This book reveals how theology can enable abuse – and what the Church must do about it

In an honest and uncompromising work, Dr Selina Stone explores various theological concepts throughout evangelical Christianity and their link to abuse. 

Abuse is often an overlooked topic in Christian circles, largely because it makes us uncomfortable. That’s what makes Stone’s approach in in her latest book A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse (SCM Press).so compelling. She tackles the issue head-on through the lens of theology, unflinchingly examining how our beliefs about God can shape our understanding of power and potentially reinforce abusive dynamics within the Church.

In recent years, the Church has been hit with a wave of various high-profile abuse scandals  –  a cross-denominational phenomenon that cuts across liberal and conservative circles alike.

The Church has covered up scandals and isolated or disparaged whistleblowers – and long-overdue reckoning is needed 

Stone posits that our repeated failure to address abuse stems from theological positions we hold but fail to investigate – beliefs that, when left unexamined, play out destructively in church contexts where authority is deeply trusted, encouraged, and even backed by scripture.

She explores various high-profile abuse cases in detail – from SPAC Nation to Mike Pilavachi at Soul Survivor Watford – analysing how each situation created the conditions for exploitation and abuse. What Stone does particularly well is weave these accounts together, showing that they are not isolated “bad apple” incidents, but an interwoven tale of  Christian beliefs about power can warp our judgement to enable abusive environments to flourish.

The phrase “cautious but not cynical” aptly captures the author’s approach to Christianity. Stone repeatedly affirms her belief in the charismatic tradition, noting that its beauty lies: “in the expectation that anyone can receive the Spirit and the anointing.” Yet she also reminds readers that the hearer: “has the responsibility to ‘weigh’ the word and ‘try’…the spirit.” This, in essence, is Stone’s central argument: belief shouldn’t exist in a vacuum, it should be evaluated and carefully considered. Our theological stances should be subject to rigour and investigation, and ultimately, subject to change if necessary.

The book may be a tough read for the staunchest evangelical Christians, as there are hot-button topics which are confronted head on, such as issues of patriarchy, colonised Christian beliefs and even sexuality. Stone isn’t afraid to tackle these subjects, unpacking how our beliefs about power can lead us to overlook or dismiss marginalised groups – and in turn, create an atmosphere ripe for abuse.

Stone is at her most controversial when delving into penal substitutionary atonement theology, challenging commonly-held Christian beliefs about the cross and assessing the ethical implications. Her claim that: “an emphasis on God’s wrath demanding Jesus’s sacrifice, suffering and torture too easily lays the groundwork for abuses of power” is a bold assertion, and one that may be uncomfortable and perhaps even blasphemous to the most evangelical of ears. Yet Stone makes a compelling argument, drawing on real-life examples and exploring the works of various Black and womanist theologians to strengthen her critique.

At times, though her points are valid, the sheer number of theological ideas presented as potential tools for manipulation by unscrupulous leaders can feel overwhelming. Yet Stone also offers a remedy, passionately arguing for the inclusion of all voices – especially those historically silenced, as the key to shaping a more inclusive theology and rejecting abusive ideologies.

A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse (SCM Press) by Dr Selina Stone is out now