivation, false ideologies, stigmatizing attitudes, social marginalization, and spiritual poverty...it is also a book about the liberation of the church from many aspects of its life and ministry that prevent it from faithful participation in God's continuing mission. Fundamental to the book's argument is the proposition that effective care for people with enduring mental health problems is not an option for the church, but a fundamental mark of its identity..." (17).

Good reminders. Most of the content is best practices for any caring profession, so not terribly novel for me. I did, however, enjoy Swinton's critique of "the medical model" of psychiatric care (I see why he and Hauerwas are mutual admirers of each other's work).

This model, broadly speaking, sees mental health problems as a form of sickness that ought to be eliminated or managed primarily by medication. Success is measured by the decrease of pain or symptoms. This model, however, isolates the individual from social and interpersonal factors that may contribute to or compound their distress -- factors such as friendship, community, stigma, meaning, and so on. For Swinton (and I agree) taking emotional and psychic pain away through medicine may be the beginning of care, but is not the end. There is no cure for being human; and as long as we are alive, we need friends (and the church!) to be compassionate, faithful witnesses to our lives, and to help give us hope and meaning for our futures. Much more to say...

[Jenna Rotelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a balanced and wise, realistic yet hopeful resource on walking with people who suffer from mental health illnesses. It will challenge you to see these individuals (who face stigma, disempowerment, and fear from society) as whole persons made in God’s image and from there to journey with them in love and grace. While not diminishing the need for professional support - Swinton argues that negative social ramifications are a real part of what persons struggling with mental health illnesses face. And friendship is an avenue through which we can humanize and empower each other - offering hope, support, and understanding.

[Christine Welten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It changed my life and challenged me hugely. Recommend totally!

[Carlene Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swinton is a remarkable and spiritually refreshing voice about the lives of people often marginalized. Before he was a theologian, he was a nurse and chaplain to people with IDD and mental health problems. His Ability to respond compassionately to us as people instead of diagnostically dismissing us as problems is something I would hope to see extend broadly across God’s church.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, once again, Dr Swinton, for uplifting the personhood of all. Come on Church, we can do this!!!

[Monica Deregt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic reminder, call, and charge to the church to provide relationship based care and community for people struggling with mental health issues.

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The theology presented is academically sound, but not my favorite book? It was just a bit less personal than the others, so perhaps that’s why my perspective is like so.