For the study of Christianity and Culture

The Lumen Center is a community of Christian scholars, located near the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, committed to bringing the academic disciplines to bear on Christian culture.

OUR WORK

Resources from the Lumen Center
Lecture from Garwood Anderson: What can history teach us about Christian citizenship?

Peculiar Stories of the Holy Ghost: Charisma in American Religion and Politics

Second Annual Dallas A. Willard Lecture

October 3, 2025
7:00 - 8:30pm
Upper House 

What makes someone truly charismatic—and why does it matter? In this thought-provoking lecture, historian Molly Worthen draws from her acclaimed book Spellbound to explore how charisma has shaped American history, from religious revivals to modern politics. She reveals how spiritual and secular charisma are deeply intertwined, challenging us to reconsider the spiritual undercurrents of leadership and cultural movements. Presented by the Lumen Center as part of the Dallas A. Willard Lecture series, this event invites the university community to reflect on the enduring power of transcendence, idolatry, and meaning in public life.

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Contact Us 

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lumencenter@slbrownfoundation.org