Stigma as 'Othering' among Christian Theology Students in South Africa
Sahara J (Online)
;
9(4): 181-191, 2012.
Artigo
em Inglês
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1271550
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
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
AIM (África)
Assunto principal:
Atitude
/
Infecções por HIV
/
Cristianismo
/
Clero
/
Teologia
/
Estigma Social
/
Homofobia
Tipo de estudo:
Pesquisa qualitativa
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Sahara J (Online)
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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