Friday Formation: The importance of power building and the intersection of theological education
Living Lent, a journey with God
I have shared this article elsewhere on social media, but wanted to send it out here on my Substack, since I have a large readership. Thank you to those who have been reading since I launched in 2018 and thank you to those who have subscribed, even recently! I am able to write freely on Substack and earn a little money while doing this, so that I don’t have to travel and speak. I find writing much more habitable for me than the speaking circuit. I’ll be releasing some conversations with my teacher this Spring and then we will be recording some more this fall! Stay tuned for Theology Sessions with Dr. Nancy Elizabeth Bedford and me! Also, I look forward to start sharing some seeds sprouting from my new book on belonging and freedom. I don’t have a lot of time to write, but I have been thinking about belongingness and freedoms since arriving in NY for sanctuary. I’ll be giving a Bergren Forum this fall at Alfred University; I was invited to think about what I’d like to say. I think I will speak on belonging and freedom as a way to get into my next book.
Please read this article! It is written by a friend of mine, The Rev. Aaron Stauffer, PhD. His new book just came out, too, which I plan to read! Let me link his book, too! It’s pricey, but hopefully the book will be released in paperback next year for a cheaper price. We can only hope! For now, ask your libraries to order the book!
Why is power building important at the intersection of theological education? Well, theology has always been about power. Look at how Christianity gained legitimacy when Constantine was emperor. That was about power. Now, look at how White Christian Nationalism is gaining power and accelerating throughout this country. Power building is inherent to theology and should be important to theological education.
Let us build models of power that generate liberation for the underside of history and for all of us. Let us follow Jesus to the cross and may that be a symbol of hope for our dire times.
Onward, —Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza.