Sunday School for Misfits with Dr Selina Stone

In this final episode in the power series, we venture into the world of trauma theology with Dr Karen O'Donnell, the leading voice in this field in the UK. We discuss trauma as an embodied experience, how it relates to abuses of power, and the kind of practices that might help us remake ourselves in the wake of trauma. I hope this conversation serves you well.See links below for selected books by Karen and other recommended texts:Survival: Radical Spiritual Practices for Trauma SurvivorsThe Dark Womb: Re-Conceiving Theology through Reproductive LossSerene Jones, Trauma and Grace: Theology in a Ruptured WorldShelly Rambo: Resurrecting Wounds: Living in the Afterlife of Trauma

Happy New Year and Welcome back to the Power Series! In this penultimate episode, I am joined by psychotherapist, writer, and ex-church minister Dr Delroy Hall to discuss how power can do harm to those we often think of as powerful. What happens when the congregation bullies the person presumed to be in charge? How do you know when enough is enough, as a person called to ministry? This is a moving conversation that deals with a dynamic of power and abuse we can often miss. Thank you as always for joining us.

In this episode I share some of my recent research and thinking on the doctrine of divine providence and the problems and opportunities it provides in relation to the questions of power. If God is guiding history and our lives can we sit back and let him take care of it? What does this mean in the face of injustice and abuse? Thanks for joining me!Register your interest below for the 2026 online course in womanist theology: https://forms.gle/bViKnMCP9ib8av4N8Don't forget to add your theological dilemmas in the comments or dm me on instagram @selinarstone!

In this rich conversation, I am joined by Dr Naomi Lawson Jacobs, a researcher-activist whose work focusses on disability and neurodiversity. We explore the shift from seeing disabled/neurodivergent people as 'broken', to recognising the brokenness of our society and churches; the kinds of insight we can all gain about our bodies, from disability theology; and the points of connection between the experiences of ableism, and other forms of exclusion. Thanks for sticking with me for this series!Naomi's book: https://www.dartonlongmantodd.co.uk/titles/2360-9781913657185-at-the-gatesLamar Hardwick on the intersection of racism and ableism https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/understanding-the-faith/general-theological-issues/how-ableism-fuels-racism-dismantling-the-hierarchy-of-bodies-in-the-church/Additional Resources mentionedhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23312521.2023.2249452⁠ ⁠https://kar.kent.ac.uk/102598/1/K.%20Waldock%20-%20The%20Impossible%20Subject%20%20Belonging%20as%20a%20Neurodivergent%20in%20Congregations%20-%20PPDF.pdf⁠⁠https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/powerlessness-to-empowerment-part-two⁠⁠https://pavpub.com/the-double-empathy-reader⁠https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-living/social-issues-and-responsibility/loving-our-own-bones/https://www.inclusive-church.org/2022/03/03/introduction-fiona-macmillian-speaks-at-the-general-synod-launch-of-the-booklet-something-worth-sharing/https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/new-disabled-christ-exhibition/

In this episode we welcome back friend of the podcast Carlton Turner to discuss the themes of his recent research on psychology, race and trauma in the church. We reflect a little on our work on race and wellbeing in the church of England, and then think about abuses of power, racism and the health of institutions. Thanks for joining me again and I hope you find it interesting!Trigger warning: we do not discuss individual cases of racial trauma but themes of racal trauma, racism and health disparities are discussed at various points.

In this episode our series continues with a conversation with the Rev Luke Larner, former bricklayer and current priest and PhD student based in Luton. We reflect on our own vulnerabilities as young people in charismatic churches, the problems of empire theologies regarding land and labour, and our evolving understanding of the work of the Spirit. Thank you for joining us for this rich and wide ranging conversation!You can find Luke's interview with Sam Howson on spiritual abuse, here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raq7WCW-Co0

Kicking off this series with our first guest who is no stranger to SSFM podcast! We discuss spiritual abuse, with a focus on preaching and the importance of humility, sharing the pulpit, and honouring the wisdom of our elders. Its a wonderful conversation and I hope you enjoy.

Welcome back listeners! In this episode I give you summer updates and reflections on the spiritual dynamics of research...as well as launching season 7 on power, abuse and the church. Thank you for joining me as always!

Welcome to the final episode of the season! Today I share some thoughts on ecclesiology - what is the Church and how did it all begin? I explore the idea of being chosen people, how the Church has always been a place of welcome for people across lines of difference, and what hope we might have in a time of global unrest. Happy Easter, He is risen in deed!

Today's episode is all about what it means to be human. I introduce the theme of 'theological anthropology' especially the idea that we are made in God's image. What might this huge concept actually mean? I talk about some of the dangers of thinking of human beings as special, and especially certain kinds of human beings as more like God than others. Thanks for listening as always!