{"title":"Considering Catholics: an exploration of the literature available on religious identity development","authors":"Sister Miriam MacLean, J. Riebschleger","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1910612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1910612","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Identity development is an important developmental task impacted by many facets of a person’s life, including ethnic background, abilities, and religion. Notwithstanding its decisive role in identity development, however, religious identity research has been rather sparse. Religious identity refers to how the person uses religion to answers the question “who am I?” or “who are we?.” Research that focuses on the religious identity development of particular groups is more scarce. This review article intends to synthesize the current state of the research in regard to religious identity development, especially as it relates to emerging adult Catholic religious identity development. A brief consideration of theories that may aid in understanding religious identity will be undertaken, followed by a review of empirical literature that suggests possible influences on religious identity. The methods, strengths and weaknesses of current research will be considered with implications for future research. It is hoped that through a better understanding of the current research on religious identity development a clearer path forward may be paved in research development.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"31 1","pages":"395 - 419"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79857729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Speaking out against hate speech and actions through social work research","authors":"Eileen A. Dombo","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1924448","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1924448","url":null,"abstract":"The report presents nation-states with a plan of action to address hate speech, however many, including the United States of America, grapple with limits to free speech that are imposed by such measures. Given the connection between hate speech and escalating violence (Moshman, 2020), this is a problem that must be solved not only for religious discrimination, but also for hate speech related to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The social work profession has much to offer to this goal. The Grand Challenges for Social Work identify core priorities around creating a just society that include addressing racism (Uehara et al., 2014), yet there is still work to do in the profession (Rao et al., 2021). Research is an area where social work can contribute toward social change. This second issue of 2021 brings a focus on both discrimination based on religion and use of religious principles to discriminate against others. Carole Cox presents a thoughtful and timely piece on ways to address anti-Semitism in social work education. Donna Wang and Akiva Perlman explore the tensions between Orthodox Judaism and the social work profession. Mona AboZena and Waheed Saif offer important guidance on addressing Islamophobia with children. Religious teachings regarding sexual orientation are explored with social work graduate students in thought-provoking research presented by Michael Woodford, Brittanie Atteberry-Ash, Ki Jaffee, and Adrienne Dessel. Mary Twis and Regina Praetorius offers us a unique window into well-","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"26 1","pages":"109 - 110"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79115075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Data-informed recommendations for faith communities desiring to support vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"N. Wilke, A. Howard","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1895957","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1895957","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened risk factors in vulnerable families. Historically, faith communities have provided support crises but may lack clear direction on how to best aid during the pandemic. The current study provides data-informed recommendations for faith communities to support vulnerable families during the pandemic. Eighty-seven non-government organizations serving 454,637 vulnerable families completed a questionnaire. Results examined (1) the needs of families and NGOs during the pandemic and (2) opportunities for faith communities to engage this population. Data revealed areas of need were material support, spiritual nurture, funding, and disseminating information. Based on these findings, seven recommendations were made.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"1 1","pages":"349 - 364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91035962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Religion, Spirituality, Community, and Change at a Residential Homeless Shelter","authors":"I. Jindra, M. Jindra","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1886619","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1886619","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This article looks at the effects of religion, spirituality, and religious community in an evangelical Christian homeless shelter. We describe the culture of the shelter as well as the life stories of its residents, with the goal of understanding how residents experience the shelter and how religion and the religious community help them cope with their past and improve their situations. We illustrate how many of the residents connect to the spiritual and cultural toolkit, culture and community at Grace Ministries, and then incorporate these elements into their life stories, which helps them start tackling issues such as low selfesteem, depression, and addictions.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"33 1","pages":"286 - 311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89990059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Woodford, Brittanie Atteberry-Ash, K. Jaffee, Adrienne B. Dessel
{"title":"“My Church Teaches Homosexuality is a Sin” Religious Teachings, Personal Religious Beliefs, and MSW Students’ Attitudes toward Sexual Minorities","authors":"M. Woodford, Brittanie Atteberry-Ash, K. Jaffee, Adrienne B. Dessel","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2020.1871154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2020.1871154","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Religious social work students often report less-affirming LGB attitudes, which is often attributed to anti-LGB religious teachings. Yet research often overlooks one’s beliefs about their denomination’s LGB teachings. We examine the association between MSW students’ LGB attitudes, syncretism between religious teachings that “homosexuality is a sin” and students’ beliefs about these teachings, and the influence of religiosity on syncretism. Results suggest that personal views about one’s denomination’s teachings matter, representing a point for educational intervention. Findings highlight the importance of creating opportunities for students belonging to anti-LGB denominations to reflect critically on religious teachings as part of their education.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"46 1","pages":"216 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88058456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachel J Hagues, D. Cecil, Aimée Ghanem, Rania Mansour, David E. Robbins
