Christian Sexual Ethics in a Time of HIV/AIDS – A Challenge for Public Theology

Abstract

HIV/AIDS poses an enormous challenge for the Christian church in Africa. Though many congregations engage in practical social programmes addressing the medical and social problems related to HIV/AIDS often there is no adequate theological concept dealing with HIV/AIDS. This article argues that starting from biblical insights  and Christian anthropology in the current  situation a contextual theology adressing HIV/AIDS and a respective sexual ethics have to be developped which enables hristians to live responsibly in a time of HIV/AIDS without demonising sexuality. This, in turn, could contribute to the ethical discourse in civil society and thus foster the development of a public theology.