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The lived experience of dementia: developing a contextual theology

Cook, Christopher C.H.

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Abstract

A variety of themes are explored as the basis for developing a contextual theology of dementia. These include impairment, loss, dislocation, isolation, decline, and death. These themes represent immanent human concerns with various kinds of experiences of “self-emptying.” It is suggested that dementia presents a kind of “malaise of immanence,” within which there is progressive inability to focus on abstract transcendent concerns, and increasing preoccupation with the immediate immanent context. A contextual theology of dementia that exaggerates the importance of the immanent frame is likely to emphasize, and draw to our attention, concern about such things within that frame as cognitive decline, dependence upon others for care, and loss of hope. However, a Christological perspective is offered within which it is acknowledged that such places of self-emptying are also places of transcendent encounter, and that in Christ we may understand the participation of God in the darkest moments of human experience.

Citation

Cook, C. C. (2016). The lived experience of dementia: developing a contextual theology. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 28(1-2), 84-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2015.1046631

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 11, 2015
Online Publication Date Jul 6, 2015
Publication Date Apr 1, 2016
Deposit Date Jul 14, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging
Print ISSN 1552-8030
Electronic ISSN 1552-8049
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 1-2
Pages 84-97
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2015.1046631
Keywords Dementia, God, Spirituality.

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