Upper House Commons Events

What Is Science, and Why Don't We Trust It Anymore? | Dr. Rick Lindroth

In November 1944, President Roosevelt asked one question that would reshape the 20th century: how do we turn wartime science into a national engine for peacetime progress? In this opening lecture of a three-part Friday Night Lecture series, Dr. Rick Lindroth — Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Ecology Emeritus at UW–Madison and Distinguished Research Fellow at the S.L. Brown Foundation's Lumen Center — traces the origins of American science funding from Vannevar Bush's landmark report Science, the Endless Frontier, to today's federal research landscape. Lindroth lays out what actually makes something "science," why basic research matters, and why public trust in science — once among the highest of any profession — has fractured sharply along political lines since 2020. Part one of "Can Science Be Trusted?" Dr. Rick Lindroth is a Distinguished Fellow of The Lumen Center and a Distinguished Achievement Professor (emeritus) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also served as Associate Dean for Research. Dr. Lindroth was a recipient of the Hilldale Award in Biological Sciences and is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Ecological Society of America, and the Entomological Society of America. He served as an editor for four science journals and on advisory panels for national and international research agencies. Dr. Lindroth and his research team published ~250 scientific articles and chapters on a wide range of ecological topics. Currently, Dr. Lindroth speaks and writes to the public and faith-based groups about environmental stewardship, climate change, biodiversity, and science denialism/communication. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript
• Chapters

2026 Baccalaureate Service - Evan Tinkenberg

This was recorded live at our annual Baccalaureate Service on May 8, 2026. In his role as Campus Pastor, Evan Tinkenberg reaches out to students, faculty, and staff to encourage the integration of learning and faith. He grew up 30 miles south of Chicago in northwest Indiana, where he was raised in a generously loving family and a rich community of Reformed churches. He enjoys drinking good coffee and reading eclectically; ask him for a book recommendation. Evan graduated with a B.A. in Theology from Trinity Christian College and an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary, where he was awarded the Exegesis Prize. Kim, Evan’s wife, is a nurse who loves baking and cooking new foods. Together they enjoy going for coffee or bookshop dates, hiking, kayaking, and bike rides. They do much of this with their two young kids in tow. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

2026 Baccalaureate Service - Michael Knapstad

This was recorded live from our annual Baccalaureate Service at Upper House on May 8, 2026. Michael Knapstad is the Pastor of College Ministry & Internships at Blackhawk Church, where he has faithfully served for nearly eight years. A graduate of Fuller Seminary, Michael previously served in ministry in San Francisco. He's known for his creative and thoughtful approach to inviting students into meaningful community and encounters with the gospel. You'll often find him in the space with students on Tuesday nights and Sundays. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Let the Art Speak - On Hope

At the heart of the 5th annual Let the Art Speak conference — held at Upper House, a Christian study center near the University of Wisconsin–Madison — visual artist Tim Lowly and United Methodist minister and writer Rev. Sherrie Lowly delivered the Saturday plenary session: "Trying to Get a Sense of Scale." Their talk began not with art theory, but with a life: their daughter Temma, now 40, who has lived with profound cognitive and physical disabilities since a cardiac arrest in the first days of her life. For Tim, Temma has been the center of his artistic practice for decades. For Sherrie, she has been the subject of a memoir and a guide into mystery. Together, they asked the question every artist must eventually face — Who, or what, is truly at the center of your work? Rooted in resurrection theology and the writings of N.T. Wright, this session reframes artistic vocation as participation in God's ongoing work of new creation. No sketch, no song, no poem made in the Spirit is "mere." Every act of beauty and care, Wright argues, finds its way into the world God is making. Tim Lowly — who spent nearly three decades as gallery director and artist-in-residence at North Park University in Chicago — walked through his paintings, collaborative works, and a current drawing series, each one a meditation on human dignity, presence, and scale. Sherrie read from her memoir-in-progress, offering a rare and unflinching portrait of what it means to raise a child the world would rather set aside, and to find God precisely there. The session also engaged Rebecca Solnit's Hope in the Dark, exploring how history-changing movements often grow unseen — like mushrooms underground — until the right moment. A message for artists who wonder whether their work matters. This recording is an invitation to artists, makers, writers, musicians, clergy, and communities of faith who are wrestling with hope in a divided and often discouraging world. ABOUT Let the Art Speak: is an annual conference for artists, writers, musicians, makers, and all who believe that creative expression is essential to hope and human flourishing. Hosted by the SL Brown Foundation at Upper House — a Christian study center near the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 🌐 Learn more: https://slbf.org/ltas 📍 Upper House | Madison, Wisconsin Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Faithful Christianity in a Polarized Culture | Justin Giboney

