ABSTRACT
Many different terms are used to refer to spirituality, religiosity, and faith, and often they get used interchangeably, but they can mean many different things to different people and in different contexts. Some definitions are more inclusive than others. This chapter explores the definitions of some of these concepts and a looks at the differences between them, as well as the ways they can be applied in social work. The realm of spirituality is an area that social workers assess and often work with, whether the work is with individuals or larger institutions or communities. For example, using biopsychosocial or ecosystems frameworks, a social worker might include spirituality in the assessment of a client’s psychological realm or engagement with a religious organization in the client’s microsystem. The social work profession was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and other religious movements of the late 1800s. The profession’s development included religious beliefs and philosophical teachings of many groups.
