Christian theology of life, death and healing in an era of antiretroviral therapy: reflections on the responses of some Botswana churches

Abstract

This article discusses Christian understandings of life, death and healing in  context of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The discussion is a response to the reactions of some Botswana Pentecostal and African Independent Churches to the availability of ARV therapy, as reflected in several media reports of churches discouraging church members’ use of ARV drugs. The article argues that this negative attitude to ARVs is a result of the Christian churches’ understandings of life, death and healing through traditional Bible-based interpretations. Based on this, some churches view the ability of ARVs to prolong life as challenging God who is the source of life and healing. The article argues that this attitude grows from an initial Christian understanding of HIV and AIDS as a form of God’s punishment on humanity for its sins. The article thus argues for the development of ‘a Christian theology of ARVs’ that sees ARVs as a manifestation and not a contradiction of God’s healing powers.

Keywords: Africa, Bible, African Independent Churches, faith-based organisations, HIV/AIDS, Pentecostal churches, stigma, theology

African Journal of AIDS Research 2010, 9(4): 429–435