7pm
In this riveting spiritual memoir, the writer, scholar, and commentator tells the story of his struggles with mental illness, explores the void between the Christian faith and scientific treatment, and forges a path toward reconciling these divergent worlds.
For years, Charles Marsh suffered panic attacks and debilitating anxiety. As an Evangelical Christian, he was taught to trust in the power of God and His will. While his Christian community resisted therapy and personal introspection, Marsh eventually knew he needed help. To alleviate his suffering, he made the bold decision to seek medical treatment and underwent years of psychoanalysis.
In this riveting spiritual memoir, Marsh tells the story of his struggle to find peace and the dramatic, inspiring transformation that redefined his life and his faith. He examines the tensions between faith and science and reflects on how his own experiences offer hope for bridging the gap between the two. Honest and revealing, Marsh traces the roots of shame, examines Christian notions of sex, faith, and mental illness and their genesis, and chronicles how he redefined his beliefs and rebuilt his relationship with his community.
A poignant and vital story of deep soul work, Evangelical Anxiety helps us look beyond the stigma that leaves too many people in pain and offers people of faith a way forward to find the help they need while remaining true to their beliefs.
We recommend that guests wear masks on the night.
Charles Marsh is the author of seven books including Strange Glory, the award-winning biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the civil rights classic God’s Long Summer (for which he received the 1998 Grawemeyer Award in Religion). He teaches in the religious studies department at the University of Virginia.
Alex Morris is a Senior Writer for Rolling Stone covering culture, subculture, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and various other social issues. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine (where she was a Contributing Editor for over a decade), Glamour, Marie Claire, Billboard, Details, Southern Living, and many others. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she now lives in NYC with her husband, her two children, and her firm belief in the Oxford comma.
RSVP Below
In order to keep our events program running in uncertain times, we're asking attendees to hold their place with a $5 voucher, redeemable on the night of the event on any product in store or in our bar & café. You can alternatively reserve a spot by pre-purchasing the event book. If you have a change of heart or plans, write to events@mcnallyjackson.com and we'll gladly refund you and release your spot, up to 24 hours before the event. Thanks for understanding, and for supporting your local bookstore.
