Look What God Can Do

Abstract

This qualitative study describes how ten African American gay men understand and utilize spirituality while living with AIDS. The narrative data indicate spirituality is a significant strength for these men. The participants describe spirituality, a relationship with God, as interactive, integrative, and protective. They indicate that spirituality helps them live with AIDS and alleviates death anxiety. The participants also posit that their experience with AIDS has strengthened their spirituality. Spirituality is an important resource for the men in this study. The data suggests social workers who work with this population explore the salience of Spirituality in the lives of their clients.

Key Words:

• African American gay men
• AIDS
• spirituality
• qualitative methods