Balm in Gilead

December 1, 2001 10:39 AM

Balm in Gilead is an organization that hopes to mobilize Black churches into becoming community centers and resources for HIV/AIDS in African-American communities. While I applaud their efforts (especially considering how long Black churches remained silent on the impact of AIDS/HIV on our communities), their choice of hymn leaves a bit to be desired.
posted by likorish (4 comments total)

Hard to get around? You mean that whole "sin" thing, the finger-waving, deity-nagging, pay-the-price, performance-of-penance dynamic?
posted by allaboutgeorge at 11:26 AM on December 1, 2001

Yes, I meant the whole 'sin' thing. It just goes to show that while they are making attempts to deal with the reality of HIV in African American communities, they're still coming at it from a "love the sinner/hate the sin" dynamic.
posted by likorish at 2:41 PM on December 1, 2001

Well, they are a church not a public health agency. I guess that whole "sin" thing is to be expected.
posted by MAYORBOB at 6:53 PM on December 1, 2001

True, MAYORBOB (although thanks to funding for faith-based initiatives, they could be considered such), but I'm inclined to think they'd do a far greater service if they helped people without telling 'em in the same breath that they're going to hell if they don't mend their evil ways.
posted by likorish at 7:39 PM on December 1, 2001