Orthodox vs. Progressive: An Invitation to Transform Professional Consciousness

摘要

In recent journal articles, David R. Hodge charged that the social work profession discriminates against Evangelical Christians and other “people of faith.” His assertions stimulated a deluge of debate in the social work literature. In this article, Fowler's faith development theory is used to consider the dynamics of the controversy from a different angle. Fowler claims that a “revolution in consciousness” is taking place and makes recommendations for facilitating the change. Using Fowler's recommendations, social work professionals are encouraged to move beyond skillful debate to an atmosphere where individuals with very different worldviews can enter into dialogue, hear each other, and learn from what is heard. Necessary leadership, productive problem solving, and ethical practices related to personal values are addressed.