Practical, accessible, and one of the most important books I’ve read in 2021. Swinton calls for the church to recognize the calling of people with disabilities: their gift of slowing us down, of teaching us to be “timeful” and present in the world. These ministers of timefulness are absolutely necessary for those of us caught in the rat race, those of us who see time as a commodity rather than a space God has gifted us to love.

I found Swinton’s discussion concerning identity fascinating as well—if who we are is “hidden in Christ,” anyone dealing with brain-related illnesses needn’t be afraid that they would “lose themselves.” The essence of who we are resides not in our ability to think or remember as our culture would like us to believe, especially those pushing for the eradication of brain-damaged individuals. Rather, who we are is more mysterious and deeper than what we can define, an esse that is hidden away from sight but is undoubtedly there.

And of course, if we ever do experience something like Alzheimer’s (which, Swinton repeats, is only a matter of time if we live long enough), we should mourn the loss of our functions and abilities. However, as our lives are embedded in the narrative of Christ’s death and resurrection, we , and those alongside us, must not simply see disease as an “end,” but an opportunity for new callings and methods of discipleship. There are fruitful discussions of how the liturgy of the church can be helpful to remind the congregation of her anthropology as well, rituals and bodily ways of knowing being preferred to the sort of church service that’s centered around knowing the Bible in our heads. Highly recommend!