UNMASKING THE LIE

The rate of HIV/AIDS transmission is far greater now with the heightened “safe sex” campaigns and the widespread availability of condoms. The higher the condom hype, the higher the infection rate... The hypocrisy is stark.

The carnival season is here again and no doubt the “safe sex” activists are preparing for this year’s condom-use charade in their so-called fight against AIDS.

In spite of the many promotions and massive condom distribution drives put on by these agencies, the serial killer HIV/AIDS continues to spread like wild fire. In fact, the rate of transmission is far greater now with the heightened public awareness and the widespread availability of condoms. The higher the condom hype, the higher the infection rate. The whole thing is ludicrous and farcical. To continue to promote condom use during the season of wantonness and revelry would be tantamount to a callous and even criminally mischievous act. The practice largely offers a false sense of security, leading many as lambs to the slaughter.

AIDS is primarily a sexually transmitted disease. The only realistic way to stop the spread of this plague is to curb irresponsible sexual behaviour, consistent with moral absolutes. Condom promotion is essentially the number one means of encouraging promiscuity and irresponsible sexual behaviour in general. This carnival (and always) our single focus in the fight against HIV/AIDS should be on the only practical and proven solution — abstinence and fidelity! I can predict an unenthusiastic response from the “condom pushers,” as they continually purport that it is unrealistic to even imagine abstinence as a solution to the AIDS crisis. Primarily, they contend that man (in the general sense of the word) is too weak to abstain from sexual activity. When the urge comes it must be satisfied. They claim that there is the need to promote condoms since, despite what is said, human beings cannot control their sexual desire. They even see the urgent need to teach primary school children how to use condoms.

The hypocrisy in the use of this rationale is rather stark. Despite what we do, people younger and older, in and out of school, continue to do drugs. Some primary school students are using and selling drugs. Why has no one suggested that we distribute the right paper in the primary schools so the students would not use the pages from their schoolbooks to wrap the weed? We can also educate our students on the proper techniques in smoking so that they would not damage their lungs. For those on the heavier drugs, we can have a massive distribution of intravenous drugs equipment so that there would not be the sharing of needles. We can also distribute the right type of “pipes” for smoking the “rocks” so that those in the alleys would no longer have to resort to using modified soft drink bottles. But not so at all. We insist on absolute abstinence although AIDS is a greater killer than drugs. Why don’t we teach a husband how to abuse his wife safely or tell the murderer, “If you must kill, use a licensed firearm.” Should we also appeal to the child molester or rapist “Use protection” in his act? This is as ridiculous as the “safe sex” reasoning is.

Sex is one of the five appetites of man. The others are hunger, thirst, sleep and spirituality. How is it that we are not expected to sleep anywhere and anytime we feel sleepy? Or why is it we don’t just eat or drink anything anywhere and anytime? And certainly, we know that not everybody is always willing to satisfy their spiritual appetite, in spite of the many urges to make a change. All our appetites — including sex — can be very effectively controlled. It is called self-management. This is the essence of self-discipline. Self-discipline is integral to successful — and safe living. Christ in our lives brings true discipline. He says to His followers, “You are my disciples” — disciplined ones. We cannot have all we desire, when we desire all the time. That is madness. It would lead to chaos and disaster. This is the type of attitude that has fuelled the spread of AIDS. Whenever a man wants sex he finds someone and does it, with no consideration of love, faithfulness, trust, commitment or any of the other sacred tenets of a marriage. It’s all about “if it feels good, do it!”

This is one of the reasons why the condom propaganda has not been very successful: because to many men, it does not feel good. For our friends on the other side of the argument, the thought of abstinence, if at all present, is watered-down and given scant courtesies. A mere token mention is made. The ratio of emphasis is more like 1 percent on abstinence versus 99 percent on condoms. It is plain absurdity to merely make accommodation for weaknesses. Weaknesses have to be treated. This is what is done with those who have a weakness for drugs, alcohol and the like. Both young and old should be challenged to rise above their weaknesses and develop their positive strengths. Most times the proponents of the condom/safe sex idea are those who are attempting to accommodate, justify and make excuses for their own promiscuous lifestyle and sexual “weaknesses.” It’s hardly anything else. You check it out and see. Be wise, don’t condomise but christianise!