{"title":"Refugee social work in Lebanon: does the faith of the social worker provide support?","authors":"Rachel J Hagues, D. Cecil, Aimée Ghanem, Rania Mansour, David E. Robbins","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1886621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1886621","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Recognizing that faith plays a significant motivational and coping role for many working in stressful conditions, this study examines the effects of faith on social workers in Lebanon working with refugees (N = 47). Data were collected using a structured interview guide in individual interviews and focus groups. Participants also completed a brief ordinal instrument. While results do reveal that numerous social workers in Lebanon working with refugees rely on faith for coping and motivation, findings suggest significant variability both in terms of perceived stress levels and extent of reliance on faith. Findings indicate the importance of teamwork and faith in humanity. Motivation often came from a belief in the cause or the refugees they were serving, and from a sense that they were doing God’s work. Implications for practice are discussed.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"17 1","pages":"326 - 348"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90488788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Caritas in social work: one university’s paradigm shift through the social construction of meaning","authors":"Laura Gibson, Nancy Keeton, Jennifer Alsman","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1886620","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1886620","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT We adopted caritas as a way to support students’ inherent inclination to care about others and to support their genuine care and concern for the clients they will see. Our aim was to explore how students are using learning resources to socially construct a concept of caritas. Students were asked to explain in a family case study how social work services motivated by caritas might be distinguished from the services of a social worker who did not adopt this philosophy. We conducted a content analysis of 20 student papers. After reviewing the completed assignments, we identified categories and themes as part of the content analysis. Five categories were examined: caritas as love; caritas as motivation; caritas as an ethical act; caritas as a relationship; and caritas as an attitude. Student responses tended to fit into more than one category. This suggests they view caritas as a multidimensional construct. Future research will explore how students move beyond a conceptualization of caritas to its application in everyday interactions. The program can then use this knowledge to further develop its philosophy of caritas.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"41 1","pages":"312 - 325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87351078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“Non-violent evangelism”: a look at how members of evangelical faith-based organizations share faith with service recipients in Southern, Ontario, Canada","authors":"Ravi Gokani, L. Caragata","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2021.1878973","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2021.1878973","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This present work shares data from a mixed-methods study in Southern Ontario, Canada, focused on understanding faith sharing (often called evangelism or proselytism) within evangelical faith-based organizations. The study figures against the backdrop of the relatively scant literature on understanding evangelism in social service settings. The findings reveal multiple ways in which faith-based organizations seek to evangelize clients “non-violently”, i.e., in a fashion that is not forceful or coercive. Here we focus on three: (1) through sharing and imparting a worldview; (2) through faith as a service modality; and (3) through social support. Analyzed against the backdrop of existing literature on faith-based organizations and ethical social service delivery, our findings suggest the need for further inquiry into social service delivery by faith-based organizations (FBOs). The paper discusses some valuable elements of the service provided by FBOs but also raises critical questions about client self determination and autonomy and service free from coercion – even if faith-sharing is in its gentlest and most well-intentioned form.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"114 1","pages":"263 - 285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80083576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“Please god, don’t let it be Muslims”: perspectives on guiding conversations with Muslim children in a climate with prevalent Islamophobi","authors":"Mona M. Abo‐Zena, Waheeda Saif","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2020.1871152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2020.1871152","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Effective intervention in social work requires addressing the contextual challenges clients face. For Muslim communities and families in the West, the context is characterized by decades of post 9/11 scrutiny and anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments. Internationally, with terrorist attacks across the globe, and nationally, with a highly-charged political atmosphere, Muslim communities and families in the U.S. find themselves trying to reconcile conflicting influences. While they may seek to establish themselves as positive members of civil society, they are often viewed with suspicion, merely because of their religion, and their children exposed to threats, bullying, and harassment. This manuscript draws from a practitioner-researcher model that applies a developmentally sensitive and contextually grounded perspective to analyzing themes elicited from workshops for parents and guardians in the wake of terrorist attacks. The workshops were designed to provide caregivers with tools to support their children through honest and developmentally sensitive conversations about the sociopolitical climate, including Islamophobia and other systemic issues. The manuscript concludes with suggestions for practitioners and researchers to promote the positive development and integration of Muslim ‘families’ at individual, family, and community levels.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"1 1","pages":"166 - 188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83072877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of evangelical Christian sex trafficking narratives","authors":"Mary K. Twis, Regina T. Praetorius","doi":"10.1080/15426432.2020.1871153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2020.1871153","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The purpose of the present qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) is to explore, categorize, and confront one of the powerful narratives present within the counter-trafficking movement—that of evangelical Christian communities in the United States. The authors focused on the analysis of scholarly ethnographies and autoethnographies (N=7) of the evangelical Christian counter-trafficking culture. The QIMS yielded four themes that can be used to explain and categorize the denouement that is often visible in evangelical sex trafficking narratives, including 1) the perfect victim, 2) sexual objectification, 3) rescue for a greater purpose, and 4) co-optation of narratives. Results of this study point to how laypeople, social workers, and professional activists can shape and promote survivor-centered narratives that more fully advance the human rights of sex trafficking survivors.","PeriodicalId":45302,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK","volume":"36 6 1","pages":"189 - 215"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78011928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}