Abstract
Old age is often associated with the diminution of the spirit. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of dementia, where people are labelled as 'lost souls' or even 'non-persons'. In an age and a culture where rationality reigns supreme, orthodox Christianity reminds us of the spirit which enlivens all who are made in God's image. In this chapter, the focus is on the frailest of older people and whether faith, hope and love can find a place in the mysterious malady of dementia. The discussion is grounded in the belief that God's love enfold everyone regardless of age or physical or mental capacity. These issues will be explored from the theological framework of Eastern Orthodoxy, in order to identify some of the implications for the church's worship and pastoral care of older people.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Ageing and Spirituality across Faiths and Cultures |
| Editors | Elizabeth MacKinlay |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Jessica Kingsley Publishers |
| Pages | 152-166 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Edition | 11 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781849050067 |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |