From Polluted to Prophetic Bodies: Theo-Pastoral Lessons from the Lived Experiences of Gay, HIV-Positive Christian Men in Singapore. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goh, Joseph N.
• Is Part Of: Practical theology. Volume 10:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: gay men -- HIV -- queer theology -- sexuality -- Singapore; Theology, Practical -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Periodicals; Pastoral theology -- Periodicals; Pastoral counseling -- Periodicals; 253.05
• DOI: 10.1080/1756073X.2017.1296240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-073X

Abstract

Abstract : This article garners theo-pastoral lessons from the lived realities of gay, HIV-positive Christian men in Singapore. Such lessons are premised on the belief that gay HIV-positive men are prophets with lessons of life and faith for Christian communities, rather than polluted victims of a disease who simply merit pastoral assistance. The analysis of the narratives of three gay, HIV-positive Christian men through a Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology is assisted by Erlinda N. Senturias' notion of People Living with HIV and AIDs as bearing God's mission for human wholeness. It explains that these men see the intersection of their sexuality, serostatus, and faith as invitations to collaborate in the unfolding of God's plan in their lives, and to form a greater appreciation for their physical bodies and loved ones.