Embracing doubt

When the simple Pentecostal faith she inherited cracked under pressure, Dr Selina Stone’s faith evolved into a spacious, generous theology. She spoke with Jane Knoop about how this has changed her life 

How would you describe the faith environment you were born in to? 

I grew up in a black Pentecostal church in Birmingham. It was a vibrant church experience; charismatic and family oriented. I felt very close to God as a child and grew up as a confident young person in my church, with frequent opportunities to lead and even preach from the age of 14 – I never felt limited by my gender. It was a space where I could be myself, where I felt safe and supported. I was wholeheartedly into my faith and loved the Bible; I would read it every day for my morning devotions and we would read it as a family. I never remember struggling with doubts. Faith in God was as natural to me as breathing.