| Abstract
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This article discusses hiv/aids in Indonesia and responds to the hiv/aids crisis from a theological/pastoral perspective. hiv/aids is growing in Indonesia and many Indonesians have died from the disease. hiv/aids is not only a fatal disease and an international public health crisis; it also affects the sufferers and their community socially, economically, psychologically and spiritually, raising theological questions beyond simply the consideration of physiological disease. The article describes the response to hiv/aids in Indonesia, including from Christian churches, then explores the treatment of suffering and sickness in the Bible, along with research and literature responding to the emergence of hiv/aids as an issue for the church. Jesus’ opposition to stigmatization is highlighted, as well as an analysis of the relationship of difference between ‘healing’ and ‘curing’. Finally the article offers an analysis of hope from the perspective of the Christian Gospel, including hope’s call to the church to respond fully to the challenge to care for, and accompany people, with hiv/aids and their communities. This article discusses hiv/aids in Indonesia and responds to the hiv/aids crisis from a theological/pastoral perspective. hiv/aids is growing in Indonesia and many Indonesians have died from the disease. hiv/aids is not only a fatal disease and an international public health crisis; it also affects the sufferers and their community socially, economically, psychologically and spiritually, raising theological questions beyond simply the consideration of physiological disease. The article describes the response to hiv/aids in Indonesia, including from Christian churches, then explores the treatment of suffering and sickness in the Bible, along with research and literature responding to the emergence of hiv/aids as an issue for the church. Jesus’ opposition to stigmatization is highlighted, as well as an analysis of the relationship of difference between ‘healing’ and ‘curing’. Finally the article offers an analysis of hope from the perspective of the Christian Gospel, including hope’s call to the church to respond fully to the challenge to care for, and accompany people, with hiv/aids and their communities.
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