Our culture—and our churches—are growing increasingly polarized, leaving many Christians unsure of how to function faithfully within their communities. Families, neighbors, and congregations feel divided, even paralyzed, by widening gulfs. How should Christians think and talk about this moment, and what paths toward reconciliation are possible? Join us for an inspiring and timely evening with Justin Giboney, co-founder of the AND Campaign and author of Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around. Drawing on the Black church’s legacy of holding together justice and moral order, Justin will challenge us to move beyond the culture wars and recover a faithful, courageous Christian public witness. With clarity and conviction, he will offer a hopeful roadmap for civic engagement rooted in humility, truth, and love—inviting us to rethink partisan assumptions, cultivate moral imagination, and pursue bridge-building engagement shaped by the kingdom of God. This event was recorded live at Upper House on April 9, 2026. Justin E. Giboney (JD, Vanderbilt University) is cofounder and president of the AND Campaign, a Christian civic organization equipping believers to engage public life with the love and truth of Jesus Christ. An ordained minister, attorney, and political strategist, he is the author of Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around and coauthor of Compassion (&) Conviction. He has been featured in The New York Times and Christianity Today, and lives in Atlanta with his wife and three sons. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Singleness is for Everyone - Lecture 1

Singleness is increasingly common in the church. At the time of this event, nearly 40% of Christians ages 30–49 identified as single, yet many described this season as marked by confusion, marginalization, or a lack of clear theological guidance. What does Scripture say about singleness—and how might it be understood not as a problem to solve, but as meaningful within the life of faith? We gathered at Upper House for an evening conversation open to anyone who had considered questions about singleness—whether single, married, seeking deeper community, or simply curious about God's design for human life and calling. Together, we explored how the Christian tradition speaks thoughtfully and honestly about singleness at every stage of life. Even if you were not single yourself, chances were that someone you loved was. This gathering aimed to build understanding and empathy across life stages, offering theological depth alongside genuine community for those seeking clarity, encouragement, and a more faithful imagination for singleness. The evening allowed time to build new relationships, enjoy food and worship, and receive insightful teaching from Dr. Devin White on the theology of singleness. We concluded with prayer ministry and open dialogue, creating a welcoming, low-pressure space to seek God together and respond personally. Dr. Devin L. White serves as Fellow in Biblical Studies at the Lumen Center and is the author of Teacher of the Nations, a study of Paul's engagement with ancient educational traditions, and Christ Reads in Me (forthcoming), which explores how Paul's approach to Scripture continues to shape Christian interpretation today. His scholarship has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, and he regularly teaches, preaches, and facilitates learning experiences in local churches, bridging rigorous scholarship and the life of faith. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Singleness is for Everyone - Lecture 2

Singleness is increasingly common in the church. At the time of this event, nearly 40% of Christians ages 30–49 identified as single, yet many described this season as marked by confusion, marginalization, or a lack of clear theological guidance. What does Scripture say about singleness—and how might it be understood not as a problem to solve, but as meaningful within the life of faith? We gathered at Upper House for an evening conversation open to anyone who had considered questions about singleness—whether single, married, seeking deeper community, or simply curious about God's design for human life and calling. Together, we explored how the Christian tradition speaks thoughtfully and honestly about singleness at every stage of life. Even if you were not single yourself, chances were that someone you loved was. This gathering aimed to build understanding and empathy across life stages, offering theological depth alongside genuine community for those seeking clarity, encouragement, and a more faithful imagination for singleness. The evening allowed time to build new relationships, enjoy food and worship, and receive insightful teaching from Dr. Devin White on the theology of singleness. We concluded with prayer ministry and open dialogue, creating a welcoming, low-pressure space to seek God together and respond personally. Dr. Devin L. White serves as Fellow in Biblical Studies at the Lumen Center and is the author of Teacher of the Nations, a study of Paul's engagement with ancient educational traditions, and Christ Reads in Me (forthcoming), which explores how Paul's approach to Scripture continues to shape Christian interpretation today. His scholarship has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, and he regularly teaches, preaches, and facilitates learning experiences in local churches, bridging rigorous scholarship and the life of faith. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

