Spirituality and Social Justice

BOOK REVIEW

Spirituality and Social Justice – Spirit in the Political Quest for a Just World Edited by Norma Jean Profitt and Cyndy Baskin Canadian Scholars’ Press, 2019

SPIRIT IN THE POLITICAL QUEST FOR A JUST WORLD

REVIEWED BY LYNN KING, MSW (RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER)

It's a natural assumption that the profession of social work is perfectly suited to a meaningful exploration of the relationship of spirituality and religion to social justice. With social justice in social work as the theme of this book, every social worker can find relevant ideas and critical thought with a multitude of perspectives in every chapter of this engaging collection. Whether curious about how spirituality and religion can be applicable in social work today, or seeking well-written diverse viewpoints, the book will make an excellent addition to the bookshelf of anyone committed to ongoing reflection.

As a young social worker, I recall clipping and pasting the Social Work Code of Ethics to the top of my desk. I have always been aware of the basis of my values and beliefs as a foundation of my practice. The editors and authors featured in this book demonstrate the importance of linking reflection on our values and beliefs and the merit of spirituality to the profession at all levels, from micro to macro practice.

Throughout the book, the case is made that spirituality is in fact inextricably connected to our experience within individual, family, community, political and societal realms.

Indigenous spirituality is deliberately at the forefront in order to acknowledge its relevance to social work practice and every aspect of Canadian culture and beyond. The book covers ethical and political dimensions related to social justice from a diversity of perspectives including Indigenous, Islamic, Christian and an article on “The Witches’ Way to Ethics: Social Justice and Social Work.” There is a review of definitions to expand our understanding of spirituality and religion. A strong case is made for the importance of social workers “turning the gaze reflexively back to ourselves to assess our ethical commitments to social justice in the face of the current framing of social justice in the Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics”. The book asks, “ What difference would it make spiritually and practically if we were to critically reflect on the contradictions between our social justice values and the lived experience of social work, rather than adhere to the comforting belief that we are continually creating structural and social change?” I especially appreciate that the entire book provides Canadian content and applicable examples.

Reading this book can provide rich opportunity to reflect on our own spiritual foundations and critically review how to apply them to practice. With an expanded awareness, we can reflect on their application to individual practice as well as to advocacy within social and political structures. In so doing, we move toward our collective goal of working for a world that is more kind and just.

This volume is both timely and relevant and as readers will discover, the spiritual is indeed political.

The Advocate welcomes book reviews on topics of interest to social workers. To find out more on our book review guidelines, please contact Charity Lui atMmemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca

LYNN KING, MSW (retired social worker), is a long time social worker. Most recently she served as Executive Director and Registrar for the ACSW and is past President of the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators.