It's far more than simply charm, or rhetorical skill, or political savvy. Charisma is a powerful force that has shaped American public and religious life--for both good and ill--for more than four centuries. Could an undertanding of this phenomenon help us make better sense of our national story? And why does it seem that Americans of faith are particularly vulnerable to its allure? 
Show Notes
<ul>
<li>Book | Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, by Molly Worthen - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746737/spellbound-by-molly-worthen/</li>
<li>Article | "Charisma Rules the World" by Molly Worthen, New York Times (June 16, 2025) -  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/opinion/charisma-history-trump.html</li>
</ul>

It's far more than simply charm, or rhetorical skill, or political savvy. Charisma is a powerful force that has shaped American public and religious life--for both good and ill--for more than four centuries. Could an undertanding of this phenomenon help us make better sense of our national story? And why does it seem that Americans of faith are particularly vulnerable to its allure? Show Notes Book | Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, by Molly Worthen - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746737/spellbound-by-molly-worthen/ Article | "Charisma Rules the World" by Molly Worthen, New York Times (June 16, 2025) - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/opinion/charisma-history-trump.html

It's far more than simply charm, or rhetorical skill, or political savvy. Charisma is a powerful force that has shaped American public and religious life--for both good and ill--for more than four centuries. Could an undertanding of this phenomenon help us make better sense of our national story? And why does it seem that Americans of faith are particularly vulnerable to its allure?&nbsp;
Show Notes
<ul>
<li>Book | Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, by Molly Worthen - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746737/spellbound-by-molly-worthen/</li>
<li>Article | "Charisma Rules the World" by Molly Worthen, New York Times (June 16, 2025) - &nbsp;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/opinion/charisma-history-trump.html</li>
</ul>

51: The Bewitching of the American Mind. Interview with Molly Worthen.

Just Liberty: Where Justice and Liberty Meet

The whole idea of religious freedom in America has taken a PR hit. For some, it’s a cover for bigotry or tool for Christian nationalists; for others it’s the last line of defense in a society that’s becoming hostile to traditional faith.

Is there a better way to think and talk about religious freedom in America that doesn’t buy into political extremes?

Join hosts Alan Reinach, executive director of the Church-State Council, who has been litigating religious liberty cases for nearly 40 years, and Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, which has been at the forefront of religious liberty conversations since 1906. Together, they interview experts in law, politics, and faith, and tackle tough religious freedom questions, not just from the courts but also from culture.

Listen to Just Liberty for a fresh, balanced take on religious liberty and church-state issues.

Coming Spring 2024. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

News

Religion & Spirituality

Politics

Just Liberty: Where Justice and Liberty Meet The whole idea of religious freedom in America has taken a PR hit. For some, it’s a cover for bigotry or tool for Christian nationalists; for others it’s the last line of defense in a society that’s becoming hostile to traditional faith. Is there a better way to think and talk about religious freedom in America that doesn’t buy into political extremes? Join hosts Alan Reinach, executive director of the Church-State Council, who has been litigating religious liberty cases for nearly 40 years, and Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, which has been at the forefront of religious liberty conversations since 1906. Together, they interview experts in law, politics, and faith, and tackle tough religious freedom questions, not just from the courts but also from culture. Listen to Just Liberty for a fresh, balanced take on religious liberty and church-state issues. Coming Spring 2024. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Share 51: The Bewitching of the American Mind. Interview with Molly Worthen.

Sign up to save your podcasts

51: The Bewitching of the American Mind. Interview with Molly Worthen.

51: The Bewitching of the American Mind. Interview with Molly Worthen.

More shows like Just Liberty

LLUC Sermon Podcast

AudioVerse Presentations (English)

The Daily

Throughline

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Advisory Opinions

The Rest Is History

The Ezra Klein Show

Letters from an American

The Constitution Line by Line

The Retirement Nerds