AI x Faith

What happens when machines begin to speak, respond, and even “care” as we do? Explore the profound questions at the heart of today’s AI revolution with theologian and computer scientist Noreen Herzfeld. Drawing from her acclaimed book, The Artifice of Intelligence, Herzfeld will examine how artificial intelligence challenges our understanding of human uniqueness, the image of God, and what it means to love our neighbors in an increasingly digital world. Rather than asking whether AI can truly think or feel, Herzfeld reframes the conversation around the core of Christian faith: relationships, embodiment, and responsibility. With clarity, humor, and real-world examples—from chatbots to care robots—she will demonstrate how emerging technologies are subtly reshaping our relationships and why Christians must pay attention to these shifts. Noreen Herzfeld is Director of the Benedictine Spirituality and Ecotheology Program at St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary and Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Philosophical and Religious Studies (ZRS) in Koper, Slovenia. She is the author of The Artifice of Intelligence: Divine and Human Relationship in a Robotic World (2023), In Our Image: Artificial Intelligence and the Human Spirit (2002), and Technology and Religion: Remaining Human in a Co-Created World (2009). She also serves on the AI Research Group for the Centre for Digital Culture of the Vatican Dicastery of Culture and Education, for which she co-wrote and edited Encountering AI: Ethical and Anthropological Explorations (2024). Greg Cootsona joins the discussion with Noreen Herzfeld after her lecture. Greg is the executive director of AI and Faith and is a lecturer in Comparative Religion and Humanities at California State University, Chico, where he has worked collegially and successfully alongside colleagues in other faith traditions in a secular academic setting. He is a leader and regular participant in the American Academy of Religion unit on Science, Technology, and Religion. Greg co-founded and is Associate Director for Science for the Church, a nonprofit designed to bring science to Christian congregations as a resource for spiritual growth. He is also an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor and serves as Pastor of Discipleship and Care at Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico, California, having previously served at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. This event was recorded live at Upper House on March 11, 2026. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

AI x Responsibility

What does faithfulness look like in this moment? From sermon preparation to student engagement to administrative tasks, artificial intelligence is quietly becoming part of everyday ministry. Todd Korpi, author of AI Goes to Church, designed it for pastors, campus ministry leaders, lay leaders, and all who care about the future of the Church. Together, we’ll explore how AI can serve ministry practically—while helping leaders navigate technology responsibly and faithfully. This event invites consideration of the opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies, as well as the spiritual guardrails that should guide their use, and how AI may shape our call to form people in the way of Christ. Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. This event was recorded live at Upper House at our AI x Summit on March 11, 2026. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

AI x Humanity

How should artificial intelligence shape our understanding of what it means to be human? As AI advances rapidly, questions about its ethical, cultural, and social implications are more urgent than ever. A public panel featuring UW-Madison experts in philosophy, history, communications, and ethics as they explore how AI intersects with meaning, knowledge, and human values. The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Center for Humanistic Inquiry into AI and Uncertainty will engage in rich dialogue not just on what AI can do—but also on what it should do, and how communities can shape its influence with insight, care, and awareness. Our moderator was Jeremy Morris, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also serves as Faculty Director of the Center for Humanistic Inquiry into AI and Uncertainty. Featured Speakers: • Catalina Toma is a Professor of Communication Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Associate Editor of Computers in Human Behavior. Her research examines how people understand and relate to one another through communication technologies, focusing on the social and psychological dynamics of digital interaction. • John J. Curtin is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on substance use disorders and other mental health conditions, advancing innovative, technology-based approaches to prevention and treatment. • James Goodrich is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research centers on normative ethics, with particular attention to the intersection of political philosophy and economics, and to the moral questions that arise in public policy and markets. • Courtney Bell is a Professor of Learning Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Director of the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. She studies teaching domestically and internationally, with a focus on measures of teaching quality. Her work also helps instructors learn how to support all students’ growth and development. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Is Shame Something to Resist—or to Reconsider? - Lecture 3

