Molly Worthen: A Historian Converts. Interview by Glen Scrivener

Glen Scrivener from Speak Life interviews Molly Worthen about her conversion to Christianity. Molly Worthen is a journalist and associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina. She is a regular contributor to publications like the New York Times, The Atlantic and The New Yorker. She's also a recent adult convert to Christianity who’s found faith in the last place she expected: A Southern Baptist Mega Church.
The Way Back is a series of interviews lighting the path back to faith. Christian author and filmmaker Glen Scrivener is speaking to a range of Christians and non-Christians about the current meaning crisis, and what we have lost in walking away from the Jesus story. In a post-Christian age, is there a way back?
Presented by Glen Scrivener
Music: 'Azlant' by Cody Martin
Edited by Thomas Thorogood
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[@justaguy328]

This is by far my favorite Christian channel on all of KZbin! Never stop Glen!

[@SpeakLifeMedia]

You can come again! :)

[@rufusmcplaid9213]

​@@SpeakLifeMedia Hi Glen, please help me. I can not accept the idea that God would create people who are doomed to hell regardless of anything. I do not understand that aspect of Christianity.

[@johannaquinones7473]

Agree❤

[@SpeakLifeMedia]

@@rufusmcplaid9213 Hi Rufus, I don't accept that either. "God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 "God our Saviour... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

[@brettchristensen7382]

I just stumbled upon it this morning. I'm certainly going to check more of it out. I loved Glen's summation near the end - the heavyweight champion over death stuff. 👍

[@artscience9981]

Thanks Glen and Molly for a great discussion. Molly, I think your story enables you to speak in a unique way to the modern academic culture.

[@camythomas6860]

So beautiful Molly! The last part where you struggled to define who Jesus is to you had me worshipping Him deeply for just who He is... Thank you for your honesty. There are 2 moments that occur in every individual's life that are profound, 1. The day we ask who is Jesus to me. And 2. Who am I to Jesus... The first day steers life's direction, the second gives meaning to everything. God bless you. And thank you Glen for your work and ministry.

[@markwoodson2020]

So encouraging! Great story

[@sebjuliussen9378]

"Run your mouth" - I caught that Glen... Nice!

[@SpeakLifeMedia]

Yessss!

[@dalelarsonmusic]

Molly: That's such an evangelical question Glen: This was a great talk, thanks for making it happen

[@henrylopez7721]

Christ is King baby!!!!! All the nations shall bow and his enemies eat dust!!!!!!

[@wadejnelson]

over the top thrilled by the interview, having read her book Apostles of Reason, her conversion is no scandal of the evangelical mind !

[@hc9987]

Great interview, and great story. What stood out to me when Molly was discussing the "roster" that God had put together for her via JD Greer and Tim Keller, was just how handpicked Molly was in the eyes of God. There's no doubt the Holy Spirit was at work in her, and God intervened with these specific men to draw Molly to Him. The idea that God cares that much for each of us, that He intentionally designs a specific strategy to draw us to Him, is amazing to me. It should humble us that the God of the universe values us so!

[@duncanhollands5218]

A great interview. Good job.

[@petercampbell7962]

Sincere thanks to you and to Molly. So delightfully refreshing. I'll certainly be keeping my eyes and ears open for Prof. Worthen in the future.

[@chryco63]

Glen: "Where can people catch up with you?" Molly: "I'm not on social media at all; I think it's destroying civilization --" Glen: "There is that." LOL 😅😅 This was a great interview. Thanks for sharing, Molly and Glen.

[@kathleencassel1350]

I love your heart that comes through your answer about who Christ is! I am 78 years old, 1:04:13 and I said the sinners prayer at age 8. I knew so little about Him, but the journey has been wonderful! And He is becoming more real and personal over all this time together. The words of the Bible arrest us and sometimes seem so unbelievable! Thanks for your story.

[@NsimaUdoekong]

I really appreciates this great station l recommend it for Christians to follow. Thanks to the operators

[@jmorra]

Molly!! You are an inspiration. I wish I could show your conversion story to all of my friends who remain burdened with post- enlightenment secularism. You are a superb example of an honest seeker, and the fact that you ended up in a church that is not big on liturgy or aesthetics...well, that just makes you that much more scandalous and wonderful.

[@leefischer1313]

Ha! Glen Ellen! My grandparents lived in Wheaton, went to Wheaton college church (had gone to Wheaton College, and began Tyndale publishing company by writing the Living Bible. They had a Molly that lived across the street from them!

[@oliverjamito9902]

My Heir Glen keep the sincere conversations going = sincere answers will be given. Is like unfamiliar ways of speaking unto many but yet is clear as water unto Whom BELONGS?

