Integrating Faith Matters in Social Work Education

Abstract

Faith matters were crucial in the birth of the profession of social work. Despite present day social work curriculum rarely addressing faith matters, they are significant factors in the worldview of many clients and social workers. Faith matters can affect social work in nearly all areas of practice. The inclusion of faith matters into the social work curriculum can assist the profession in providing services that reflect principals concerning diversity and client-focused practice found in the NASW Code of Ethics. Ultimately, the integration of faith matters will allow for more multiculturally competent practice.

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“…Whereas spirituality may be experienced individually or with others, religion is experienced within a communal system (Van Wormer, 2010). Faith refers to a belief and trust in a higher power (Williams & Smolak, 2007). Thus faith is an integral aspect of religion.…”

“…An educator can model the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, or other religious figures without explicitly identifying them. Some educators who adopt a demonstrationist approach may be responding to concerns that incorporating religion more explicitly would be tantamount to sectarian indoctrination (Williams & Smolak, 2007). Others may be concerned that expressing religious beliefs might be frowned upon by colleagues who perceive religion as contrary to the scientific and humanistic underpinnings of professional social work (Cnaan, Boddie, & Danzig, 2005).…”

“…Proponents question whether secular social work programs devalue the importance of religion or make it difficult for students to discuss religion in their classes and assignments (Hodge, 2002;Sherr, 2010). Some social work educators suggest that social work students should learn about clients' experiences of religion, but they should not be studying religion per se (Williams & Smolak, 2007). A primary concern raised by critics of FBPs is the potential conflict between religious values and beliefs and social work ethics.…”

“…Among the 467 BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), approximately 55% are situated in public colleges and universities, 35% are situated in private religion-affiliated institutions, and 10% are situated in private nonsectarian institutions (CSWE, 2012). Although social work educators generally agree that students should learn about religion (Furness & Gilligan, 2010), there is considerable controversy about the role of religion in social work education and the effects of BSW programs that integrate a particular religious tradition in their teaching of social work theory and practice (Williams & Smolak, 2007). This controversy was highlighted during the 2012 Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD) Conference, when a number of social work educators discussed whether some faith-based BSW programs (FBPs) violated the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (NASW, 2008) and whether they should be allowed CSWE accreditation.…”