Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Covenant with Death: The Attitude of Churches in Botswana towards the Use of Condoms by Christians, and its Social Implications
Author:Amanze, James N.ISNI
Year:2000
Periodical:Botswana Notes and Records (ISSN 0525-5090)
Volume:32
Pages:201-208
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Botswana
Southern Africa
Subjects:Church
sexuality
AIDS
Health and Nutrition
Religion and Witchcraft
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health
HIV infections
AIDS (Disease)
Condom use
Disease transmission
Christianity
attitudes
Social implications
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/40980279
Abstract:The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the population of Botswana is phenomenal. Various reasons have been given for this state of affairs, among them promiscuity, prostitution, unfaithfulness and multiple partners. The churches are unanimous in teaching that the best way to avoid contracting the disease is by abstaining from sexual intercourse or sticking to one partner. This teaching is intended to uphold high moral values among Christians and non-Christians. However, it appears that so far a moralistic and judgemental approach to the AIDS epidemic has driven many HIV/AIDS sufferers underground, and it is difficult therefore to deal with the pandemic effectively. Besides, many people have paid no heed to the call of the churches to abstain and stick to one partner, as evidenced by the fact that many people are continuing to have unprotected sex, exposing themselves to HIV/AIDS. The present author argues that instead of forbidding people to use condoms in the name of morality, Christians should be given the choice of making an informed moral decision to use condoms and stay alive. Theologically speaking, life is a most precious and sacred gift from God; therefore it must be protected by all means available. Notes, ref.
Views
Cover