Re-Enchanting

Molly Worthen, a historian and journalist known for her insights into American religious history, returns to discuss her book 'Spellbound'. She explores the nature of charisma as more than mere charm, suggesting it's about leaders weaving compelling narratives. Worthen reflects on America's inclination towards charismatic figures, ties this to Protestant roots, and even analyzes Trump as a contemporary guru. The conversation also delves into the implications of charismatic leadership on faith, politics, and community in modern society.

Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the first black female bishop in the Church of England, shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Montego Bay to her pivotal roles in the church. She discusses the impact of her work as a chaplain and the need for compassion in leadership. Rose highlights the importance of resilience, drawing on her role models like Mandela and Tutu. She also reflects on writing her autobiography with raw honesty, explaining how her faith and community shaped her identity. Her insights challenge conventional ideas of greatness and promote trust and love.

Rich Villodas, a Brooklyn-born pastor and author, discusses his Advent book, 'Waiting for Jesus.' He shares insights on the spiritual value of waiting, emphasizing its role in character formation and growth. Rich reflects on navigating political polarization and highlights the surge of young adults exploring faith post-pandemic. He also delves into the importance of emotional honesty during waiting times and contrasts joy with mere happiness. Throughout, he invites listeners to embrace the deeper rhythms of Advent and God's continual presence.

Andrew Ollerton, a theologian, pastor, and Bible Society leader, dives deep into tricky Bible topics. He discusses the recent surge in Bible interest, driven by lockdown and social media, and reflects on his personal journey with faith. Andrew also addresses common misconceptions, like treating scripture as directly personal or reading it out of context. He provides insight into controversial issues, such as Old Testament slavery and gender roles, arguing for a thoughtful and contextual approach to understanding scripture.

Ashley Lande is an artist and author whose book ’The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever’ tells her story of using psychedelics as a search for re-enchantment, and her path to faith in Christ as she began to encounter the dark side of trips and transcendent experiences. She talks to Belle and Justin about her journey.For Ashley Lande: https://www.ashleylande.com/ For Seen & Unseen: https://www.seenandunseen.com/  If you found this conversation interesting, Seen & Unseen, the creators of Re-Enchanting, offers thousands of articles exploring how the Christian faith helps us understand the modern world. Discover more here: www.seenandunseen.comGenerosity changes things - in us, in others and in the world.At Stewardship, we help Christians give well and see their generosity make a real difference.Find out how a Stewardship Giving Account can help you give, grow, and live generously every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bishop Graham Tomlin, a thought leader at the intersection of faith and culture, joins the co-hosts to explore the intriguing resurgence of belief in God among younger generations. They discuss rising church attendance among Gen Z and the implications for spirituality today. The conversation delves into the decline of secular ideologies and the newfound interest in structured religion as a response to modern loneliness. Tomlin emphasizes the importance of authenticity and openness within diverse faith communities, making it an engaging dialogue for spiritual seekers.

In this lively discussion, Francis Spufford, a celebrated writer known for his insights on Christianity, joins Lamorna Ash, an author exploring community and belonging, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, a think tank focused on faith and social justice. They tackle the complexities of belief in today's world, emphasizing how faith can coexist with rationality. Personal journeys, the evolution of spiritual connections, and the intersection of Christianity and nationalism are at the forefront, providing a thought-provoking look at navigating identity in a pluralistic society.

Bear Grylls, the renowned adventurer and survival expert, shares insights from his latest book, 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', reimagining Jesus' life through the eyes of five eyewitnesses. He discusses his own faith journey and how personal experiences shape spirituality. The conversation highlights the untamed nature of faith, encouraging genuine connections with the divine amidst life's challenges. With tales of vulnerability and resilience, Bear illustrates how storytelling can inspire hope and foster authentic community.

Ross Douthat, a columnist for The New York Times and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious', dives into the transformative power of faith. He discusses the positive impacts of religion on well-being and navigates the complexities of maintaining beliefs in a divided political landscape. Douthat shares his personal faith journey and the shifting dynamics of Christianity, while advocating for a thoughtful engagement with institutional faith. The conversation also touches on contemporary interest in spirituality amidst skepticism, exploring faith's renewal in modern culture.

Donna Freitas, a scholar and author of 'Wishful Thinking,' discusses her intricate journey of faith and spirituality shaped by her Catholic upbringing. She examines the influential role of literature in navigating her struggles with belief, depression, and existential questioning. Donna shares poignant experiences of trauma during graduate studies and reflects on the support from her church community amidst loss. Ultimately, she emphasizes the beauty of questioning faith and the importance of creative expression in her ongoing quest for God.