Spiritual Alzheimer's: Forgetting Who You Are in Christ by Rev. Juan M. Pérez is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of spiritual decline, drawing a powerful analogy to the progressive memory loss and disorientation of Alzheimer's disease. Through a heartfelt narrative and Biblical insight, Pérez introduces the concept of "Spiritual Alzheimer's," a condition where Christians gradually forget their identity in Christ, lose clarity about God's will, conform to worldly thinking, and, in advanced stages, drift into apathy and disconnection from their faith. This book, grounded in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, serves as both a wake-up call and a guide to renewal for believers who sense a fading vibrancy in their spiritual walk.
The journey begins with a poignant short story, "A Moment of Lucidity," which captures the emotional weight of Alzheimer's and sets the stage for the spiritual metaphor. Pérez then outlines the symptoms of Spiritual Alzheimer's across four insightful chapters, each paralleling Alzheimer's symptoms: difficulty remembering newly learned spiritual truths (Joshua 1:8), confusion about God's will (James 1:5), shifts toward worldly thought patterns (Romans 12:2), and advanced signs like apathy and doubt (Hebrews 2:1). These chapters unpack why believers struggle to retain God's Word, discern His direction, or maintain a Christ-centered mindset, offering Biblical explanations and real-world examples, such as the Israelites' repeated forgetfulness in the Old Testament.
Moving beyond diagnosis, the book provides a robust treatment plan, emphasizing three key practices: returning to Scripture as a lifeline (Psalm 119:105), deepening prayer with reliance on the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), and actively living out God's Word through obedience (James 1:22). Each chapter includes practical steps?like journaling reflections, memorizing verses, or seeking godly counsel?and reflection questions to help readers apply the lessons personally. Pérez also addresses barriers such as busyness, spiritual dryness, and fear of failure, encouraging readers to overcome these through intentional engagement with God.
The final section focuses on prevention, offering proactive strategies to guard against spiritual decline. By cultivating a habit of remembrance?recalling God's faithfulness through journaling, celebrating spiritual milestones, or sharing testimonies (Psalm 77:11-12)?and staying connected to Jesus, the true Vine (John 15:5), believers can maintain a vibrant faith. Pérez emphasizes the importance of daily communion with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and community to ensure spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.
With its blend of Biblical wisdom, practical guidance, and compassionate tone, Spiritual Alzheimer's is a vital resource for Christians seeking to diagnose, treat, and prevent spiritual drift. Whether you're experiencing a subtle fading of faith or seeking to help others, this book offers hope and actionable steps to restore a deep, enduring relationship with God. Pérez's message is clear: through God's Word, prayer, obedience, and abiding in Christ, believers can move from forgetfulness to renewal, reclaiming the joy and purpose of their identity in Him.
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Rev. Juan M. Pérez is an experienced pastor, counselor, and author dedicated to guiding individuals toward spiritual renewal through Biblical wisdom. As the pastor and Lead Counselor of New Life Christian Counseling Ministry, a subsidiary of New Life Outreach of Dallas, Inc., he has counseled couples and individuals for over 30 years, amassing thousands of hours helping people navigate personal and spiritual challenges. His compassionate approach, rooted in Scripture, reflects his deep commitment to fostering spiritual growth and healing.
Pérez's writing blends heartfelt storytelling with practical theology, addressing real-world struggles with clarity and hope. His book Spiritual Alzheimer's: Forgetting Who You Are in Christ (2025) uses a powerful metaphor to explore spiritual decline, offering readers a Biblical framework for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fading faith. Other works include My Search For Importance (2017), a memoir detailing his journey from a troubled upbringing to redemption; The New Pastor's User Manual: Real Answers to Everyday Questions (2016), a guide for ministry leaders; What Is Sin Really? (2016), an in-depth Biblical study; and Practical Counseling 2: Resources for the Practical Counselor (2018), a resource for counselors. His love for Scripture is matched by his passion for science fiction, which influences his creative storytelling.
Born into a dysfunctional family, Pérez overcame anger, bitterness, and addiction through faith, shaping his empathetic perspective. His experiences as a pastor and counselor, combined with his personal transformation, inform his writing, making it relatable and impactful. He can be contacted at pastor.juan.perez@gmail.com.