Molly Worthen

The podcast explores the trend in academia towards trusting the New Testament. It discusses the controversial Jesus Mythicism, the reliability of the Gospels, and the surprising transformation of a professor from agnosticism to faith after investigating the evidence for Jesus.

Molly Worthen, a history professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and author of 'Spellbound,' explores the magnetic force of charisma in American culture. She tracks five distinct types of charisma from revival tents to political rallies. Worthen and her host discuss how charisma drives both spiritual conversion and dangerous cults of personality. Reflecting on her journey from atheism to faith, she examines why certain figures resonate so deeply. The conversation uncovers the complexities of human connection and the evolving nature of authority in modern society.

Molly Worthen, a religious historian and journalist, discusses religious liberty, Christianity's impact on America, and her journey to Christian conversion. They explore generational shifts in belief, nuances of evangelicalism, and the importance of the resurrection in embracing Christianity. The conversation also delves into the clash between seeking depth in a therapeutic culture and the significance of committing to spiritual traditions for a sense of freedom.

Historian Molly Worthen shares her journey from skeptic to baptized Southern Baptist, exploring questions about miracles, science, and intellectual engagement with faith. Recorded live at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, she reflects on blending scientific background with Christianity and navigating traditional doctrine in a pluralistic society.

For 20 years, I’ve felt like Molly Worthen and I have lived parallel lives. We graduated college the same year. We wrote for some of the same publications, on some of the same subjects. But I chose to head into church ministry, while she settled into the academy and earned her PhD from Yale.Molly is associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. You may have read her work in The New York Times, Slate, or Christianity Today.She is perhaps best known for her award-winning book, Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism (Oxford University Press, 2014.) In that book, Molly wrote that evangelicals “craved an intellectual authority that would quiet disagreement and dictate and plan for fixing everything that seemed broken with the world. They did not find it, and are still looking.”In his critical review for The Gospel Coalition, Al Mohler wrote, “This is a book to be reckoned with. In terms of its comprehensive grasp of the evangelical movement, its detailed research, and its serious approach to understanding the evangelical mind, Apostles of Reason stands nearly alone in the larger world of academic publishing. Any serious-minded evangelical should read it.” He also described the book as infuriating and described Molly’s work as sometimes snarky toward evangelicals.Well, much has changed in a decade. Molly joined me on Gospelbound to discuss her scholarship, as well as her experience in the church and academy. 

Molly Worthen, a history professor at the University of North Carolina, delves into the powerful intersection of evangelicalism and U.S. politics. She traces the evolution of white evangelicalism, linking it to conservative movements since the 1970s. Worthen highlights the impact of pivotal figures like John Nelson Darby and the racial divides that shaped the community. The discussion also touches on the surge of political activism following landmark events like Roe v. Wade, illustrating a complex and often contentious relationship between faith and politics.

Molly Worthen, an Associate Professor of History at UNC Chapel Hill and author of *Spellbound*, delves into the powerful role of charisma in shaping American history. She discusses how charisma transcends mere charm, revealing deeper human desires for control and moral meaning. Worthen connects past figures like Anne Hutchinson to contemporary leaders, exploring how their narratives influence societal beliefs. The conversation sheds light on the duality of charisma, its implications in politics and religion, and the potential dangers of intertwining spirituality with power.

Molly Worthen, a history professor at UNC and author of "Spellbound," dives into the concept of charisma throughout history. She discusses its origins from ancient Greece to its biblical roots, reshaped by sociologist Max Weber. The conversation explores the evolution of charisma, emphasizing its fragile nature in the age of social media. Worthen highlights charismatic leaders from history, like Joseph Smith, and examines the growing allure of such figures amid declining trust in institutions. The episode concludes with a reflection on the timelessness of charisma in fostering genuine human connections.

Join Peter E. Gordon, a Harvard scholar, along with Molly Worthen and Matthew McWilliams, as they dissect the revival of The Authoritarian Personality. They explore how historical contexts shape today's political climates, dissecting traits of those drawn to authoritarianism. Jonathan Weiler adds insights on identity struggles amid rising populism. The conversation delves into the emotional undercurrents of political beliefs, societal polarization during elections, and the lasting impact of historical studies on modern democratic challenges.

Dr. Molly Worthen, an expert on evangelicalism, discusses the crisis of authority in evangelicalism, the revival of natural law categories, and the political implications of evangelicalism, including the support for Donald Trump's presidency.