[@FoodTruckEmily]

I so enjoyed this! She’s lovely and I found myself identifying with her in surprising ways. I really appreciate her candor and authenticity in how she answered your questions

[@josephparks4270]

Thanks be to God.

[@gcummings88]

She is refreshing. Too many intellectuals become intellectuals so they won't make the same mistakes that everyone else makes. And the don't. They make mistakes that no one else makes!

[@brycew2]

Keep up the good work!

[@valeriecalder1273]

When we accept Jesus, He comes and lives inside us as Christians. God bless.

[@tomnichols8084]

Lord I believe,.....help my unbelief.

[@tomnichols8084]

Matthew 9:23-24

[@kbeetles]

Trying to define Jesus, when we really allow the Gospels to become alive in us, is absolutely and mind-bogglingly wonderful.... We have been fed a Jesus figure boxed as good guy in long white robes, holding a lamb and meekly raising his eyes to Heaven. Time to get Him out of that box and see him for his outrageous declarations, random healings, clashes with worldly-religious authorities, kingly stature, righteousness as judge of all. He is both familiarity and an awesome mystery.

[@oliverjamito9902]

My beautiful some will say who is that? Flooding the Sea of Glass! Molly keep the sincere conversations going =

[@glennshrom5801]

"It takes a lot of practice" reminds me of the idea of having a "spiritual discipline". On the spiritual disciplines, I am not a huge fan, although I like Dallas Willard on the topic. Suggestions for Molly: one - praying the psalms, two- praying as though talking with God and asking him for the relationship with Him that you would like to develop, and three - looking into the baptism of the Holy Spirit along the lines of Fred Price's testimony ... that is, not trying to force some kind of experience into happening or feeling guilty or disillusioned when it doesn't happen, but asking along the lines of Luke 11.13 (and see Acts 18.23-19.7) and trusting that God makes good on His word to all those who ask.

[@Pseudo_Boethius]

I love conversion stories! I know Glen Ellyn well, just drove right past it today as I was out shopping, and also zoomed past the most mega of megachurches, Willow Creek! There is a surprising amount of conservative evangelical firepower in the Chicago suburbs. I was watching a video on Paul VanderKlay's channel about Jordan Hall converting to Christianity. How did it happen to him? He moved to Black Mountain, North Carolina, and Christianity was sort of in the atmosphere! (Which it truly is in North Carolina.) It was interesting to hear that Molly is another convert partially due to that of the great evangelist Tom Holland and his book Dominion. I think Tom is about to surpass Billy Graham with the number of souls he's saved, without even holding a meeting! Christianity in America has been on the decline these past 50 years or so, especially in the mainline denominations that have pretty much defected to secular humanism, along with the liberal progressive whims that has framed American society latey. And yet the evangelicals, pentecostals, and charismatics persist, and even grow, in this adverse environment. The problem with the simple faith of the conservative evangelicals, is that it's simple. Even though there are some incredibly smart and sophisticated people in the movement, most have no interest in the intellectual aspects of their faith like church history, theological development, cultural issues, and so on. None of that is needed to enjoy Christianity and all that it offers, but it does prevent any sort of meaningful interface with the ivory towers of elite education in the USA, many of which were started, like Harvard and Princeton, as a means to produce more Christian pastors in light of the Great Awakening! My how times have changed. So let me extend a great big welcome to Molly from those of us who do like and enjoy the intellectual side of Christianity. We need her, we love her, and we could use a lot more like her! God himself knows that the "smarty pants" people in worldly society need evangelization as well, so he raises up people like St. Paul the Apostle, St Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and in more modern times, C. S. Lewis and Tim Keller. Perhaps now we can add Molly Worthen to that list. 🙂 And let's hear it for the American megachurch. I've been watching the movement since the days when WIllow Creek exploded on the scene, and find it to be a force that still needs to be reckoned with. It's amazing how resilient they are to crisis and controversy of all kinds, things that would end up destroying a more conventional church. Thanks again for another outstanding interview!

[@BB.halo_heir]

She makes me happy I only have a moderate level of intelligence lol. I'm good where I'm at, thank you Jesus! Praying for marries the two sides, spiritual and intellectual. With God, she will be absolutely ok!

[@phillipbrock9967]

She’s so brilliant. I hope she finds her way out of Calvinism and into something more Orthodox or Anglican (Episcopalian, rather than the evil break away ACNA).

