Highest Power: Church + State Ep94: How Patriarchal Pastors (Like Those at Cities Church) Use Theology to Sacralize Violence Against Women and Minorities
Jan 22, 2026
A sharp look at how certain conservative theological teachings are used to justify control and silence. Short takes on two strains of sexism in evangelicalism and how theology can hide harm. Stories about prayer politics, dangerous counsel that pressures women to endure abuse, and protests confronting church power.
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Theology Masks Harmful Power Structures
- Conservative evangelical leaders now package sexist and racist power dynamics in the language of theology and pastoral care.
- Rick Pidcock argues this repackaging makes harmful hierarchies look more palatable and harder to spot.
Women Framed As Directors, Not Pastors
- Women are labeled