REFLECTION ON SELECTED GOSPEL MESSAGES AND THEIR CONNECTION TO THE ETHICAL VALUES OF SOCIAL WORKERS

PhDr. Vladimír NOGA, PhD.

assistant professor, St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Bratislava, n. o., Institute of Beatific M. D. Trček in Michalovce, Partizánska 23, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia, noga@vssvalzbety.sk, ORCID:  0000-0001-8485-2996

Doc. RNDr. Mgr. Daniela BARKASI, PhD.

associate professor, St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Bratislava, n. o., Institute of Beatific M. D. Trček in Michalovce, Partizánska 23, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia, daniela.barkasi@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0001-8266-5302

Mgr. Elena KENDEREŠOVÁ, PhD.

assistant professor, St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Bratislava, n. o., Institute of Beatific M. D. Trček in Michalovce, Partizánska 23, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia, kenderesova@vssvalzbety.sk, ORCID:  0000-0002-4644-0402

Abstract

This article explores the potential of Gospel messages as a source of inspiration for ethical values in the social work profession. It analyzes the relationship between Christian principles and the ethical standards found in the Slovak Code of Ethics for Social Workers. The aim is to demonstrate how these messages can enrich professional practice and promote a value-based approach in working with clients.

Keywords

Ethics, Gospel, social work, codes of ethics, professional values, moral reflection

SUMMARY

Service, social justice, human dignity and worth, and the importance of human relationships are foundational values for understanding and deepening the mission of social work. It is valuable to recognize that 21st-century social work operates under the pressure of constant socio-economic changes. Yet even today, it remains grounded in Gospel teaching, which throughout history has supported the understanding of human value and the intrinsic dignity of every person—being created in the image and likeness of God. We can observe how each core value of social work reinforces and supports another. Secular and Christian values share a connected purpose: to serve the highest interest of the person in need. [11] Gospel messages shape the inner compass of a social worker, motivating them to act for the benefit of others with love, respect, and justice. These values are not solely religious but represent universal ethical principles that enrich the work of helping professions. Reflecting on religious texts in a secular context may raise questions about neutrality, pluralism, and cultural sensitivity. Therefore, it is crucial that Gospel inspiration is not seen as dogmatic, but rather as an offering of universal values—values that are understandable and applicable even outside of a Christian framework. Reflection on Gospel messages can meaningfully enrich the ethical dimension of social work. When these messages are perceived as universal values rather than religious indoctrination, they can help shape responsible, compassionate, and value-driven professionals—those who view social work not just as a job, but as a calling. 

(Language: english)

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