Spirituality and Social Work

Spirituality is an area of thought and practice that is attracting an increasing amount of attention and interest from social work practitioners, theorists, and instructors. Spirituality and Social Work - Selected Canadian Readings explores the history, practice, and diversity of faith traditions with which spirituality and social work are intertwined. Exciting and relevant chapters in this collection include: Spirituality As a Guiding Construct in the Development of Canadian Social Work Reframing Spirituality, Reconceptualizing Change: Possibilities for Critical Social Work From Ecology to Spirituality and Social Justice Making Circles: Renewing First Nations Ways of Helping Black Churches in Canada: Vehicles for Fostering Community Development in African-Canadian Communities Islamic Theology and Prayer: Relevance for Social Work Practice

Introduction; Spirituality as a Guiding Construct in the Development of Canadian Social Work: Past and Present Considerations; The Haven, 1878-1930: A Toronto Charity's Transition from a Religious to a Professional Social Work Ethos; The Social Gospel; Excerpts from The Values of Life; Moral and Spiritual Values in Social Work; Exploring the Spiritual Dimension of Social Work; The Helpfulness of Spiritually Influenced Group Work in Developing Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem: A Preliminary Investigation; Listening to our Stillness: Giving Voice to Our Spirituality (Spirituality & Clinical Practice); Reframing Spirituality, Reconceptualising Change: Possibilities for Critical Social Work; Feminist Community Organising: The Spectre of the Sacred and the Secular; Engaging with Spirituality: A Qualitative Study of Grief and HIV/AIDS; Circles of Resistance: Spirituality and Transformative Change in Social Work Education and Practice; From Ecology to Spirituality and Social Justice; Profound Connections between Person and Place: Exploring Location, Spirituality, and Social Work; Spirituality, Stress and Work; Making Circles: Renewing First Nations Ways of Helping; Communities in Co-operation: Human Services Work with Old Order Mennonites; Black Churches in Canada: Vehicles for Fostering Community Development in African Canadian Communities -- A Historical Analysis; Islamic Theology and Prayer: Relevance for Social Work Practice; Conclusion.