There is a form of philosophy which teaches that people are a sum of their memories. I don't know much about philosophy, but this idea - sum of memories - has begun to make me ponder how it may fit into biblical fact.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 teaches that man is made up of three parts. The body is the outer shell of a person. The spirit was born dead because of sin, but for those who receive Christ it is made alive and communes with God (Romans 8:16). The soul, then, seems to be that which defines a person. Many would say that the soul is comprised of our mind, emotions, and will. If I am correct in my above understanding, then how does dementia, the destruction of memories, fit biblical teaching? Dementia is a desease that attacks the mind, like cancer may attack the lungs. In a sense, dementia effects the soul of a person. A person with dementia seems to lose in bits and pieces their personality, the who of who they are. They lose connection with the past and stare blankly ahead. We might say the soul of the person seems to be fading away. However, for those who are in Christ, they can be assured that God will restore them upon death. Not only will they receive a new body, but the mind, too, will be restored.
I might be all wet. Some of the above ideas may not square. But as I watch two parents battle with the onslaught of dementia I look for understanding from the only true source, Scripture, and I seek hope for the future.
-Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment