The Role of the Christian Church in the fight against HIV and AIDS: Beyond Self-righteousness and Empty Words of Prayer.

Abstract

More than twenty years after AIDS was medically discovered, it has become clear that it is more than just a medical issue. It has pervaded all spheres of human life. With its spread gaining momentum each day and its immense impact growing unmanageable in Southern Africa, AIDS has become a real threat to the lives of the people of this region. Informed by Christ's attitude towards those who suffered and the marginalized as recorded in the Christian Scriptures, this paper argues that the Christian churches in Africa, which holds the largest numbers of people living with HIV and AIDS, must abandon their “holier than thou” attitude and try to adopt a more forthright and compassionate attitude in their engagement with HIV and AIDS if, they are to remain true to their call as messengers of the Good News to the troubled world. The paper further identifies several critical areas in which the Christian churches may make a difference if they can all mobilize their resources.

International Journal of Emotional Psychology and Sport Ethics Vol. 10 2008: pp. 123-131