Sunday School for Misfits with Dr Selina Stone

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.

In this episode, I think about the impact of having fibroids (a new diagnosis for me) on my work as a theologian. Thinking with the woman with the "issue of blood" I discuss health systems, generational trauma in the body, and what our bodies can teach us about spirituality. Thank you for listening!

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/

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!

In today's episode I share some thoughts on pneumatology - beliefs about the Holy Spirit with a special focus on sanctification. What does it mean to be holy? And is it just about what we avoid doing with our own individual bodies? I touch on the themes of purity, become better people and what it means to truly say we are people of the Spirit. Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode I share some thoughts on Christology and the questions that have arisen in trying to figure out who Jesus is and how he could be human and divine. I give Mary her props, and explore the debate on the question: could Jesus have sinned? And what do we do with those passages that don't paint Jesus in the best light? Its a controversial one...thanks for tuning in! Sermon: https://www.wilgafney.com/2017/08/20/the-woman-who-changed-jesus/

Welcome back everyone, today I give you a whistlestop tour of some of the big moments and eras that shape Christian doctrine. Theology is deeply shaped by the decisions theologians make about what is most important - but what has this meant historically? The shift to empire, the reformation, and the enlightenment all have an impact on the creation of doctrine. In the final section, I talk briefly about the Trinity as a model for social relationships. Thanks for joining me!

Welcome back listeners! I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year break. Today I kick of the doctrine series, by sharing some general thoughts on why the history of Christian doctrine can be interesting, and what I am learning from looking back at theologians from the past. Thanks for joining me on the journey!

In this final episode of 2024, I share some reflections on the mixed feelings we might experience at the end of year and start of a new one. I talk about the history of the Watch Night tradition in many Black churches, and share some wise words from Howard Thurman. Thank you for listening!

In this episode I talk about two big incidents in recent news: the re-election of Trump and the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby. On the one hand, a toxic masculine man, trusted to rescue the USA, on the other, a safeguarding scandal that has cost him his job. What does this all tell us about leadership? Are we asking too much? Or lost to stereotypes of those we want in power? There are few answers but lots of questions. Thank you for listening! For the sermon by Rev Dr Otis Moss III see Trinity United Church of Christ: https://www.youtube.com/live/7zHTUe7rSBs?si=y-QYYRzy7aePjHLX from 59:50 onwards For the book by Justin Lewis-Anthony see https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/you-are-the-messiah-and-i-should-know-9781441122469/

In this episode, I share some thoughts on the connection between two public events in recent news: the 'not guilty' verdict for the policeman who killed Chris Kaba and the assisted dying debate. Who deserves mercy and whose lives do we fight for? This is a bit of a ranty episode, but one I could not skip. Thanks for listening.

Welcome back listeners! In this episode I reintroduce the podcast, with some updated reflections on why I am doing this, and what this season will hold. Thank you as always for joining me for the ride.

Today we continue conversations with creatives, with the gem that is Jake Isaac. We discuss his beginnings playing the drums in church, and his ability to transcend the divide between 'sacred' and 'secular' spaces. Also, what we can learn from MJ, Kanye West and Jon Batiste, and what he hopes his children will learn from his artistic journey. This is a beautiful conversation, I hope you enjoy it. *Notices* The competition closes on Sunday 11th August at 12 noon. To take part in Andy Symmons research on podcasts, faith and spirituality in Britain go to: http://bit.ly/podcastsanddeconstruction