1. Group 3 The Aids Epidemic and Ethical Responses

2. Group Members Christian Perspectives: Jennifer Coutley & Denise Cooper Issues and World Statistics on AIDS Epidemic: Maia Wisniewski & Paul Jones Power Point: San La Tran Final Summary: Chris Russo

3. Christian Perspective “AIDS is the disease of the sexually promiscuous: the “Just” desserts for the morally decadent…religious people, Christians need not to be bothered with the whole AIDS problem.” Two claims: 1.) AIDS is the disease of the sexually promiscuous. 2.) Since they are religious people, Christians need not be bothered with the whole AIDS problem.

4. Christian Perspective Old Testament Background oHumans created in God’s image oSexuality is fundamental right oSexuality is part of divine plan oMatthew 19:4-6 Becoming one flesh

5. Christian Perspective Catholic Background oHistory of celibacy oMarriage and conjugal love directed toward procreation oSexual Sins - Masturbation - Contraception

6. Christian Perspective Christian Response to Sexual Promiscuity oCatholic Church view human love and sexuality as life-long and life- giving oSexual expression of love reserved for husband and wife oChurch view premarital sex, extra-marital sex and homosexuality as sinful

7. Christian Perspective Christian Response to the Aids Epidemic oEpidemic would stop if people followed biblical guidelines for sex oAIDS is gruesome reminder of sexual revolution and free love attitude of the 1960s oPromiscuity was always sinful, it’s becoming suicidal oSexual behavior = Abstinence or monogamy

8. Christian Perspective oScripture is clear on the sinfulness of homosexuality -Law of God…ideal sexual love is to be found in the enduring relationship between man and woman -Sexual love is ideally procreative -Homosexuality is a threat to the family and therefore against nature

9. Christian Perspective The Judgment of God? oAIDS is a divine judgment against homosexuality? - obvious problems with this view oAIDS as a broad judgment against sexual sins – promiscuity, polygamy and homosexuality o“Cause and Effect” judgment – portrayed in scripture as “reaping and sowing” and “sinning against one’s own body” oWrong choices have consequences

10. Christian Perspective The Christian’s Responsibility oDo Christians need to be bothered with the disease of the sexually immoral? oYes, Christians should be imitators of Christ in his humbleness and meekness. oChristians should look at AIDS as a call to compassionate action oChristians need to take action and speak out - message of promiscuity as sinful - joys of a godly marriage - promote sex education programs that highlight abstinence

11. Video Clip - Philadelphia Starring: Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks

12. Issues on the Epidemic o1987: US Catholic conference issues a statement calling Catholics to support people with HIV/AIDS o1989: US Bishops issue a statement stating rejecting the idea that AIDS is a direct punishment from God. o1989: First international conference on AIDS held by the Vatican. o1997: US Bishops issued a statement supporting homosexuality. o2000: Roman Catholic still had no policy regarding priest that have AIDS. oThe church also had no specific guideline on educating priests about sexuality.

13. Biblical Passages oJesus says “Do not judge, lest you be judged” (MT 7:1) oJesus says that God “Makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous.” (MT 5:45) oAll humans are children of God and deserve equal respect. Each is connected to all others to make up the body of Christ, the Church. (Corin 1:12)

14. World Statistics God Punishes People Through Disease is Immoral oWhat about Cancer, Diabetes or Muscular Dystrophy, etc. oImplies God is more concerned about the sin of homosexuals. oDeprives people of the need for spiritual healing.

15. World Statistics

17. Main Causes for the Spread of HIV/AIDS oLow levels of Education oHigh levels of multiple sex partners oHigh rates of homosexuality/Bisexuality oHigh rates of Injecting Drug Use oSpread to Children from Mother

18. Questions?