“Second Forgetting is filled with wisdom and hope and soaked in the compassion, grace, and kindness of God. It is a fascinating book—-it is theologically rich and very practical on how to care for those struggling with Alzheimer’s and for their family members.”
Alzheimer's care and Christian faith
Charles is 78 years old and there is much he cannot remember. He cannot remember the names of his children, why he lives in a nursing home, or even whether he ate breakfast today. His forgetting causes confusion, and in his fear and uncertainty he sometimes lashes out at those who try to care for him. But when someone reads a favorite Psalm he quickly joins in, reciting each cherished word. When he hears an old hymn of faith, his hand slowly raises and he breathes out each word quietly, his face reflecting a peace that passes all understanding.
Alzheimer’s disease has been described as the “defining disease” of the baby boomer generation. Millions of Americans will spend much of their retirement years either caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or experiencing its effects on their lives firsthand. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they face great uncertainty, knowing that they can expect to live their remaining years with increasing confusion and progressively greater reliance upon other people to care for them. As the disease advances it seems to overwhelm a person, narrowing their focus and leading them to forget critical truths about the Lord, their life with him, and his promises.
Through the personal stories of those affected and the loved ones who care for them, Dr. Benjamin Mast highlights the power of the gospel for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Filled with helpful, up-to-date information, Dr. Mast answers common questions about the disease and its effect on personal identity and faith as he explores the biblical importance of remembering and God’s commitment to not forget his people. In addition, he gives practical suggestions for how the church can come alongside families and those struggling, offering help and hope to victims of this debilitating disease.
If you are a Christian who knows or loves someone with Alzheimer’s disease, have recently been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease, or are a pastor or ministry leader seeking to better understand and minister to people with Alzheimer’s disease this book will encourage you with the good news of God’s faithfulness and the future hope he calls us to.
Endorsements
Ed Stetzer
In The Second Forgetting, Dr. Benjamin Mast offers sound counsel, and immense encouragement for those struggling with the disease as well as those called to care for the afflicted. Mast calls us to remember that the body may be weak, and at times fail, but our God is ever-present in our time of need, and while we may forget Him, He never forgets us."
Justin Taylor
"I fear Alzheimer's--for myself and for loved ones--much more than cancer or heart disease. The evangelical church needs help in thinking through diseases like this from a holistically biblical perspective, which is why I welcome Benjamin Mast's work and expect to benefit from it for years to come."
Justin Holcomb
Second Forgetting is filled with wisdom and hope and soaked in the compassion, grace, and kindness of God. It is a fascinating book---it is theologically rich and very practical on how to care for those struggling with Alzheimer’s and for their family members.
Reviews
The Gospel Coalition
“I’ve waited for years for a book that combines robust biblical theology with extensive clinical experience with dementia. I thank God that we now have one in Dr. Benjamin Mast’s Second Forgetting: Remembering the Power of the Gospel During Alzheimer’s Disease. ”
“Readers will appreciate his practical and pastoral approach that reminds readers of hope in Christ and equips them to walk down the long and hard road of Alzheimer’s. Give this book to your friends and loved ones coping with this disease. This book will be an encouragement, a comfort, and will fill them with the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.”
“This is a valuable book for everyone! This is a handbook for pastors! This is a useful book for biblical counselors! Get it and read it!”