The tension between social work and religion is further evident in
Spencer’s (1956) writing in response to “the generally held belief on the
part of clergy, that social workers are, by and large, a cold, heartless irreligious,
if not frankly antireligious group” (p. 19). In her response, Spencer
pointed out that the profession is heterogeneous, as is the general population,
and to characterize it as uniformly religious or irreligious was inaccurate. She
acknowledged tension between some of the beliefs of the profession in
individual responsibility and self-determination with the beliefs of clergy,
though described many beliefs as consistent. She described one area of
tension and misunderstanding as the embracing of psychoanalysis within
social work. She stated, “It is undoubtedly true that social work practice went
through a period of scrupulously avoiding influencing the life philosophy of
individuals with whom it worked” (p. 23). However, she clarified regarding
something not generally understood by clergy, that the profession had moved
on to define its unique relationship with psychotherapy by emphasizing the
prominent role of values, goals, and beliefs in social work.