Christianity and Social Work: Readings on the Integration of Christian Faith and Social Work Practice

by Beryl Hugen (Editor)

The first edition of Christianity and Social Work (1998) was written to offer a Christian perspective on the social work profession as a whole, as well as on specific topics within the profession. For this second edition, editors Beryl Hugen and Laine Scales surveyed college teachers inquiring what new topics they felt should be added to keep pace with recent changes in the profession. The resulting 400+ page volume includes chapter topics organized around three themes:

1. A Christian Worldview and Social Work - articulates a variety of Christian principles and encourages readers to relate a Christian worldview related to social work.

2. Spiritual Dimensions in Social Work Practice - affirms that spirituality and religious beliefs are integral to the nature of the person and have a vital influence on human behavior.

3. The Changing Environment in Social Work Practice - addresses issues surrounding faith-based organizations and the delivery of social services as well as the role of congregations in responding to social concerns.

Christianity and Social Work is intended for a variety of audiences, including social work practitioners, educators, and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is organized so that it can be used as a textbook or supplemental text in a social work class, or as a training or reference materials for practitioners. Readings address a breadth of curriculum areas such as social welfare history, human behavior and the social environment, social policy, and practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Reference

402 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Beryl Hugen, editor of Christianity and Social Work, received a BA from Calvin College, a MSW from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. He is currently a Professor of Social Work and Practicum Coordinator in the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Calvin College. He has practice experience in a variety of mental health and child welfare settings. Professional areas of interest include mental health (family and chronic mental illness), program evaluation, the integration of Christian faith and social work practice, child welfare, and social work history. Presently he serves on the Board and as Special Publications Editor for the North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Other contributors to Christianity and Social Work include: Katherine Amato-von Hemert from the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for anyone interested in the topic. Solid essays that inform, direct, and ask questions about the intersection of Christianity and Social Work including questions about ethics, research, and historical perspectives.