Table of Contents

Preface; Part I Concepts and Contexts; Chapter 1 Religion and Spirituality; Chapter 2 Social Work and Spirituality; Part II Spirituality Over the Lifespan; Chapter 3 Childhood; Chapter 4 Youth; Chapter 5 Relationships; Chapter 6 Work; Chapter 7 Ageing; Part III Spirituality and Lived Experience; Chapter 8 Rituals; Chapter 9 Creativity; Chapter 10 Place; Chapter 11 Believing and Belonging; Conclusion;

About the Author

Beth R. Crisp is currently Associate Professor of Social Work at Deakin University in Australia. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Glasgow. Her previous publications include Learning and Teaching in Social Work Education: Assessment (2003) and Learning and Teaching in Social Work Education: Textbooks and Frameworks on Assessment (2005), both co-authored with Mark R. Anderson, Joan Orme and Pam Green Lister, published by Policy Press on behalf of the Social Care Institute for Excellence as key resources for social work educators. She has published articles on spirituality in journals including The Way and Theology and Sexuality.

Reviews

'Social workers could do no better than explore questions of meaning and reconsider what is important in their professional lives at this time by engaging with Beth Crisp’s "lived-experience" approach and its demystification of spirituality in social work. Crisp effectively convinces that spirituality is a valid and enriching area of exploration for social work.' Mel Gray, University of Newcastle, Australia 'Spirituality and Social Work is a very valuable resource for introducing people to the many ways that spirituality is part of our lives. In particular, it will be very relevant for students as the focus on everyday experiences and activities, and life stages discusses spirituality and diverse views without jargon and religious overtones. While referencing the potential relationships between spiritualities and religions, this book will be refreshing for those who are interested in spirituality but do not identify with a particular religion, and for all who wish to explore the potential of spirituality in everyday life. The absence of language loaded with baggage lends this book nicely as an easier introduction for those who are alienated from religion/spirituality and as a door opener for those on pre-determined paths. As I read through chapters I developed new insights and new understandings of commonly used terms, and I appreciated the discussions of how spirituality might be manifested at different stages and at different places in life’s journey. It is a welcome and important contribution to the literature of spirituality and social work, and I see it as a valuable introductory text for students and people interested in exploring the many diverse ways that spirituality is present in our lives.' John Coates, St. Thomas University, and Canadian Society for Spirituality and Social Work, Canada 'It is worth noting that Crisp draws extensively on a variety of sources in the literature, frequently citing material from this journal and many familiar voices