This is thinking in public, a program dedicated to intelligent conversation about

frontline theological and cultural issues with the people who are shaping them.

I'm Albert Moly, your host and president of the and cultural issues with the people who are shaping them.

I'm Albert Mola, your host and president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

in Louisville, Kentucky.

John G. Turner is professor of American religion at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

He earned his master of divinity

from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

and then his PhD in American history

from Notre Dame.

Professor Turner's research focuses on the history of Mormonism, having published Brigham Young,

pioneer prophet in 2012, and the Mormon Jesus, a biography in 2016, both by Harvard University Press.

His most recent book, They knew there were pilgrims,

Plymouth Colony, and the Contest for American Liberty

chronicles the story of the English settlers

who 400 years ago crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower in order to

establish a new society and a new world.

They knew they were pilgrims is published by Yale University Press, and that book is the topic of our conversation today.

Professor Turner, welcome to thinking in public.

Pleased to be with you.

Thanks for having me back.

We've had some good conversations in the past and I feel like some of those

...