post for 4/3/15

                This week we continued our discussion of world views and the Bible. It is very interesting to look at other interpretations of the Bible. It is also very important. It is important to understand other views, to better understand our own.

                 We also read an article concerning the spread of HIV/Aids. Many people believe that disease, including AIDS is a punishment from God. They take this view from the book of Proverbs, which says that being Godly will ensure reward. However, the book of Ecclesiastes seems to argue that life is fleeting and that it does not matter. However, the book of Job is in direct conflict with the book of Proverbs. It outlines the story of Job who was a very upstanding man. The devil challenged God to remove Job’s blessings, and challenge Job. God wanted to see if Job would remain faithful.  Through all of his pain Job remained faithful. This seems to illustrate that suffering is not kin to punishment. In other words, just because life is not exactly as you planned, does not mean that you are in conflict with God. This gives hope to people suffering with AIDS, because they should understand that God is not in conflict with them, they are simply suffering a disease.

                People must change their view of AIDS. AIDS is construed as a punishment, all though this hardly makes sense. Africa is the poorest continent, yet the most afflicted. It does not make sense. God would not choose to wipe out an entire continent. Furthermore AIDS does not affect only people who broke one of God’s laws. AIDS in fact can affect everyone.  The fact that AIDS alone affects everyone is sign enough that it is not punishment. Also, AIDS affects women who have done nothing wrong other then be raped. Raped is already enough suffering God would not choose to punish people for being rapped. AIDS can also affect children. Children have done nothing wrong, and are not being punished. This would be hardly fair.  We must change our perception of AIDS as a punishment. AIDS is not a punishment, but rather a disease that can and does affect everyone.

                AIDS is a horrible disease. It can affect everyone, at anytime. The book of Job seems to suggest that suffering, especially disease and poverty is not necessarily a punishment. It is simply just a fact. Sometimes are afflicted with disease and humans must take care of each other, and must fight to end the horrible AIDS epidemic.