What is shame, and why does it shape us so deeply? Shame is a shared human experience, yet we struggle to describe it. In some cases, we sense that we should not feel ashamed, and yet we do. In other cases of moral wrongdoing, a lack of shame, or at least the ability to experience it, is often deemed problematic. To be shameless is viewed as a moral deficiency in such circumstances. Scripture only deepens the complexity. Across both the First and Second Testaments, the Bible seems to present the experience of shame as something integral to the human experience— and as something we should not resist. In this Friday Night Lecture, Dr. S. J. Parrott will explore the dynamics of shame, what it contributes to our moral psychologies, and how Scripture can reorient our thinking about shame in order to consider how we find out who we are, and who gets a say in the process. Friday Night Lectures feature three short and engaging talks woven together with live Q&A, brief intermissions, and time for conversation. Join us for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and meaningful reflection on compelling questions within the Christian tradition. ABOUT OUR SPEAKER S. J. Parrott completed her DPhil in Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford after obtaining two master's degrees at Regent College in Vancouver. She specializes in topics of shame, ethics, human formation, rhetoric, prophetic and poetic literature, and more. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Is Shame Something to Resist—or to Reconsider? - Lecture 2

What is shame, and why does it shape us so deeply? Shame is a shared human experience, yet we struggle to describe it. In some cases, we sense that we should not feel ashamed, and yet we do. In other cases of moral wrongdoing, a lack of shame, or at least the ability to experience it, is often deemed problematic. To be shameless is viewed as a moral deficiency in such circumstances. Scripture only deepens the complexity. Across both the First and Second Testaments, the Bible seems to present the experience of shame as something integral to the human experience— and as something we should not resist. In this Friday Night Lecture, Dr. S. J. Parrott will explore the dynamics of shame, what it contributes to our moral psychologies, and how Scripture can reorient our thinking about shame in order to consider how we find out who we are, and who gets a say in the process. Friday Night Lectures feature three short and engaging talks woven together with live Q&A, brief intermissions, and time for conversation. Join us for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and meaningful reflection on compelling questions within the Christian tradition. ABOUT OUR SPEAKER S. J. Parrott completed her DPhil in Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford after obtaining two master's degrees at Regent College in Vancouver. She specializes in topics of shame, ethics, human formation, rhetoric, prophetic and poetic literature, and more. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Is Shame Something to Resist—or to Reconsider? - Lecture 1

What is shame, and why does it shape us so deeply? Shame is a shared human experience, yet we struggle to describe it. In some cases, we sense that we should not feel ashamed, and yet we do. In other cases of moral wrongdoing, a lack of shame, or at least the ability to experience it, is often deemed problematic. To be shameless is viewed as a moral deficiency in such circumstances. Scripture only deepens the complexity. Across both the First and Second Testaments, the Bible seems to present the experience of shame as something integral to the human experience— and as something we should not resist. In this Friday Night Lecture, Dr. S. J. Parrott will explore the dynamics of shame, what it contributes to our moral psychologies, and how Scripture can reorient our thinking about shame in order to consider how we find out who we are, and who gets a say in the process. Friday Night Lectures feature three short and engaging talks woven together with live Q&A, brief intermissions, and time for conversation. Join us for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and meaningful reflection on compelling questions within the Christian tradition. ABOUT OUR SPEAKER S. J. Parrott completed her DPhil in Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford after obtaining two master's degrees at Regent College in Vancouver. She specializes in topics of shame, ethics, human formation, rhetoric, prophetic and poetic literature, and more. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Racial Justice for the Long Haul

