Stigma as 'Othering' among Christian Theology Students in South Africa

ABSTRACT

HIV is a health and developmental crisis that has profoundly challenged the Christian church in sub-Saharan Africa. Responding to stigma and prejudice against HIV and people living with HIV and AIDS has been a major concern of theologians and Christian leaders. However; Christians themselves and the church as a community are equally prone to stigma and prejudice. The author contends that this stigma is grounded in the dynamic of 'othering'; which; among Christians; takes on religious or theological overtones. Drawing on qualitative data from theology students in South Africa; the paper assembles a model of AIDS stigma as othering. The central story or axis of the model is the dynamic of othering; comprising three themes; viz. lack of empathic contact; disconnection; and distancing. There are three main dynamics that appear to contribute to or feed into othering; viz. emotions related to sexuality and HIV; theology of health and judgement; and contextualised knowledge of HIV. Finally; the model presents two primary results of othering; viz. disengagement from HIV through passivity and hopelessness; and prejudice against those living with HIV. The paper endeavours to reveal the possible biblical roots of AIDS stigma. Through this; the deep violence embedded in such stigma is exposed and contrasted with a theology of inclusiveness and engagement