The Family of God: An Ecclesial Model for HIV Prevention in Africa

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.