Abstract: How Might Those Who Have Forgotten God Express Their Faith: Religiousness and Dementing Illnesses — The Constitution of Finland secures the freedom to practice one’s religion for all citizens. How- ever, there is a rapidly growing group of people whose freedom of religion is compromised today –namely, people with dementing illnesses. How should the freedom of religion be secured if a person forgets who God is? Ten priests working mainly in nursing homes were interviewed to understand expressions of faith in people with dementia. Priests interpreted various expres- sions of faith: emotional responses to religious situations, the ability to participate in religious rites, and the ability to differentiate between secular and religious situations. The results may be utilized in recognizing religiousness in nursing homes and thus providing people with opportunities to practice their religion until the end of their days. ; Peer reviewed
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