Justification for Human Rights and the Implications for HIV Prevention

Abstract

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?

Conflicts between conservative Christian institutions and secular groups in sub-Saharan Africa: Ideological discourses on sexualities, reproduction and HIV/AIDS

“…Smith (2009) argues that even in the case of unfaithfulness to one's spouse/partner, God's righteousness and mercy make the use of condoms to prevent HIV a Christian ethical responsibility. Drawing upon the Protestant theology, Smith argues that religion and condoms for disease prevention are linked because of the Christian obligation to protect life.…”

Innocent bystanders to a dangerous situation : the Christian churches and human rights organizing in Ahmedabad, India, and Latin America

“…Others disagree, arguing that the concept of human rights is a strictly modem and secular invention (Bielefeldt 1996;Donnelly 2007). In turn, many scholars focus on demonstrating the affinity or complementarity of the two traditions by identifying various Christian tenets, traditions or theologies that could inspire adherents' support for human rights on the basis of their faith (Curran 2002:3, 6, 67, 218-9;Guorian 1998;Homsby-Smith 2006:119;Langan 1982;Tergel 1997;Smith 2009;Valliere 1996;Witte 1998).…”