We are a fallen race due to our first parents. But things like colds, broken bones, heart problems, ear infections, etc. are not as frequently the direct result of a sinful behavior. (I do understand that AIDS is not ALWAYS the result of sinful behavior; but more often than not, it is.) It’s not a sin to work in an office and happen to catch a cold from one’s co-worker. It’s not a sin to accidently fall and break a bone. Again, I do believe in compassion for anyone who is suffering. But I also do wish that people in the AIDS movement would urge abstinence rather than acting like people are unable to control their sexual appetite. The fact of the matter is that they can. We have free will.

We have compassion for a child who puts his or her finger on a hot stove burner. But usually, that one time teaches the child to avoid such behavior in the future if he or she doesn’t want the pain. Adults are aware of the VERY dagerous risk of promiscuous sex. Yet they continue to practice it. This leads to the spread of disease and can also encourage abortions. I’m not saying anyone “deserves” such a horrendous disease like AIDS. But I do wish that when people KNOW of a surefire way to reduce spreading the disease, they would do their part. This means avoiding promiscuous sex. It can destroy our body and as a serious sin, can destroy our soul. Instead, it seems many want to continue taking the risk and simply use “bandaids” as solutions.

I completely agree about ungodly behavior being the basis for the spread of this disease. To some extent, that is true of ALL disease – AIDS, colds, heart attacks, runny noses, ear infections, hip fractures…..there was no disease before sin entered the world. We learn from the book of Job, that there is not always a 1:1 correlation between behavior and disease.

Just as ‘ children are infected because of the sins of their parents’ (you’re quote), all of us are infected because of the sin of Adam, and the subsequent fall of humanity. And you’re right, only the Word of God can heal us. The times I get too busy to pray with my patients is the moment when I am not focused on that reality.

All this said, however, there are people who have been very effective in this global AIDS fight who are not Christian and not even prolife. Will that ‘band-aid’ they offer, keep a person alive long enough to accept Christ? We should hope so. There are many examples of ungodly people helping God’s Elect (perhaps the firemen who saved my life at age 5? I have no idea if they were godly men, but I am alive in part because of them.)

I would seriously question if Obama is the right person for this talk at Saddleback.

But I close with 3 points…
1.) Warren should at least be commended for speaking out on the issue of AIDS, something many in the church have been too silent about.
2.) If Obama says something true that can help someone with AIDS, that will be a good thing, despite the fact he is wrong about abortion.
3.) Jesus is indeed the only answer, for both AIDS and all illness, but there is a role for human action against disease.

In all due respects,
Steven

With all due respect, there is no solution for AIDS/HIV apart from God’s Word. Ungodly behavior ,is the major player in the spread of this disease. And sadly, many children are infected because of the sins of their parents. Sin is the issue, Jesus is the answer. Obama can only offer a “band-aid”, as he has no moral groundings.

Sincerely,
Stephanie

However, I have met several in the medical community who are very pro-active, and actually quite knowledgable and helpful, with the HIV/AIDS battle. Whether Obama can help with the HIV/AIDS battle should be looked at *ndependently* of his stand on abortion. There are many people who are making great strides in medicine even though they are pro-choice. (This is not to imply anything about Obama’s competency in the AIDS fight.)

I agree that a pro-choice stand is a contradiction to life. But that is a contradiction that every prochoice person is stuck in, not just Obama. Even when people are stuck in this prochoice mindset, they can do good in other areas.

I believe Obama should be given a hearing regarding HIV/AIDS. We should be praying for his conversion to prolife. But also acknowledge that he may have something helpful to say, about HIV/AIDS, despite his prochoice stand.