Riglyne tot hoop–getuienis deur terminale MIV/VIGS lyers : 'n pastorale studie

Abstract

Chapter 1 emphasizes the central and perspicacious position of eschatological hope and witnessing thereof, in the lives of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers. An exegetical study of John 9:1-8, Luke 5:12-15 Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:2-5; 6:511; 8:18-25, 1 Peter 1 :3-9 and Matthew 28: 19-20 is conducted in Chapter 2. Illnesses (blindness, leprosy), suffering and pain (Job), death of mankind (Adam and Eve) and the retrovital death of Jesus Christ, hope and witnessing are researched and analysed. Comparisons with life today where HIV/AIDS is a stigmatised terminal illness, are weighed. Hope for eternal life in the full presence and reign of God Almighty, is based on the promises and overwhelming love of the living God. Witnessing of this vivacious and living hope is imperative to the disciples of Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20, and therefore to all believers until the advent of Christ. Chapter 3 establishes the contribution of meta theories of complementary and entwined sciences, such as health and medicine, communications and the positive psychology. The medical and social circumstances of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers revealed an extremely grave situation, which is manageable with inter alia positive "signature strengths". On a much higher plain, spiritual health and healing as the fruit of the Spirit, is of cardinal importance for eternal life. These theories only confirm the truths about the Great Healer as stated in Chapter 2 and provide enlightening perspectives for a new practical theological theory. Empirical research via a qualitative study at the health centre of an urban vehicle manufacturing plant, is conducted in Chapter 4. Two group interviews with multi-variables per participant (believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers and a control group of health workers), have established that the HIV/AIDS sufferers are spiritually enormously strengthened by their eschatological hope for eternal life with God, without this earthly suffering. Pastoral needs include prayer, comfort and koinonia/fellowship. Chapter 5 suggests practical guidelines in terms of witnessing hope by means of cherugmatical, liturgical, koinonial and diaconial communication. The image of the 'retrovital' Lord Jesus Christ as the pivotal change that paths the way to radical Biblical thinking/living (in comparison with the "retroviral" ability of the. HI-virus which multiplies the "evil"), is encouraged. The final conclusion is that a believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferer is able to witness hope for eternal life until the fourth phase of the terminal illness. Practical guidelines hereto may encourage the believer of any terminal illness or in any case, to witness hope with a life of worship and thus honour the living God.