Posted on 12/20/2005 2:50:28 PM PST by moviewatcher
It’s getting harder to ignore the statistics about HIV/AIDS: 40 million people are infected worldwide. Over half of these are women and children. And in Africa, 14 million children are orphans due to the disease. You hear it on the news, see it in the movies, the President makes speeches about it, and Bono sings about it.
Whose responsibility is it to take on this problem? The Government? The Church? Non-Governmental Organizations? As a Christian and a conservative, I used to demand that the government leave the role of compassionate action to the Church. But are churches doing their part? By one account, there are more government agencies or international organizations involved in HIV care than U.S. churches.
(Excerpt) Read more at townhall.com ...
Please describe what you mean by "stuck on homosexuality". Elaborate.
Jesus loved everyone. Unconditionally. But he was not Mr Milquetost, he was very clear in his condemnation of sin - whether sexual sin, pride, or any other sin. And nothing he said ever indicated that every sin is equal.
Since when is it the responsibility of the "churches" to stifle sin and control health epidemics?
"A brother-in-law who is gay. That made me think. Were they married to your sister and then came out as gay? Way confused on that one."
I'd guess he means his wife's brother, who would also be a brother-in-law.
I must admit I've been derelict in helping the sick. As far as that goes, I'd recommend programs that show LOVE, not condemnation, to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
My efforts have been more focused on the "prevention" end of things. I've led many small groups at my church focused on helping people struggling with issues of sexual brokenness (including but not limited to homosexuality) overcome those issues. My experience, however, has convinced me that such people need to be shown God's love. Condemnation from Christians has often proven to be the biggest barrier to them seeking help in the first place.
The Response of the Church?
Sex only with a married partner would eradicate HIV/AIDS in 20 years. Celibacy outside of marriage would stop HIV/AIDS dead in it's tracks right now.
The church has been teaching this for 2000 years.
Treat the cause, not the effects.
thanks for note. I was trying to figure it out and forgot about that.
I advocated this back in the 80s. If you have a disease that is 100% fatal, you totally eliminate all interactions suspected of transmissions. We do that for EVERY OTHER disease, except sexually transmitted ones.
Go figure. If someone told me I could have sex and die or be celibate and live, I'd choose celibacy.
AIDS isn't an epidemic, its an accepted by-product of the sexual revolution.
As Christians we are supposed to be different from the world. There's nothing wrong with the stuff as long as people don't let the accumulation of the stuff get in the way of doing what the Bible says to do.
I saw Warren on Larry King...he suggested that "fundamentalist" (and he seemed to include conservative Christians) were all about POWER.
I am a bit weary of Warren.
What "Church" is falling down on this effort. Must be the one that promote Gay marriages and condone deviant lifestyles - Unitarians and Episcalopians come to mind or maybe the Council of Churches.
:::Rick Warren preaches a different Christianity than I believe in. His theology is VERY squishy. But I think it is nice that he is so into charity, though I wish he would first give ALL, and then shame others. I hate it when a zillionaire tells me that I should give more. :::
FWIW he just about does what you say. He repaid his church his salary for the last 25 years plus he tithes 90% and lives on 10%.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/010/17.32.html
Yes I have heard all of that. He still is FAR richer than I am. So let him give until he reaches my level. Then he can give me adivce.
Number one thing the Bible says to do: Preach the gospel. Tell Rick Warren he needs to preach the whole counsel of God. Preach the whole Truth, because a half truth is still a whole lie. When he is doing that, then his good works will matter. Until he sets that straight, the rest means nothing.
STDs act as natural brakes on population growth; having said that it could also be argued that such diseases also act to improve the gene pool as those who recognize the nature of its spread abstain from taking risks in order to avoid exposure.
Education is the best course for government, while compassion is the best course for the caretakers.
Intervention measures such as condoms only work to the extent that they are used by those who recognize the added risk of playing with fire.
Since the primary behavior responsible for spreading HIV/AIDS is homosexual intercourse, I'd say that all the churches who oppose homosexuality are deeply involved with reducing and eliminating the disease.
According to Laxin's Comprehensive Sin Severity Index (LCSSI), right? ;-)
Where did you get the authority to declare what sin is or is not worse than another?
I just go by what Jesus said. I don't recall him making a point that one sin was worse than another. I am not declaring any sin to be worse than another. Sin is sin. If you know of somehwere where it says that please let me know.
I guess i was wrong. Jesus said
John 19:10-11
Jesus answered Pilate, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.