What is it about?

In this paper the author argues for the necessity of thinking theologically about the reality of HIV and AIDS, indicating that HIV and AIDS is not merely a matter of “sinners” becoming infected with a virus, but that certain circumstances are conducive towards the spreading of HIV which need to be addressed if an impact is to be made on the spreading of the virus.

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Why is it important?

Although many non-religious organisations are fighting this disease, the church is in an ideal situation to assist these bodies as it is already grounded within communities and already have integrity among a large part of the population. However, to achieve this goal the churches must be transformed in the face of the HIV and AIDS crisis, in order that they themselves may become a force for transformation – bringing healing, hope, and accompaniment to all infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Perspectives

At times a crisis develops which has the potential for such devastating consequences throughout the world, that it becomes necessary for the church to respond to that crisis, not only practically, but also theologically. Throughout history there have been times when the church has had to respond in a special way to a particular crisis. Before and during the Second World War theologians such as Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer played major roles in influencing the church to take a theological stand against the National Socialism of Germany. In South Africa it was also experienced when the church formulated its objections against the ideology of Apartheid through various theological documents, of which the Kairos Document was probably the most prominent. I believe the church has no other option than to respond theologically to this kairos moment of HIV and AIDS in our history.

Dr Arnau Van Wyngaard
University of Pretoria

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This page is a summary of: Towards a Theology of HIV/AIDS, Verbum et Ecclesia, September 2006, AOSIS Open Journals,
DOI: 10.4102/ve.v27i1.148.
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