Overview

What happens when faith communities become places of stigma rather than sanctuary? Named, Shamed and Blamed explores this urgent question by introducing the concept of ‘spiritual stigma’ and its profound impact. It reveals how religious language, practices and communities can intensify shame and exclusion for those facing mental health challenges – particularly individuals with bipolar disorder. Drawing on lived experience, the book combines empirical insight with theological reflection to show how stigma creates significant forms of poverty, oppression and injustice. It critiques harmful narratives around sin, suffering and healing, and offers reimagined responses rooted in liberation theology, compassion and justice. Written for theologians, faith leaders, mental health professionals, and all those concerned with belonging, it urges the Church to confront stigma as a theological issue and to cultivate communities that embrace those on the margins as central to the body of Christ, offering a vision of hope and transformation. 

Full Product Details

9780334065418

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is the first monograph of an important new practical theologian on the scene. Waite writes from deep reflection on the lived experience of faith and mental illness and a keen sense that real justice entails real listening to those who suffer. The result is insightful and compassionate and will be of interest and help to theologians, people in pastoral roles and Christians with mental illnesses. -- Tasia Scrutton In this clearly written, compassionate and insightful book Hannah Waite takes the reader on a journey of hope accompanied and guided by the compelling voices of people living with major mental health challenges. Their stories bear witness to both human resilience and divine transformation. -- Joanna Collicutt

This is the first monograph of an important new practical theologian on the scene. Waite writes from deep reflection on the lived experience of faith and mental illness and a keen sense that real justice entails real listening to those who suffer. The result is insightful and compassionate and will be of interest and help to theologians, people in pastoral roles and Christians with mental illnesses. -- Tasia Scrutton

Author Information

Hannah Waite is a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Leeds. Her research explores theology, mental health and how Christian communities respond to people on the margins.

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