Religious Organizations in Community Services: A Social Work Perspective

by Tirrito, Terry

• ISBN13: 9780826115485
• ISBN10: 0826115489
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: SPRINGER PUB CO INC

Summary

This book explores the scope and breadth of religious organizations in social work practice. It begins by tracing the origins of the social work profession back to the earliest civilizations and their religious traditions, establishing the precedent for a fruitful commingling of religion and social welfare. The contributors propose that religious/faith organizations can assume responsibilities for social welfare in the 21st century, using the Korean Church as one example of an effective provider of social services. A 12-step model for religious organizations to use to develop community action programs is also presented.

Author Biography

Terry Tirrito, PhD, is Associate Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Tirrito is a graduate of Fordham University in New York with a degree in gerontological social work. Dr. Tirrito was a visiting professor at Australian Catholic University, Canberra, Australia and at Masey University in New Zealand Toni Cascio, PhD, LCSW-C, is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Cascio teaches clinical practice courses and has published extensively in the areas of spirituality and social work practice and teaching methods in social work education

Table of Contents

Introduction
Terry Tirrito
Part I The Historical Role of Faith Organizations and Religion
Religious Foundations of Charity	3	(20)
Toni Cascio
Part II The Contemporary Role of Religious Organizations
American Congregations and Their Social Programs	23	(28)
Terry A. Wolfer
Michael E. Sherr
Religiosity and Spirituality in Social Work: A Retrospective and Contemporary Analysis	51	(12)
Larry P. A. Ortiz
Spirituality and the Life Cycle	63	(16)
Ilene Nathanson
Health, Spirituality, and Healing	79	(12)
Connie Saltz Corely
Mental Health and Religion	91	(22)
John R. Belcher
Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Education	113	(24)
Leon Ginsberg
Sectarian Organizations Serving Civic Purposes	137	(18)
Nieli Langer
Part III New Models for the 21st Century
The Korean American Church as a Social Service Provider	155	(16)
Gil Choi
The Faith-Based Community Action Model	171	(20)
Terry Tirrito
Conclusion	191	(2)
Index	193