Towards A Theology of HIV/AIDS: Evil, Suffering and World Religions

Death and suffering are ubiquitous, they know no boundaries, no restrictions of culture or religion, yet we try to compartmentalise problems and solutions. We talk of AIDS in Africa, or obesity in the West, or a Christian response to suffering. Towards a Theology of HIV/AIDS: Evil, suffering and world religions looks at the issue of evil and suffering from a global and holistic perspective and develops a position which considers the response of the major faith groups towards the global AIDS crisis. In recognising that the problem is entwined in an interconnected world consisting of diverse people with diverse belief systems, it is Dr Louise Hearn’s contention that the problem of HIV/AIDS can only be approached from a multi-religious and multi- cultural perspective; that a true theology of HIV/AIDS can only be developed if that theology reflects the interconnectedness of the world in which we live. It is postulated that such a theology can lead to an enhanced global response to evil and suffering and by using practical examples, this is demonstrated in response to HIV/AIDS.