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Science and the Theology of Dementia

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Home Short Courses Leadership Learning Ministry Science and the Theology of Dementia

About the Science and the Theology of Dementia course

Dementia and the Nature of Human Identity

Dementia (literally ‘loss of mind’) is a catch-all term which refers to a chronic, progressive, irreversible decline in mental abilities due to the deterioration and death of brain cells. It arises in the context of neurological conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease, or deficiencies in the blood supply to the brain that are secondary to heart and circulation problems – vascular dementia. There are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK (Alzheimer’s Society report, 2014) and 55 million worldwide. The prevalence also appears to be increasing.

In the ‘developed west’ understandings of human status and personal identity are strongly related to the possession of adequate higher cognitive function, and social relationships are highly dependent on ‘social intelligence’ and memory. The area of spirituality is no exception. Indeed the ‘image of God’, in which Christians believe all to be created, is often presented in cognitive, social, and relational terms.

The deconstruction of the person that comes with dementia therefore poses a challenge to traditional Christian anthropology. This session will explores some of the challenges together with some theological responses that draw on theories of embodied and extended cognition.

About the tutor

TheRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt FBPsS is Supernumerary Fellow in psychology of religion at Harris Manchester College and Oxford an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish.

Joanna studied experimental psychology and (later) theology at Oxford University, and clinical psychology and (later) Christianity and the Arts at King’s College, London (where she is still pursuing doctoral studies). After many years working in the National Health Service as a clinical psychologist, Joanna moved into the field of psychology of religion as director of the MA programme in psychology of religion at Heythrop College, University of London. From 2010-2020 she was Karl Jaspers Lecturer in psychology and spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon and Oxford Diocesan Older People’s Adviser.

Recent books include Neurology and Religion (CUP, 2019); When you Pray (BRF, 2019), Seriously Messy (BRF, 2019); Thinking of You: A Theological and Practical resource for the Spiritual Care of People with Dementia (BRF, 2017); Being Mindful, Being Christian (Monarch, 2016); The Psychology of Christian Character Formation (SCM, 2015).

So Longeth My Soul: Classic Readings in Christian Spirituality is forthcoming (SCM).

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This course is part of the Science for Seminaries programme to enhance teaching on ethics by exploring the interface of science and theology.

The Sarum College Science and Faith Lecture Series is funded by a grant to promote science-engaged theology from the ‘Science for Seminaries’ programme run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS)</a

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Science and the Theology of Dementia £0

This is a free course offered as part of the Science for Seminaries programme to enhance teaching on ethics by exploring the interface of science and theology.

Available Tickets: 15
The Science and the Theology of Dementia ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

27 Feb 2023
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Category

Leadership Learning
Ministry

Other Notes

This is a free online course offered as part of the Science for Seminaries programme to enhance teaching on ethics by exploring the interface of science and theology.

The Sarum College Science and Faith Lecture Series is funded by a grant to promote science-engaged theology from the ‘Science for Seminaries’ programme run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS).

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What our students say

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Read more 

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Read more

The Road Not Taken

Sarum Graduate Mike Truman

January 2022

Five years ago, I told my Warden of Readers that I would not be renewing my licence when it expired in 2019, as I thought my faith was becoming too unorthodox for a Church of England licensed lay minister. As someone who knew me well, she challenged me to actively explore what I did still believe. Thus started the journey that ended last August with the dissertation completing my MA in Theology Imagination and Culture (MATIC) at Sarum College.

Read more 

Clergy Study Breaks

The opportunity for clergy to get away occasionally from their own context, to have an overnight stay in the beautiful setting of Sarum College and all that the Salisbury Cathedral Close offers is hugely valuable. All the clergy I have suggested who have spent 24hrs at Sarum College have benefit greatly from the experienced mentoring where they can talk, reflect, think, plan and pray.

The support and encouragement they receive is excellent and has a positive on their on going ministry. This is something the Diocese of Rochester encourages and supports financially in preparation for their clergy preparing for Extended Ministerial Development Leave (Sabbatical).

— Canon Christopher Dench, Diocese of Rochester Director of Formation and Ministry

Retreats and Private Stays

When I arrived, exhausted and sensitive, I was grateful not to be asked by Reception were I came from, whether I had had a good journey etc. That was the kind of hospitality I needed: a non-intrusive welcome that was found in ancient cultures and still survives in some societies today, where the host asks questions about a stranger and his journey only when the visitor has rested and been given food and drink.

— guest on a private stay

Biblical Study Breaks

I just found it very refreshing – as a leader of a church I don’t get as many opportunities to step out and do courses (my fault, not the church!) and so I loved it. I think it was run really well online – which is a difficult medium to work with.

Pádraig Ó Tuama (pictured) was outstanding in his balance of getting us to engage and sharing his learning. Also the quick availability of resources provided by Sarum College Librarian Jayne Downey was excellent.

— course participant, Story Theology: Narrative Approaches to Scripture

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