[@kaykwanu]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🤔 *Molly Worthen's journey towards Christianity began with an extended email exchange focusing on historical claims, particularly those surrounding the life of Jesus and the resurrection, sparking a growing excitement and curiosity.* 04:32 🛤️ *Molly's upbringing involved minimal exposure to religion, with a vague animosity towards it, shaped by a lack of interest and understanding, especially regarding Jesus and Christianity.* 10:43 📚 *Molly Worthen's academic and journalistic career has focused extensively on the intersection of religion, culture, and politics, particularly American evangelicalism, driven by a curiosity to understand different worldviews and communities.* 16:52 🔄 *Molly's open-minded approach to understanding different communities stems from her focus on ideas, empathy, and curiosity, leading her to take seriously the beliefs and perspectives of others, even when they differ from her own.* 19:25 🏙️ *Molly's initial attendance at The Summit Church in North Carolina was not driven by personal spiritual reasons but rather by a sense of spiritual apathy and a desire for a pragmatic approach to understanding religion.* 21:37 💭 *William James, a pioneer of modern psychology, advocated for open-mindedness and revising truth claims based on new evidence, challenging inherent biases.* 22:49 🛠️ *A journalistic investigation into a local mega-church revealed an intense focus on evangelism, with significant missionary and church planting efforts.* 25:30 🎤 *The historian's extended email exchange with Pastor JD Greer led to deep discussions on historical claims of the gospels, sparking curiosity about Christianity.* 28:22 🤔 *Despite initial skepticism, attending mega-church services and engaging with pastors like JD Greer sparked unexpected intrigue and self-reflection.* 29:58 📚 *The historian's academic approach led him to request reading recommendations from JD Greer, focusing on the historical evidence for the resurrection, particularly NT Wright's work.* 31:34 🌱 *Wrestling with doubts about Christianity's supernatural elements, the historian found solace in focusing on the historical question of the resurrection.* 35:43 🤝 *Unexpected friendship with JD Greer provided a safe space for discussing doubts and questions about faith, highlighting the importance of relationship in evangelism.* 38:12 🎯 *Tim Keller and JD Greer complemented each other in evangelistic efforts, with Keller's relaxed demeanor and Greer's relentless pursuit creating a balanced approach.* 40:13 💡 *The historian's journey emphasized the need for experiential faith, transcending intellectual inquiry and embracing trust in God's guidance, despite initial skepticism.* 43:00 🙏 *Spiritual experiences vary, with JD Greer encouraging acceptance of individual differences in how people connect with God.* 43:12 🛤️ *The barrier to accepting Christianity for some is the suspension of disbelief in the supernatural.* 44:31 💬 *Historian Tom Holland's work has provided a vocabulary for faith, especially for those struggling with belief in the supernatural or the transcendent.* 46:11 📚 *Investigating claims of miraculous healings can challenge materialist presuppositions and open the door to belief in the supernatural.* 51:34 🌍 *The process of faith often begins with a desire for Christianity to be true, leading individuals to reevaluate their worldview.* 55:18 💭 *Molly Worthen reflects on her ongoing journey to understand the implications of Jesus' resurrection and develop a personal relationship with him.* Made with HARPA AI

[@martynmettam9296]

I love Molly’s attitude “ give any human community the benefit of the doubt, really investigate what they’re saying about the world”. I’m going to try to adopt this attitude.

[@suchamindasthis9386]

She needs a heavy dose of biblical theology to find answers to the questions mentioned at the end. She could read Richard Hays, Peter Williams, Greg Beale for example.

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

00:16:00 this maps onto Luther's commentary on the 8th commandment.

[@michaelparsons3007]

“Rare as hens teeth!” 😂

[@Apriluser]

Great interview. I’m curious as to how a “concert and lecture” is worship for her. I would think that she would want something rooted in historic practice being an historian.

[@kbeetles]

Remember, we are all so complex.....

[@lightinlondon8168]

Bit of a long intro just to say: 'I found Jesus' - no? I suppose some people like a deep dive. Deep, deep dive.

[@mostlynotworking4112]

Another step to pvk

[@oliverjamito9902]

The Bride will be awaken from deep sleep! Upon all dry grounds nor the world. Indeed...been sleeping for a while. Results ye all see upon all dry grounds nor the world. All thy shared Feet resting upon. The True Owner Footstool. What is a Footstool? Our Beautiful will say remember all thy Shared Feet. Resting upon the NEW Permanent Foundation. Sustained! Extinction nor many who am I leading astray my Heirs little ones to a place of no return. These same minds Feet forgotten shared Feet. Resting upon a Foundation can easily be blown away! How and Why? Heirs and our Beautiful shared "i" AM = from here. Why? Is like...time given will bring to remembrance. From the True Owner provided space, matter, and from here grows! Yes, came with TIME. What is evolution nor this and that? Without! My Beautiful obviously thy FEET is resting upon the NEW very tip of time. In front of WHO? Mileage from thy feet is recognize! Thank you for attending...love you too!

