Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Dec, 2009 by John F. Pohl
THE HIV AND AIDS BIBLE: Selected Essays by Musa Wenkosi Dube. Scranton, PA: University of Scranton Press, 2008. Paperback; $20.00. 208 pages. ISBN: 1589661141.
This book is an essay collection written by Musa Wenkosi Dube, a professor of New Testament Studies at the University of Botswana. Dube wrote a series of essays from 2001-2003 which provided the foundation for her thoughts as a theological consultant for churches in Africa. In particular, Dube has been a consultant for the World Council of Churches regarding the theological issues surrounding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its resultant disease (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS) in Africa.
The book is divided into four sections. Part One (Theological Education in the HIV and AIDS Struggle) provides the background of Dube’s personal journey in deciding how to address the theological issues raised by HIV/AIDS. She recounts a sentinel aspect of her life when she gave a paper (Preaching to the Converted: Unsettling the Christian Church) to the World Council of Churches that brought up significant discrepancies between the message of churches and the spread of HIV/AIDS on the African continent. She also discusses why Christian churches in Africa tend to avoid a discussion about HIV/AIDS, especially as it relates both to women and to those populations in extreme poverty.
Part Two (Biblical Studies in the HIV and AIDS Struggle) attempts to apply theological teaching to Bible scholars and lay persons who deal with the presence of HIV/AIDS as part of daily life in Africa, especially in the context of Jesus’ miracles of healing. She discusses how the Bible should be taught knowing that a large population hearing the Word will be either infected or exposed to HIV. Some detail is provided as to how to incorporate the HIV/AIDS epidemic into Bible studies, including the historical, literary, and social science aspects, but only a paucity of ideas are provided. A chapter in this section emphasizing Christ’s raising of Jarius’ daughter from the dead in the Gospel of Mark provides a simple and effective example of how a Christian perspective on HIV/AIDS infection in Africa can be prescribed. There is both a unique feminism and postcolonial aspect to this Gospel, especially relating to the aspects of Jesus traveling to the home of Jarius. Dube also discusses various other social epidemics co-involved in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including poverty, gender discrimination, social injustice, and racism.
Part Three (The Gospel and Christology of the HIV and AIDS Struggle) addresses how HIV/AIDS should be looked at by church leaders. Dube points out that as members of the Body of Christ, if one has AIDS, we all have AIDS. Using Luke 4:16-22 as a metaphor, the author states that just as Christ was sent to restore the sight of the blind and to free the oppressed, churches should attempt to heal the more difficult aspects of HIV/AIDS, such as addressing poverty and being direct about sexual transmission of this disease and its prevention (including rape and prostitution). Jesus, if asked, would certainly forgive the sins of the most sinful sex offender. Dube points out that Christians should do likewise. Using the Setswana word “kutlwelobotlhoko” or compassion, she further points out that compassion requires action, as we must address the spread of this disease that has killed millions of people and orphaned millions of children in Africa.
Part Four (Ethics and Hope in the HIV and AIDS Struggle) details how to address moral and ethical issues regarding HIV/AIDS prevention in the setting of African churches. In particular, although moral guidance is given by Christian leaders, more emphasis should be made on removing the stigma of infection, as well as openly discussing prevention. Dube believes that a change should be made in order to develop a more “listening and supporting church” for the vulnerable population groups in Africa (women, children, the impoverished, etc.).
I think this book has the potential to bring about powerful arguments as to how Christians should discuss HIV/AIDS and how they need to be more accepting of those people infected or at risk of the disease. As this epidemic continues to spread worldwide–in China and Russia, and especially in African countries–it is imperative for the body of Christ to face the seemingly uncomfortable aspects of HIV/AIDS (prostitution, rape, condom use). These aspects should be openly discussed within the context of morality and Christ-like love
seo consultant