“My intention is that you too will find a hope that is weathered and wild. A hope that grows in the composted remains of suffering and produces the nourishing fruit of love.” —Jeske We gathered at Upper House on December 4, 2025, for an evening conversation leading toward hope—an often-unexpected tone when discussing racial justice, a subject that has left many in a state of despair. Together we explored accounts of believers relating across differences, reckoning with moments when racial justice efforts falter, and considering postures of grace and practices of perseverance. By the end of the evening, we hope to have wrestled with the question, “Dare we even to hope?”—not a trite or naïve hope, but a hope that is sustainable, weathered, and wild. About our speaker: Dr. Christine Jeske is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Wheaton College (PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison; MBA, Eastern University) with expertise in helping people live good and just lives in a multicultural world. She writes and speaks widely on topics of race, work, vocation, faith, and the good life. Her publications include Racial Justice for the Long Haul (IVP Academic, 2025), The Laziness Myth (Cornell, 2020), and numerous other books, chapters, and articles. Before teaching at Wheaton, Dr. Jeske spent a decade in Nicaragua, China, and South Africa working with economic empowerment initiatives. She and her husband have raised chickens, pigs, innumerable weeds, and two wonderful children. 🔗 To purchase the book = https://www.ivpress.com/racial-justice-for-the-long-haul Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? - Lecture 3

There is a lot of discussion of "Christian nationalism" in the news today. Most of it is political, with pundits on each side advancing a vision of the United States that they believe conforms to the true spirit of the American founding. The pundits, activists, journalists, and academic sociologists and political scientists will continue to have their say, but this lecture is historical in nature. What did the founders believe about the relationship between Christianity and the American Republic? Historian John Fea examined the idea of America as a Christian nation, the role the Bible played in the American Revolution, the religious beliefs of the Founders, and how those beliefs may or may not have influenced their work as statesmen. Join us for this critical conversation as the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary next year. Friday Night Lectures feature three short, engaging talks interwoven with live Q&A, table discussion, and time to connect with others. Attendees will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres as we reflect on challenging questions of faith, Scripture, and ethics. John Fea is a Visiting Fellow in History at the Lumen Center and Distinguished Professor of American History at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of six books, including Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction, one of three finalists for the George Washington Book Prize. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? - Lecture 2

There is a lot of discussion of "Christian nationalism" in the news today. Most of it is political, with pundits on each side advancing a vision of the United States that they believe conforms to the true spirit of the American founding. The pundits, activists, journalists, and academic sociologists and political scientists will continue to have their say, but this lecture is historical in nature. What did the founders believe about the relationship between Christianity and the American Republic? Historian John Fea examined the idea of America as a Christian nation, the role the Bible played in the American Revolution, the religious beliefs of the Founders, and how those beliefs may or may not have influenced their work as statesmen. Join us for this critical conversation as the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary next year. Friday Night Lectures feature three short, engaging talks interwoven with live Q&A, table discussion, and time to connect with others. Attendees will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres as we reflect on challenging questions of faith, Scripture, and ethics. John Fea is a Visiting Fellow in History at the Lumen Center and Distinguished Professor of American History at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of six books, including Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction, one of three finalists for the George Washington Book Prize. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? - Lecture 1

There is a lot of discussion of "Christian nationalism" in the news today. Most of it is political, with pundits on each side advancing a vision of the United States that they believe conforms to the true spirit of the American founding. The pundits, activists, journalists, and academic sociologists and political scientists will continue to have their say, but this lecture is historical in nature. What did the founders believe about the relationship between Christianity and the American Republic? Historian John Fea examined the idea of America as a Christian nation, the role the Bible played in the American Revolution, the religious beliefs of the Founders, and how those beliefs may or may not have influenced their work as statesmen. Join us for this critical conversation as the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary next year. Friday Night Lectures feature three short, engaging talks interwoven with live Q&A, table discussion, and time to connect with others. Attendees will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres as we reflect on challenging questions of faith, Scripture, and ethics. John Fea is a Visiting Fellow in History at the Lumen Center and Distinguished Professor of American History at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of six books, including Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction, one of three finalists for the George Washington Book Prize. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

