Still Waters Run Deep: Theological Reflections on Dementia, Faithfulness, and Peaceable Presence

This book explores dementia from various perspectives, offering insights into what it means to live well with the condition and find hope. It is rooted in practical theology and theological anthropology and provides a theological framework to understand dementia. The book emphasizes the lived experience of people with dementia and aims to shape our understanding of God, human beings, and what it means to live well.

Format: Hardback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book brings together a diverse range of experts, including theologians, clergy, individuals living with dementia, carers, clinicians, and others, to explore dementia from a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective. Rather than simply defining what dementia is and what it is not, it delves deeper into the profound implications of living with this condition. The book offers valuable insights into what it means to live well with dementia and to find hope, even in the face of adversity.

Situated within the fields of practical theology and theological anthropology, the diverse range of perspectives presented in this book provides deep insights into the essence of human existence and the challenges we face in navigating the complexities of the dementia journey. By offering foundational practical and theoretical knowledge, the book helps to dismantle the false consciousness of modernity and invites us to enter a world where personhood is defined not by our capacities or the loss of them, but by the loving presence of God.

Through a contextual theological framework, the book encourages us to look beyond what seems obvious and to recognize the hidden depths that can be discovered and encountered within individuals as they journey into dementia. It takes seriously the lived experience of people with dementia and allows that experience to shape, inform, and potentially reform our understanding of God, human beings, and what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Taken as a whole, this book posits that by reflecting upon and acting out a hopeful future, we can create a society that values and supports individuals living with dementia, ensuring that their lives are meaningful, purposeful, and loving, even in the midst of the challenges that dementia brings.

Still Waters Run Deep will be an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students in theology, divinity, religious studies, gerontology, psychology, mental health, and nursing. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Practical Theology, and they collectively showcase the latest research, insights, and best practices in the field of dementia care and support.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the understanding and exploration of dementia. By bringing together a diverse range of experts and perspectives, it offers a holistic and compassionate approach to this complex condition, providing valuable insights and guidance for individuals, carers, and society as a whole. As we continue to navigate the challenges of dementia, let us be inspired by the stories and experiences shared in this book and work towards a future where the dignity and well-being of all individuals are upheld, regardless of their age or circumstances.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032561325