Differing religious views on the AIDS epidemic
Naidu, S.
Positive Outlook the Newsletter of the Aids Alternative Health Project 4(2): 28-29
1997
PMID: 12293156 Document Number: 271287
Many religions believe AIDS is mainly a homosexual disease. They have differing views upon how the disease should be treated, but they all agree that people with AIDS should be treated with love, respect, and care. The Hindu religion is strongly opposed to extramarital and premarital sex, two behaviors which promote the spread of HIV. Sex is for procreation and should be experienced only within the limits of marriage, and homosexuality does not fit within the Hindu emphasis upon marriage. However, the person with AIDS should be treated with selfless spirit and reminded of the immortality of the soul as explained in the Hindu Scripture. The Catholic Church does not recognize homosexual relationships and does not promote the use of contraception. A Christian would, however, encourage the person with AIDS to make use of his or her remaining days of life and to look forward to a better afterlife. The Islam sect of Soofieism believes AIDS is a self-inflicted disease caused by promiscuity and the breakdown of morals in society. People who are terminally ill should return to their old religious values and beliefs.