One of the underrated benefits of substitute teaching is exposure to the head-spinning fluctuations of the kids’ vocabulary. For the uninitiated, you’ll be glad to know that if something is good, it slaps. But if I do something well, I slay. Best of all, the quality that allows me to be perceived as performing slap-worthy deeds or to slay in the eyes of my peers is my rizz—short for charisma!
With all that stunning research in place, naturally, I was fascinated when my podcast feed started churning out interviews with an author who had written an entire book on the subject of rizz—the history and influence of charisma on the religious and political tone of the United States. Digging deeper, I discovered that the author, a journalist and historian, is also a former atheist whose journey from skepticism to faith in Christ was influenced by Tim Keller‘s teachings.
In Spellbound, Molly Worthen begins by zooming in on Anne Hutchinson, a 17th-century Puritan whose care for women during childbirth grew to an uncanny authority over crowds. Throughout history, humanity has sought transcendence, either through outrageous manifestations of power or through political influence. Charisma is agile, so it shows up within its historical context in ways that are shaped by the prevailing culture.
Worthen identified five distinct eras in which successful leaders show up as:
- Prophets
- Conquerors
- Agitators
- Experts
- Gurus
While the pendulum swung from era to era, it wasn’t until the 20th century that sociologist Max Weber borrowed the word “charisma” from the biblical text and used it in academic circles to describe some relational power that invites potential followers into a shared story. I’ve never heard anyone describe a work of non-fiction as “character-driven,” but that’s what kept me turning pages to discover which surprising personality from history (and from the newsfeed!) would make an appearance next. In Spellbound, the stories of Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, George Whitefield, Napoleon, and Steve Jobs find common ground with the Jesus People, George Washington, and Adolf Hitler.
While church attendance and the outward expression of religious devotion may ebb and flow, humanity has never lost its yearning for ultimate meaning and willingness to find it in some charismatic relationship. As Worthen has so wisely observed, “The best way to understand people is to examine the idols they worship, and the stories they tell to themselves.”
Worthen’s thorough examination of charisma inspired me to ask some additional questions. I’d be interested to learn what you’re thinking about these topics:
- How much of charisma is simply personality-driven charm?
- Will the agents of AI possess charisma?
- What exactly is the tipping point between healthy, delightful charisma and its more dangerous cousin?
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
“Elegant and insightful, Spellbound is an important contribution to the urgent project of understanding America in our time.”—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author
“Drawing on fine-grained historical research, Worthen makes insightful forays into how power is mediated in the public sphere and how Americans express their need for ‘transcendent meaning and worship’…” —Publishers Weekly
Holding You in the Light,
Spellbound by Molly Worthen verifies that while outward expressions of religious devotion may ebb and flow, humanity has never lost its willingness to find ultimate meaning in some charismatic relationship. @ConvergentBooks #charisma
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This sounds like an intriguing book, one that might help us understand and be wary of the power of cult leaders, etc. These are interesting times to be living in, at the cusp of AI and the uncertainties of the changes it may bring. Thanks for sharing about this book, Michele.
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I couldn’t NOT read it!
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Amazing to see all those names gathered together, Michele …
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It felt like a panoramic view of U.S. History!
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This sounds like an interesting read. I’ve often wondered what makes people follow the Hitlers and David Koreshes of the world. The fact that they do is a warning bell to look deeply into what people say and do to avoid being swept away by personality.
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Exactly! We need godly wisdom and discernment!
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This sounds interesting and timely. I think we have to be careful even in following good leaders. David, a man after God’s heart, led Israel in some wonderful ways, but he also made some unwise commands that cost his people. How we need to stay in our Bibles and connected to the Holy Spirit.
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Great point! Thanks be to God for his Spirit to help us with discernment.
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When we’re steeped in the truth of God’s Word we’re less likely to be drawn in by half-truths or out-and-out-lies, no matter how charming the speaker or writer. I’m so thankful for the strong foundation of Bible knowledge that began with my parents and grandparents and our church. Between Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, Good News Club, camp, Jet Cadets (like a youth group for 4th-6th graders), and youth groups, my mind and heart were filled with Bible-truth before I even left home for college. In the decades since I’ve enjoyed Bible study after Bible study and class after class. Isn’t it wonderful that we never come to the end of discovery about God’s truth!
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I think we’re on a lifelong learning curve, Nancy!
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I have never heard of those slang words before. Funny. My little grandson of four years old used a slang word that I never heard of before too, and I found it hysterical. I can’t remember what it was though. As far as the book, yes, I obviously charisma is a big issue in the church. It seems like the big, mega churches always have the most charismatic preachers, although, not always. I wouldn’t say John MacArthur has a charismatic personality.
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And the lingo changes so fast! I can’t keep up with it all.
To your point on charisma, I think the church cares more about gifting than character—which is so dangerous for leadership!
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Thanks so much for stopping by….Interesting post as I just watched this movie…. “The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy” is a two-part Lifetime movie event based on the true story of Rena Chynoweth, who was forced into marriage with Ervil LeBaron, the leader of a polygamist cult, at the age of 16. In this case, he had an amazing amount of Charisma and was able to talk both men and women into anything including murder….Not a good thing in this case… Have a great week!!
Hugs,
Deb, Debbie-Dabble Blog
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Wow, that’s a great example of a time when charisma is misused!
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You know, I’ve worked as a Ministry Assistant for two churches for 29 years seeing lots of personalities come and go. And the one person that caused the most trouble in my experience was the one that had the most charisma!
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That’s a chilling realization—and a very astute observation.
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Now this is a book that has me intrigued! It will be a definite read. Charisma has always been something I am wary of. It reminds me to guard my heart and mind. And in these days we are living, we need discernment and wisdom in increasing measure. Thank you for sharing this book!
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Intrigued! That’s exactly what pulled me in—and the book did not disappoint!
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This book sounds fascinating, Michele. I find the five categories interesting. I remember when I took a Perspectives (missions) course, they spoke of cross-cultural acceptance of a non-national was in three categories: teacher, student, business. Charisma seems to be a Western ailment mostly created by media. I don’t think it is truly organic in nature.
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That’s a fascinating observation and given the author’s research, I would say that you are on to something.
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