Obama, evangelicals, and AIDS

I just read an article on NewsMax* about an HIV/AIDS awareness event hosted by Rick Warren and his congregation, Saddleback Valley Community Church. I had earlier received a mailing from Warren promoting the event.

Warren observed that the evangelical response to AIDS up to now has been negative, but that has changed. He noted, "It is the church that needs to take the lead on HIV/AIDS." The Saddleback church says the aim of the conference was to encourage millions of Christians in the United States and around the world to become care-givers, use churches as centers for help and campaign to prevent AIDS at home and in Africa.

Democrat Senator Barak Obama was a participant in the event, which caused some opposition among Warren’s fellow evangelicals. Obama told the conference of some 2,000 Christians, AIDS organizations and church leaders from 18 countries that AIDS required a "change in hearts and minds, in cultures and attitudes. AIDS is a challenge not only of our willingness to respond but of our ability to look past the artificial divisions and debates that have often shaped that response," said Obama, winning a standing ovation from the audience. Obama said he respectfully disagreed with people who oppose condom use as a means of HIV/AIDS prevention because they believe it encourages promiscuity. "I do not accept the notion that those who make mistakes in their lives should be given an effective death sentence," he said.

In a bid to reduce the stigma of AIDS testing, Obama, Warren and Brownback each took a mouth swab test for the disease during a news conference. The results, back in 20 minutes, were negative for all three.

I have several responses to the event itself, Obama’s appearance, and the AIDS swab test Warren, Obama, and Senator Brownback took during a news conference. First, the event itself. What was accomplished? Did the conference heighten anyone’s awareness of the AIDS crisis in the world? I doubt it. Were any substantive solutions proposed? No. AIDS will not be prevented by passing out condoms. Did the participants dance around the real issue? Like they were doing a Viennese waltz. Sadly, Warren and Saddleback failed to give the real biblical answer to AIDS.

Fundamentally, AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. No one gets it from a toilet seat, from shaking hands with an infected patient, or breathing contaminated air. The vast majority of AIDS cases in the world result from sexual promiscuity. Until the world comes to grips with that fact, no real and effective solution will ever be put forth. Only those who participate in unhealthy sexual lifestyles, or share needles from IV drug use, get or pass on HIV. Those who do not know their partners are HIV positive are the real victims. Only a fool would have sex with someone with AIDS.

Second, Obama’s appearance. Regardless of what anyone says, Warren’s event was a real photo-op for someone with serious presidential aspirations. Obama may really have been serious about his participation, but he was there primarily as a politician. One day, he will use the HIV/AIDS conference at Saddleback in a political ad. That’s what politicians do.

As far as what he had to say, we might search for some meaning, but, regretfully, come away empty-handed. Obama’s statements that got him a standing ovation are meaningless. What exactly did he mean when he said we must, "look past the artificial divisions and debates that have often shaped that response" Did he mean that we should not address the real issue: the sexual practices that introduced AIDS into the world and perpetuate its existence? Further, is he opposed to abstinenceas an effective approach to AIDS prevention? Obviously, condoms figure heavily in his AIDS prevention program.

After over twenty years of dealing with the disease, condoms have had no effect. So, we must conclude that any sex education program aimed at those in danger of contracting AIDS that relies on condom use has been and remains a failure. One wonders if Sen. Obama, who hopes to one day be President Obama, is ready to propose the hard solutions.

Last, the swab test. Nothing is more trivializing than when one persons panders to another. The only reason Warren, Obama, and Brownback took the tests was because they knew they were not HIV positive. We can safely assume they each have practiced sexual discipline in their lives and have been faithful to their wives. Are we to feel that somehow, the swab test gave these men some kind of new sensitivity to those who are HIV positive? Would the rest of us benefit if we did the same?

One of the more foolish proposals in modern preventative medicine is that universal AIDS testing be done. Why should my two grandchildren be required to take an AIDS test before starting school. Their parents are faithful to one another. What’s the point? The real point is that if we make everyone think that we are all threatened by AIDS, supposedly, AIDS will be seen in a different light. Well, I’ll never get AIDS. My wife and I have been faithful to one another for over thirty years and will remain that way as long as we live. What do we have to fear?

While speaking at the summit, the recently sworn-in U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Mark Dybul, a homosexual, seemingly the only person with the courage to address honestly the issue, outlined the Bush administration's approach to fighting the global AIDS epidemic. In his remarks, he surprised some by stating that the only 100 percent effective way to avoid HIV infection is to abstain or be faithful to an HIV-negative partner. Was anyone listening?

AIDS awareness conferences, condoms, and swab tests are not the answer to the AIDS crisis. The "change in hearts and minds, in cultures and attitudes" must begin with those who are involved in sexual lifestyles, heterosexual and homosexual, in which HIV/AIDS is spread. Until all those who are HIV positive refrain from all sexual activity, we will have no solution.

*"Sen. Obama Joins Evangelicals in AIDS Fight"
NewsMax.com WiresSaturday, Dec. 2, 2006