I am interested to discuss our readings of Ephesians in the variety of HIV epidemics in which we all live. The following thoughts are offered as a point of departure for this discussion. They build around the theme of ‘the work of unity’.
The recommended Cape Town 2010 study theme for the month just passed was ‘images and metaphors’ in Ephesians. Ephesians contains an abundant supply of images and metaphors. Today’s Christians speak powerfully to one another using images and metaphors. It is a communication style we seem quite comfortable with. This theme helps to explore some challenges to unity in relation to our lives in HIV epidemics.
The metaphor of ‘The Wall’
Ephesians 2:14-16 uses images and metaphors in its description of peacemaking to lead us from earthly division among believers, into unseen realms, and back to earth and tangible reconciliation. Jesus ‘has broken down the middle wall of separation’. Jesus put to death the enmity. He ‘abolished it in his flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances.’
I observe that our divisive conflicts related to HIV prevention are rarely far from ‘law’ in some form or another – be it law making, law breaking, law enforcement or law reinforcement. Marriage itself is tightly bound to, and defined by, state and cultural laws. I want us to consider that ‘law’ is a ‘middle wall of separation’, and an ‘enmity’ among believers when we discuss HIV prevention. As imitators of God, walking in love, what are the implications of Ephesians 2:14-15 when our divisions are linked to laws?
The metaphor of ‘The Bandage’
When I first began to interact with injecting drug users in India, I saw the priority they gave to healing the wounds on their bodies. I saw them bandaging one anothers’ wounds when medical services would not provide this basic care. This experience gave me the following metaphor.
“The Kingdom of God is like a man who bandages wounds. He cleans the wound and applies the ointment and cloth. Then he demands to see the wound again. He strips away all that hides it, removes yesterday’s solutions and tends to it again. He demands to see the wound again and again, until no one can see it.”
The alternative to this metaphor was articulated by the prophet Jeremiah in 6:14, who also observes “They have also healed the hurt of my people slightly, saying “Peace, peace!” when there is no peace.”
When we discuss the subject of HIV prevention, we are tempted to distort or manipulate information to suit our beliefs and goals, or to protect or promote our image, or even to say we are united, when we are not. Ephesians 4 contains an abundance of material urging us to put away deception and speak honestly to one another. Chris Wright’s comments on integrity, in his advance paper ‘Calling the Church back to Humility’, aptly expands this thought.
The metaphor of ‘HIV’
UNAIDS’ Terminology Guidelines (2008) recommends that we don’t use words like ‘fight’ or any combative language “to avoid a transference being made from the fight against HIV to a fight against people living with HIV.” I have seen the ‘War on Drugs’ become direct and lethal attacks on drug users.
HIV is not a metaphor. It is a physical virus, which has specific and tangible influences in many of our lives. HIV must be addressed as it is. Its nature and effects have taken us beyond the parameters of our familiar and preferred subjects of discussion. If HIV does not do this to us, then it is worth considering that we might be using HIV as a metaphor.
Our experiences with ageing HIV epidemics can bring us new challenges faster than we can resolve the old ones. As we venture into the awkward and unresolved situations around the new experiences HIV and AIDS bring us, we proceed with the ‘call to unity’, resourced by texts such as Ephesians 2:11-22 and Ephesians 4. We need them when read Ephesians 5 together.
What do you think?