This article argues that discerning Christian ethical responses should include human rights analysis. The first part uses the theological ethics of Karl Barth to argue that the idea of human rights may have a distinctly Christian starting point and expression. The second part seeks to demonstrate the importance of human rights analysis for Christian ethical discernment. Specifically, it examines this ethical dilemma: Should Christian faith-based organizations promote condoms as a means of HIV prevention?

No abstract

No abstract

The traditional means of forming human identity and shaping moral values within traditional African communities have been undermined by a Western philosophical presupposition: the conception of the self as an individual, autonomous agent. Through the forces of colonization and globalization, this conception of the self has undermined the processes of identity formation that have traditionally taken place in African communities, creating a profoundly disturbing loss of moral identity among urban youth. We will argue that efforts at HIV prevention must address this issue. Specifically, we will propose the ecclesial model, “the family of God,” as a means for promoting HIV prevention.