July 29, 2005

• condoms vs abstinence

  Yes, today there will be multiple posts, because there's just so much to write about... 

  Here's a fascinating excerpt from http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=86656 , with my comments below...

  The debate as to whether a science-led campaign involving condoms use or moral calls for abstinence and fidelity is the key to the effective HIV/AIDS control continues to take centre stage as experts say this unresolved issue is hampering prevention strategies within the communities.

  Scientists and leading HIV/AIDS experts say public health principles should guide the fight against the disease and not ideology or issues of morality because messages on abstinence and faithfulness in marriages evaporate into thin air in environments where sex is virtually sold on the streets.

  The science-led campaigners say the active promotion of condoms would do the trick and not mere messages of abstinence and faithfulness in relationships.

  Religious Leaders, however, counter these arguments saying the "moral free" approach of a science-led combat would not win the fight but rather promote promiscuity and more HIV/AIDS cases and deaths in the communities.

  The global debate on issues of morality and science continues to dominate discussions on the way forward in managing the epidemic. Even in Ghana, there have been recent calls from some quarters for the legalisation of prostitution and the adoption of a more liberal stance in dealing with commercial sex workers to ensure that they are brought on board to help to stem the spread of HIV.

  The battle lines have been drawn between these two groups with religious leaders and scientists taking very entrenched positions on condom use.

  The reason why there is such "entrenched" animosity between the two positions is quite simple - they have different sources-of-authority / different starting beliefs.  Those who call themselves "scientists" (what they really mean is "methodological naturalists" or "secularists") have no transcendent basis for their morality - they are merely pushing (hard) for whatever seems most practical in their man-centered and science-informed pragmatism.  On the other hand, many of those who consider themselves Christians in this debate are basing their efforts on the Bible, which (1) does provide a transcendent basis for their position, and (2) which has evidence supporting its claim to supernatural authority.

  There will be no 'peace' until Shiloh returns.

  • 9:36 am
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