Christianity and Social Work Paper Christianity and Social Work: What Difference does it make? This 5-7 pp. paper requires you to reflect on the impact of your faith system and beliefs on your social work practice. You will reflect upon the difference being a Christian makes in social work practice. It is to be based on your study of the following assigned readings:
Ethical Integration of Faith and Social Work Practice: Evangelism (Sherwood, 2002) Chapter 1: An Interactional Approach to Helping (Shulman, 2018, pp. 12-21) Elephant in the Room: Race and Christian Social Workers (Brice, 2020) You may also incorporate any classroom presentations and discussions in addition to your own perspective on the integration of a Christian worldview and social work practice. Based on the readings and course materials, define and describe each of the three assumptions underlying Shulman’s model (symbiosis, obstacles in the engagement, and strength for change) Discuss how each can relate to a Christian worldview. Briefly describe one of the clients you have worked with this semester; based on what you know about the client, include a description of the similarities and differences between you and the client in terms of worldview (attitudes, ideas, values, beliefs, etc. about faith, life, and the world), based upon what you know about the client (if you are not aware of these regarding the client, solely focus on your own worldview –-or spiritual framework— and discuss how you need to be attuned to this due to how it can impact perception and create blinders or filters). Insert a carefully selected excerpt of the dialog portion of one of your process records, focused on an example of either a faith dilemma (i.e., a situation that made you question your faith or when your worldview/faith values were challenged) or an example of when a Christian worldview/faith values helped or guided you in your work with the client (such as in terms of motivation, viewpoint, mandate, or approach – as discussed in class or how personal beliefs and values were impacted). Analyze the excerpt discussing how this situation impacted or was impacted by your Christian worldview and how it relates to at least one (1) of the underlying assumptions of the interactional approach. Discuss your understanding of the difference a Christian worldview can make in practice, including one passage of scripture that can guide your practice with the client system you serve. How can we avoid imposing our own worldview onto our clients?