8 Chapter 8: Religious, Spiritual, and Philosophical Identity

Grounding and Groundwork

• Religion: an institutionalized pattern of centrally important values, beliefs, and practices that relate to spirituality. (Canda, 2008)
• Spirituality: the human search for a sense of meaning, purpose, and morally fulfilling relations with oneself, other people, the universe, and the ground of being, however that’s understood (such as theistic, non-theistic, animistic, combinations of these, and any other ways you can imagine)(Canda, 2008)
• Philosophy: the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality as a whole or of fundamental dimensions of human existence and experience. (Brittanica, 2023)
• Worldview: A “perspective on life, a whole system of thought that answers the questions presented by the reality of existence.” — Francis Schaeffer

Theoretical Frameworks

• Liberation Theology
• Disability Theology
• Womanist Theology
• Queer Theology

Language Matters

• Diversity Style Guide

Intersections & Institutions

• RSPW & SES: Good Faith Media, 2019
• RSPW & LGBTQ Identity: Reconciling Network (Methodist Church),
• Antidefamation League Antisemitism Spike (2023) or Antisemitism is on the Rise, and it’s not just Ye. (NPR, 2022)
• RSWP and Mental Health: Medicine Wheel Practices for Mental Health

Stories & Celebrations

• Good Neighbear Podcast Interviews Kayla Close (Atheism)
• Enfleshed.com
• International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Reflection & Next Steps

• Questions
• Connections
• Social Work Scenarios

References

Bedell, R. (2020, January 27). Queer Theology—Learning from LGBTQ+ Christians. Pres House. https://preshouse.org/blog/queer-theology-learning-from-lgbtq-christians/

Disability Theology (@disabilitytheology) • Instagram photos and videos. (2023). [Instagram]. https://www.instagram.com/disabilitytheology/

Enfleshed. (2023). Enfleshed. https://enfleshed.com/

Hagen, L. (2022a, December 1). Antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s not just about Ye. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/11/30/1139971241/anti-semitism-is-on-the-rise-and-not-just-among-high-profile-figures

Hagen, L. (Director). (2022b, December 1). Antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s not just about Ye. In All Things Considered. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/11/30/1139971241/anti-semitism-is-on-the-rise-and-not-just-among-high-profile-figures

Hagen, L. (2023, January 12). Anti-Defamation League survey finds a spike in antisemitic beliefs. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148478489/antisemitic-beliefs-anti-defamation-league-survey

Medicine Wheel—Practices for Spiritual Health. (2023, March 4). Tribal Trade. https://tribaltradeco.com/blogs/medicine-wheel/medicine-wheel-practices-for-spiritual-health

Nations, U. (n.d.). International Day to Combat Islamophobia. United Nations; United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/anti-islamophobia-day

Reconciling Ministries. (2022). Reconciling Ministries. https://rmnetwork.org/

TED-Ed (Director). (2013, November 14). The five major world religions—John Bellaimey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6dCxo7t_aE

The Good Neighbear: Sn 8, Ep 2 – BIC Student – Kayla. (2022). https://thegoodneighbear.libsyn.com/sn-8-ep-2-bic-student-kayla

Womanist Theology | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/legal-and-political-magazines/womanist-theology