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- Title
Preaching and the Trauma of HIV and AIDS: A Social Work Perspective.
- Authors
Streets, Frederick J.
- Abstract
Illness of any kind can impact one's understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God (the Imago Dei), how they perceive themselves (self-esteem) and how others view them. Many of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS suffer additionally by the stigma associated with the virus and disease. Sometimes what they hear in sermons causes them to feel further marginalized and less than a fully accepted member of the church. This article explores through the lens of social work values and ethics how those who preach may imagine the impact of the sermon on those listening to it who are living with HIV and AIDS. The biblical and theological interpretation of faith offered by those who preach reflects their worldview. The value conflicts that may occur between social work and religion and suggestions for how to consider them in sermons will also be addressed. The article encourages social workers to explore with their clients who are affected and infected by HIV and AIDS how they are influenced by the sermons they hear as a way of understanding how their clients are coping with their health status. The author also reflects on his experience with working with the religious community addressing HIV and AIDS in South Africa. He also offers suggestions for how churches and community organizations addressing the needs of those living with HIV and AIDS may be partners in advancing an HIV and AIDS ministry.
- Subjects
IMAGE of God; PSYCHOLOGY of the sick; SELF-esteem; SOCIAL workers; HIV infections; AIDS
- Publication
Social Work & Christianity, 2013, Vol 40, Issue 2, p206
- ISSN
0737-5778
- Publication type
Article