Halloween Special: Witchcraft, Folklore, and the Supernatural with Tanya Luhrmann

Faithful Politics

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In this special Halloween episode, Faithful Politics "defies gravity" by diving into the world of witches, supernatural beliefs, and the historical intersections between faith and witchcraft. Hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram chat with Stanford anthropologist Professor Tanya Luhrmann, renowned for her work on how people experience the supernatural in various religious contexts. Together, we cast a Revelio charm to unpack the evolution of witchcraft from ancient agricultural societies to modern-day practitioners, explore the role of folklore and cultural myths, and discuss how ideas of “good” and “bad” supernatural powers shape our understanding of spirituality and fear. The episode also sheds some Lumos on the Salem witch trials, Halloween traditions, and the modern revival of pagan practices. This conversation is packed with insights into humanity's complex relationship with the unseen, perfect for both the curious and the skeptical.
Guest Bio:
Professor Tanya Luhrmann is an anthropologist from Stanford University, known for her in-depth research on how people experience the supernatural across various religious practices. Her work bridges anthropology, psychology, and religion, examining everything from witchcraft and evangelical prayer practices to encounters with the supernatural. With a unique background that includes immersive studies with modern-day covens and extensive fieldwork on spiritual phenomena, Luhrmann’s insights shed light on the ways belief and culture shape our experiences of the unseen world.
Learn more about her work: https://www.tanyaluhrmann.com/

"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations

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