CAN RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION AFFIRMATION COEXIST IN SOCIAL WORK? A CRITIQUE OF HODGE'S THEORETICAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

Social work strives to be inclusive of all cultural groups and religious identities. However, a tension exists in the profession between freedom of religious expression and full acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. David Hodge and others claim social work is oppressive to evangelical Christians. This article critiques primarily Hodge's arguments using an analysis of biblical scriptures, new class theory, freedom of expression, and social work ethics. Social work and human rights principles are discussed as a guide for negotiating these issues in the social work educational environment. Intergroup dialogue is offered as a pedagogical method for addressing the tension in social work classrooms.