[@berglen100]

Christ she/male MAN fits for certain allegories have dark sayings parables to pacific Travellers state of traditional dance till better coach Neville Goddard about another world have unlock imaginations shine like Sun ONE power boost for flesh and blood babbles foregivened natural lust gods journeys entertain waking immortal above lower Sun shines still just ticks prophecy Sun burns out to higher dreams like I AM all things eternal spark lights up back home timelessness.

[@garypotter5569]

"Once people stop believing in God they don't believe in nothing, they can believe in anything." - G.K. Chesterton Like that men can give birth! "Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sowed will never be uprooted." - Lenin

[@mcgee227]

There is no evidence that should make one believe in these myths.

[@quetzelmichaels1637]

Satan is the ruler of this world and the Father you spring from. The lesson of the day is on good and evil. If you see an Exodus, Tower of Babel, or Crucifixion, by all rights, you should be nothing more than a pillar of salt, like Lot's wife. What is Yahweh that the Son of Man is mindful of him? Yahweh, as the Serpent (Shining One) is running interference for the sacrifice by Christ. Yahweh is saving those locked behind the gates of hell. Christ is not of this world or these heavens. He hands the kingdom over to the Father and ascends beyond the heavens themselves, from whence he came. the one who ascended far above all the heavens themselves (Eph 4:10 NABO) never to return to corruption (Act 13:34 NABO) the Father is greater than I (Joh 14:28 NABO) No one comes to the Father except through me. (Joh 14:6 NABO) The original sin of Adam is when he wields the fiery sword on the day of vengeance AS judgment, setting up the abomination of desolation in himself, as the Temple without one stone left standing upon another. Christ justifies Yahweh when he speaks and vindicates him in his sentence. Yahweh is the God of metallurgy. The gates of the nether world (Abyss/Death/Hell/Netherworld) will not prevail against his Everlasting Lake of Fire and Brimstone (sulfur) where you will be smelted and refined, have your dross removed and, be purified. There, you will be tormented or, tested for purity by questioning. Brimstone 1a) divine incense, because burning brimstone was regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off disease Tormented: 1) to test (metals) by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the color of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal 2) to question by applying torture Just as silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin are gathered into a furnace and smelted in the roaring flames, so I will gather you together in my furious wrath, put you in, and smelt you. (Eze 22:20 NABO) (it is better to marry than to be on fire (1Co 7:9 NABO) Be fruitful, and multiply (Gen 1:28 KJV) --------------------------------------------------------------- Jesus comes as a thief in the night; only to slaughter, pillage, and destroy; come and gone before you awake. Then, when they awake, the kings of the earth gather at the site called Armageddon - to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. (Joh 10:10 NABO)

[@2012manali]

Glenn's giggle is very evangelical. Hope molley will get hold of Greg boyd's book.. benefits of the doubt

[@patrickbarnes9874]

What makes you think that someone who accepted Calvinism from Tim Keller and JD Greer would ever take notice of the open theism of Greg Boyd? That's like a communist going to Adam Smith to learn about economics.

[@trapperhewitt6478]

All I got out of this interview is that when you want it to be true so badly you can convince yourself of anything

[@WheresWaldo05]

Before space, someone or something spaceless created space. Before time, someone or something timeless created time. Before matter, someone or something immaterial created matter. Without time, one could not create space. Without space one could not build matter. Without matter one could not build all that there is. That someone, that something, is GOD. This is not rocket science. Where do you think we get our moral system of beliefs from? Why every human is in agreement on them? The standard that sets what is good or evil. Or right and wrong had to be created and written onto us from someone. That someoMe is GOD. For if there is not GOD, then that means our brain come from chaos creation. And if our brain is chaos, why would we trust our own thoughts? As then everyone wpuld just have their own subjective opinions and Hitler would be correct in his thinking without GODs standards of morality. Again, use logic.... this is not rocket science. So her wanting it to be true or not is irrelevant. There is factually a GOD. Whether she wants to believe it or not and follow and worship him is a whole other issue related to free will.

[@scottguitar8168]

I think there is certainly an attraction to Christianity for many people and especially if you find a good church, regardless of whether the biblical stories are true or not. I know there are people who don't fully believe the stories and call themselves Christian atheists. Of course I think maximum benefit comes if you can believe the stories.

[@virgilioblanco]

Insisting on "Evangelics" is the same as shuffling OBSOLETE doctrines.

[@OceanRoadbyTonyBaker]

This was great!

[@terryp3034]

One of the best interviews ever

[@petermathieson5692]

Be careful extolling the virture of socialized medicine in Canada and the UK, where 'free' means free to wait until you die.

[@freshjellomusic5097]

That is not true.