Open AccessSpiritual Wounding and Affliction
Author(s) -
Edward Kruk
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
critical social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1543-9372
DOI - 10.22329/csw.v7i1.5775
Subject(s) - metaphysics , spiritual development , social justice , perspective (graphical) , foundation (evidence) , spirituality , sociology , spiritual care , addiction , psychology , environmental ethics , social psychology , criminology , epistemology , philosophy , medicine , law , political science , art , alternative medicine , pathology , visual arts , neuroscience
This paper explores the writings of metaphysical philosopher and social activist Simone Weil on spiritual wounding and affliction, as well as implications for the development of a spiritually-grounded and -sensitive social work practice. The nature of spiritual affliction is considered, challenges to discerning spiritual trauma discussed, and barriers to receiving help for those in the midst of such wounding revealed. A framework for social work practice based on a spiritual foundation is articulated, which embraces social justice as focused on human needs and social obligations, toward the goal of spiritual transformation in cases of spiritual wounding. The perspective of those experiencing spiritual affliction in the area of hard drug addiction is discussed as a case study.