If AIDS is "God's Punishment", why is AIDS most prevalent in Africa, where Christianity is growing fastest?

Question

I would especially like to hear from fundamental Christians and anti-gays who like Jerry Falwell believe that AIDS (along with 9-11) was God's punishment for homosexuality.

Answer 1

I AM a fundamental, Bible-believing Christian. I have NEVER said, nor do I believe that AIDS is a punishment from God for homosexuality.
I don't believe everything that comes out of the mouth of Jerry Falwell any more than I do any other televangelist. He has his opinions... and he's welcome to them.... but he does NOT speak for all fundamental Christians! Nor is he the mouth-piece for God!

Answer 2

Well, I'm a fundamental Christian, but I'm not much of a supporter of Jerry Falwell, and actually, I know very few people who are. Actually, most of us think he's off his rocker, to be honest! I don't believe AIDS, or 9-11, has a direct link to God's punishment, specifically. That's insane. Diseases are a direct result of ALL sin, going back to the garden of eden when satan tricked Adam and Eve into sinning. That's when He removed his protection, and allowed the earth to start decaying, and gave us choices to sin or follow Him. True, those choices lead to diseases like AIDS, but it's not a punishment directly from Him. We choose to sin, we choose to accept the consequences. And 9-11? I have no clue where he's making that connection! That's too stupid to comment on. I have heard pastors say that 9-11 COULD be a wake up call to the US because as a nation that was built on solid godly principles, we're slipping away, and need to put God back into our lives, or govnt., etc. And that I see as a possibility, but I think it's more along the lines of biblical prophecy, that it's just another sign that we're getting closer to the end times. God is very clear about His views on homosexuality, but He loves all people. It's our sin that He hates, not us. And it doesn't take a biblical scholar to figure out that when God punishes a certain group, that punishment doesn't go over into the rest of the world. Or, He destroys the entire world for ALL of their sin, not just select sins. Those are the only two examples given. And AIDS isn't just spread among homosexuals, anyone is at risk of contracting AIDS these days through blood transfusions, etc., so that doesn't follow the course of the bible. I would need to hear some verses that back up his claims, and he's one that is really good about giving personal opinions with very little scripture to back him up,which makes him a false prophet, someone to avoid.

Answer 3

I believe that AIDS and any other STD is Gods punishment for premartial sex and yes homosexuality. AIDS is also very prevalent in Asia as well. Nobody knows why God does what he does. Thats like asking the question why does God allow evil things to happen such as 9-11. I also agree with HAPPY yes Africa is very poor and very uneducated when it comes to safe sex. Jerry Falwell is a fake.

Answer 4

It's a touchy subject for everyone. I don't think that's the case, there is AIDS for the same reason there is cancer and many other diseases. We were attacked on 9-11-01 because there are bad people in the world. For people and/or Christians to think that these are acts of god as punishment for whatever reason is ignorant. Die-hard religous people of many faiths still get sick, pass away, have many problems but it has nothing to do with god's punishment. These things happen because that's life, it's unpredictable, it's a journey for us all. Nobody knows why, all you can do is live one day at a time, hope for the best and believe in whatever god you choose.

Answer 5

I think I know where you are going with this. GOD spoke of seven plagues that would be poured out unto the nations in the bible.
If it is a punishment it has nothing due to with the geographical location of where it erupted, nor does it have to do with homosexuality , if this was so, only homosexuals would have the disease since GOD would be punishing them and not the society as a whole and as for the 9/11 comment you made .. the same would apply, if God's intent was to punish homosexuals then only that sexually group would have perished on that tragic day not innocent men women(heterosexual people)and children.

Answer 6

I don't believe that AIDS is God's punishment. It is a disease like many other diseases that has developed in our world. I am a spiritual person, but struggle with questions of why God "allows" certain things, especially when they happen to the innocent since he is all knowing and all loving.
Now, the 9/11 thing was totally man's evil doing and that is free will. (Maybe God should reconsider the free will thing).

Answer 7

God does things that man does not understand. You might think that aids is a punishment,but in that situation it could be something different. A lot of times God puts us through test, which is different from punishment. I'm not saying that aids is not a punishment and I'm not saying that it is, but it is not for us to question what God does. God is a just and sovereign God. He knows whats best. Our main focus should be on salvation. The question that we should ask ourselves is are we living a life that is pleasing and acceptable to God and will grant us a life eternally.

Answer 8

AIDS has nothing to do with religion it was a disease that takes over your blood and modifies cells to kill others slowly killing you. But it can remain dormant for 10 years well you don't know you could be giving it to others. By, using the same needles, kissing someone who has an open cut and has bled, sex etc.. It has nothing to do with god and unfortunately Africa has less sophistication in allot of places and they don't all know about AIDS. So they have relations with other people and it rapidly spreads. If you need more or misunderstand what i'm saying e-mail me at, [e-mail]

Answer 9

Lack of medical knowledge, common sense, and medical supplies all explains why AIDS is prevalent in Africa. It's wrong to say that AIDS is solely related to homosexuality, although it is one of the factors. Drug users are also a group of people who contract AIDS. AIDS has to do with our own doings, and it's got nothing to do with God. Don't blame God for everything evil thing that happens.

Answer 10

I agree with Brenda Wise. I'm no longer a fundamentalist, though it took 30 years to extricate myself. I read a book about the early emergence of AIDS a few years ago. In it a fundamentalist, straight, married man who was dying of AIDS said this disease was not from God, that God would never punish anyone this way. He got the disease through a blood transfusion. He gave it to his wife before he knew he had it, the usual way, through intercourse. If you're interested in the book, its called My Own Country, by Abraham Verghese. He was the above mentioned patient's doctor.