In this conversation, womanist theologian Selina Stone reflects on the hidden ways power is shaped by theology — and how theology, in turn, can be shaped by power. Drawing on her book A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church, she explores how divine calling, servant leadership, and spiritual authority can all become tools of control, especially in charismatic and evangelical settings.
But Selina also gestures toward another way — one rooted in embodied wisdom, communal discernment, and a God who shares power rather than hoards it.
Following the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks reflect on their own encounters with unhealthy uses of power in church, the theologies that enabled it, and the green flags that might help us discern healthier communities.
Interview starts at 15m 54s
WEBSITE
SOCIALS
BOOKS
A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church
PODCAST
Sunday School for Misfits – on Apple and Spotify
QUOTES
“[Jesus’] parables are about valuing what is small, valuing what seems insignificant, valuing what is outside of our control…And so if you think that you can manage and control it and measure the success, then it might not be the kingdom.”
“If you’re somebody or you’re in a group of people who have a lot of power and privilege, you have to assume that you’re very likely to get it badly wrong because you’re not from the kind of world where this faith was born.”
“I’m very comfortable accepting that multiple things can be true. I could have experienced somebody positively and that person can still be a predator.”
