The transformation of theological theory within the HIV and AIDS pandemic: the challenge to theological institutions and denominational based ecclesiologies

The article addresses the problem of theological paradigms within a hermeneutical approach to the HIV pandemic in order to empower people living with HIV. It is argued that in order to move beyond the paradigms of punishment, guilt and stigmatization, the theological paradigm of the cross should be supplemented by the paradigm of the resurrection. Such a paradigm shift has got implications for theological education and curriculum design on a post graduate level. In order to move from the kerygmatic model with the main emphasis on sin, punishment and conversion, a hermeneutical model with the emphasis on life and the restructuring of the church with the emphasis on a community based care model is proposed.