Theology of Dementia and Caputo’s “Difficult Glory”

Abstract

Asserting that theology of dementia to date has used a traditional “strong” theological framework, this article explains, in contrast, the “weak” theological movement of John D. Caputo and explores what a theology of dementia from this framework might look like. It argues that the realities of Alzheimer’s and disabilities themselves support and align with Caputo’s approach and that a “weak” theology of dementia informed by Caputo’s theology of the cross can sustain those impacted by dementia and makes for a better theology of dementia, helping us to reckon seriously with limitation and mortality while also experiencing glory in the midst of great difficulty.

Keywords:

• John D. Caputo
• “theology of dementia”
• “weak theology”

Disclosure statement

The author reports that there are no competing interests to declare.

Notes

1 Here, I draw on the perspective of the caregiver, but the point is intended to extend as well to those afflicted with dementia. Instead of caregiver’s service, think of the afflicted ones’ struggle to endure with dignity and maintain hope rather than sink into despair. If those with dementia could know their suffering had a purpose that would eventually come to light and that there would be salvation rewarding them for their efforts, their brave struggle now seems less brave, less remarkable. Persevering in their struggle for hope and dignity without such knowledge and assurance is more difficult but also feels heroic and special, pushing against worldly economies and thus supramundane. (Admittedly, someone with severe dementia may not be able consistently to keep intent, but this could apply to earlier stages of disease and, increasingly with decline, to amorphous, inchoate will. Over time, the struggle may have to be taken up by the caregiver or community on the afflicted one’s behalf.)

2 A similar explanation of Caputo’s use of the gift can be found in Kristin Beise Kiblinger’s “After deconstruction: A ‘weak’ theology of religions?” (2017).

3 A similar discussion of Caputo on the topic of justice is found in Kiblinger’s “Comparative theology and the postmodern God of ‘perhaps’: A response to Sydnor and Padilla” (2016).

4 Kiblinger’s “Calling for a Buddhist Theology of Dementia” contains a lengthier discussion of the Christian theology of dementia works that are here described as “strong” theology (2020).