Values vs. Values?

As a sentient human being, you are faced with experiences throughout your life that constantly shape your values and your beliefs about the world. As a social worker, we are presented with a list of core values of the profession. In my current program, we are told to put aside our own personal values for the sake of our clients. Is that even possible?

I'll use a recent example, and hope none of my more liberal friends kill me. I recently watched a presentation on working with LGBT adolescents (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered for those unfamiliar with the lingo). It was expressed that "coming out" is a very difficult experience for someone, especially within today's culture. That evidence is not hard to find. Just look at the recent news stories of homosexual adolescents committing suicide. But what happens when, as a social worker, you believe that homosexuality is a sin?

This decision is easier when looking at Substance Abuse Counseling. Society sees substance abuse, even alcoholism, as a problem. My belief that drunkenness is a sin coincides with this view, so there is no dilemma. In our changing society, homosexuality is increasing in acceptance as an option. My beliefs, however, do not coincide with this.

Obviously I believe that all humans have dignity and worth, a core value of social work. As a practicing Christian, I believe that God loves everyone regardless of what sins they have committed, are currently committing, or will commit in the future. And I see homosexuality as a sin just like lying or drunkenness or murder. They are all sin. I also believe in an individual's right to self-determination. (In my opinion, this is the Christian concept of free-will, and God made choice for a reason...and that topic is for another day). But I cannot encourage homosexuality as a valid choice. While many times there are other issues that can be addressed, such as communication and money problems, that are usually present in all intimate, long-term relationships, I cannot encourage the choice of homosexuality for my client. I therefore must conclude that if someone came to see me to talk solely about their homosexual relationship, in order to provide the best services for a client, I would refer them to someone else.

The next question is what happens if I am seeing a client to work on budgeting skills or something unrelated, and they bring up that they are questioning their sexuality in session. After having built this relationship with them, can I rightly refer them out? Or can that lead to the trauma of not being accepted by someone trusted and open and thus disintegrates our professional relationship? I'm still at a loss.

And yes, I feel a little close-minded. But the Bible is clear on this issue, and I think it is crazy to take one part of the Bible as true and one part as untrue. Therefore, since the Bible is proven to me to be a true, historically accurate and divinely inspired book, I must follow it. Difficult in the current climate, especially in a VERY liberal program, but I will follow Christ and His teachings. (Also an example of free will!)

For now, I have yet to deal with this issue in practice. However, I am sure there will be other dilemmas from a conflict of my personal values and the values I hold to as a social worker, and I am still at a loss as to how this will play out in practice. We shall see. One thing I do know: God comes first. Before my values, before social work values, before societal values. God trumps them all. So I will follow Him.

- Erica

"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18

The First Post of Many?

We'll see what this site turns into. I have many things on my mind, and I'm looking for a place to get them out. I'm not sure whether this blog with be political, spiritual, or simply full of ways I can see to better this world. We'll see what I'll end up typing.

But no matter what appears on this blog, I hope someday to find a better way to voice my opinions. I'm hoping this blog does not become a pacifier for my ideas and motivations, but rather an open arena to fine tune the ideas that I will then find a way to share with my community.

Given that, we'll see how this goes. Thanks for reading.

- Erica

"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD." Isaiah 1:17-18