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.