One of the developments in social work in the second half of the 20th century has been a marked decline in the recognition of the Christian religion in the teaching and practice of professional social work. For many in the social work profession, this question of the relationship of Christian faith and social work is inconsequential or even irrelevant.

Yet most social workers who are Christians believe that one’s Christian perspective comes into play in social work practice when one is deciding what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and why one should do it. They clearly identify with those who seek to follow Christ in a servant role focusing upon the alleviation of pain and suffering and the establishment of justice and peace in the world.

The extensively-revised second edition of Christianity and Social Work is written for social workers - from students, whose motivations to enter the profession are informed by their Christian faith, to seasoned professionals - whose desire is to further develop Christian approaches to helping.