Original Research

Towards a Theology of HIV/AIDS

A van Wyngaard
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 27, No 1 | a148 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v27i1.148 | © 2006 A van Wyngaard | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 September 2006 | Published: 17 November 2006

About the author(s)

A van Wyngaard, Swaziland Reformed Church,

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Abstract

In a world which is slowly but surely being devastated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the church needs to get involved in the fight against this disease. In many places the church has conveniently denied that HIV/AIDS has anything to do with them. In this paper the author argues for the necessity of thinking theologically about the reality of HIV/AIDS, indicating that HIV/AIDS is not merely a matter of “sinners” becoming infected with a virus, but that certain circumstances are conducive towards the spreading of HIV/AIDS which need to be addressed if an impact is to be made on the spreading of the virus. 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 amongst a  large part of the population. However, to achieve this goal the churches must be transformed in the face of the HIV/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/AIDS.

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Crossref Citations

1. 'Go in peace – and die!' The task of the church in the HIV and/or AIDS context
Alta C. Van Dyk
Verbum et Ecclesia  vol: 38  issue: 1  year: 2017  
doi: 10.4102/ve.v38i1.1752