Aileen Barclay | University of Aberdeen (original) (raw)
Retired lecturer, University of Aberdeen. Interested in Practical Theology, especially as it relates to Dementia, Pastoral Care, Marginalisation, Vulnerability and Lament
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Sydney Missionary and Bible College
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Papers by Aileen Barclay
This paper seeks to reflect theologically on the lived experience of chronic illness and to bring... more This paper seeks to reflect theologically on the lived experience of chronic illness and to bring to light the all too human struggles, feelings and challenges that are part of family and friendship relationships. The reflective experience may offer some valuable insights for the way in which the church undertakes its mission to care for the sick, the dying, the broken and the despairing.
From a practical theological perspective, this article reflects on the socially constructed natur... more From a practical theological perspective, this article reflects
on the socially constructed nature of attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although ADHD as diagnostic label is relatively recent, children and young people so described have been written about in medical and
psychological literature since the beginning of the 20th century. Drawing attention to current medical criteria used to diagnose ADHD as a disability, the article points to the normative influence and practice of powerful professional groups in determining whose behavior is considered acceptable or
otherwise. To illustrate that ADHD is not incompatible with faithful discipleship, the article compares the medical and psychological criteria with descriptions of Apostle Peter’s behavior as recorded in Scripture. Heuristically understood, Peter’s behavior highlights that what is considered disruptive
in one context may not necessarily be considered disruptive in another. Indeed, such disruption can be re-interpreted as a hopeful sign of God’s grace. From a Christian perspective, existing practices that build on assumptions that ADHD is a problem to be solved are examined. Demonstrating that
such practices tend to exclude children, young people, and their families from schools and from churches with significant adverse consequences, the article considers how Christians might build more hospitable communities capable of welcoming people whose behavior may at first sight, challenge
accepted norms within and beyond the Christian community.
This paper reflects on Psalm 88 as a way of understanding the personal struggles of living with a... more This paper reflects on Psalm 88 as a way of understanding the
personal struggles of living with a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Drawing on the writer’s experience of living with her husband over many years, the paper draws attention to the power of Psalm 88 as a pastoral resource for churches. Utilizing Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and Simone Weil’s concept of affliction, the paper offers a practical theological reaction to a diagnosis of dementia.
KEYWORDS Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, theology of the cross, affliction
I look at dementia from an eschatological perspective through personal experience as I supported ... more I look at dementia from an eschatological perspective through personal
experience as I supported my husband through his journey
into Alzheimer’s disease. Building on the notion of a monastic
garden, I draw from the contemplatives to understand my own
“kairos” moment that changed my perspective on the way church
and other providers offer care. Comparing the church to a garden,
I argue that people with dementia are priest-bearing sacraments
in whose faces God is seen. Looking into the faces of those with
dementia, these priests shepherd us to recognize our illusions about life calling us to greater humility.
This paper seeks to reflect theologically on the lived experience of chronic illness and to bring... more This paper seeks to reflect theologically on the lived experience of chronic illness and to bring to light the all too human struggles, feelings and challenges that are part of family and friendship relationships. The reflective experience may offer some valuable insights for the way in which the church undertakes its mission to care for the sick, the dying, the broken and the despairing.
From a practical theological perspective, this article reflects on the socially constructed natur... more From a practical theological perspective, this article reflects
on the socially constructed nature of attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although ADHD as diagnostic label is relatively recent, children and young people so described have been written about in medical and
psychological literature since the beginning of the 20th century. Drawing attention to current medical criteria used to diagnose ADHD as a disability, the article points to the normative influence and practice of powerful professional groups in determining whose behavior is considered acceptable or
otherwise. To illustrate that ADHD is not incompatible with faithful discipleship, the article compares the medical and psychological criteria with descriptions of Apostle Peter’s behavior as recorded in Scripture. Heuristically understood, Peter’s behavior highlights that what is considered disruptive
in one context may not necessarily be considered disruptive in another. Indeed, such disruption can be re-interpreted as a hopeful sign of God’s grace. From a Christian perspective, existing practices that build on assumptions that ADHD is a problem to be solved are examined. Demonstrating that
such practices tend to exclude children, young people, and their families from schools and from churches with significant adverse consequences, the article considers how Christians might build more hospitable communities capable of welcoming people whose behavior may at first sight, challenge
accepted norms within and beyond the Christian community.
This paper reflects on Psalm 88 as a way of understanding the personal struggles of living with a... more This paper reflects on Psalm 88 as a way of understanding the
personal struggles of living with a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Drawing on the writer’s experience of living with her husband over many years, the paper draws attention to the power of Psalm 88 as a pastoral resource for churches. Utilizing Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and Simone Weil’s concept of affliction, the paper offers a practical theological reaction to a diagnosis of dementia.
KEYWORDS Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, theology of the cross, affliction
I look at dementia from an eschatological perspective through personal experience as I supported ... more I look at dementia from an eschatological perspective through personal
experience as I supported my husband through his journey
into Alzheimer’s disease. Building on the notion of a monastic
garden, I draw from the contemplatives to understand my own
“kairos” moment that changed my perspective on the way church
and other providers offer care. Comparing the church to a garden,
I argue that people with dementia are priest-bearing sacraments
in whose faces God is seen. Looking into the faces of those with
dementia, these priests shepherd us to recognize our illusions about life calling us to greater humility.