Empathy - The Way of St. Edith Stein: Spiritual Care Framework for Elders with Dementia

This book proposes that Edith Stein’s (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, 1891-1942) philosophy of anthropology and her Carmelite apophatic spirituality articulate a valuable conceptual framework for the soul care of elders living with dementia in healthcare settings.

It highlights the significance of spiritual care ministry for elders with dementia and underscores its essential role in healthcare. Soul care is rooted in Steinian ethical personalism, which respects and upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of elders living with dementia.

As an embodied Truth on earth, Edith Stein’s philosophy of anthropology, and her phenomenology of incarnational existentialism and theo-centric apophatic spirituality reflected in Holy Realism, offer a sense of profound faith and hope to spiritual care providers working for elders living with dementia.

Edith Stein also to teach us to grow continuously in our search for Truth wherever we are called to provide spiritual care. We, as spiritual care providers, have the privilege to deepen the purpose of our service for the good of others and our own spiritual growth in spiritual care ministry, participating in God’s self-communication of love for elders living with dementia, who bear the image of God as God’s creation.

This book presents an excellent resource for chaplaincy education and training in healthcare settings.