• Transcript

The Jailhouse Lawyer

This compelling memoir shares Calvin Duncan’s journey from incarceration to becoming a self-taught legal advocate, shining a light on justice, resilience, and hope. Phil Haslanger will moderate the conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the authors, engage in meaningful discussion, and deepen your understanding of hope in the face of systemic injustice. Calvin Duncan is the founder and director of the Light of Justice program, which focuses on improving legal access for incarcerated individuals. Falsely accused of murder at the age of nineteen, he endured a life sentence without the possibility of parole in Louisiana prisons for more than twenty-eight years. While incarcerated, he became an inmate counsel substitute, or jailhouse lawyer, helping hundreds of fellow prisoners challenge wrongful convictions and unjust sentences. His efforts have contributed to landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including Smith v. Cain (2012) and Ramos v. Louisiana (2020). Duncan holds a JD from Lewis & Clark Law School and resides in New Orleans, where he continues his advocacy for those behind bars. Sophie Cull is a criminal justice reform advocate who has published on the death penalty, life sentences, and prosecutorial misconduct. As a cofounder of The Visiting Room Project, she helped create the world’s most extensive collection of filmed interviews with people serving life without parole. Originally from Australia, she began her career in New Orleans, assisting legal organizations defending individuals on Louisiana’s death row. Phil Haslanger has had careers in Madison in journalism and ministry. He served on the board of JustDane for six years, an organization that works with formerly incarcerated people. He also volunteers with the Prison Ministry Project, helping with their restorative justice program. 💻 Watch this event on YouTube = https://youtu.be/ZXQ8U_H75ec Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

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

What is charisma? Sometimes the word indicates someone who is simply charming, while other times it can imply manipulation. We often use it to describe that undefinable quality of a leader. The role of charismatic figures in American history stretches from early religious revivals to contemporary political movements. Across every era, Americans have turned to those who promise to restore order and meaning by channeling both sacred and secular power. When traditional religious institutions struggle to provide purpose, charismatic figures—both sacred and secular—step into the void, offering followers a sense of divine calling and cosmic significance. Drawing from her acclaimed book Spellbound, historian Molly Worthen will explored how charisma in secular politics remains more connected to spiritual charisma, as witnessed in the New Testament sense, than we might think—and theological concepts like transcendence and idolatry are more relevant than ever. This lecture, the second in the Dallas A. Willard series presented by the Lumen Center, calls the university community to pay more attention to the spiritual dimensions that underlie much of American history and contemporary culture. The Dallas A. Willard Lecture is generously supported by Fieldstead and Co. Molly Worthen is Professor of History at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She writes regularly about religion, politics, and higher education for the New York Times and has also contributed to the Atlantic, the New Yorker, Slate, and other publications. Her most recent book is Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump (Penguin Random House, 2025). 🔗 Learn more about the Lumen Center https://slbf.org/lumen-center Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons

Formed to Lead | Jason Jensen

The “Formed to Lead” event brought together a vibrant community to celebrate the launch of Jason Jensen’s new book, which explores the intersection of spiritual formation and leadership through the lens of Luke chapters 1–4. Jason Jensen, Vice President of Spiritual Foundations at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, was joined in dialogue by Tiffany Malloy, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Blackhawk Church. Together, they unpacked themes from the book, including: The inseparability of spiritual formation and leadership for followers of Jesus. The democratization of leadership as seen in Luke’s Gospel, where humble, faithful individuals play central roles in God’s story. Healthy leadership rooted in character, integrity, and humility rather than charisma or control. Discernment as a spiritual practice, with Jason introducing a four-season framework (repentance, baptism, testing, calling) and a metaphor from pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago to illustrate the journey of listening to God’s voice. The Examen prayer practice, inspired by Ignatius of Loyola, as a daily tool for reflection and spiritual growth. Spiritual authority as integrity rather than positional power, and the importance of recognizing spiritual abuse. Leadership development that prioritizes who we are becoming over what we accomplish, with practical suggestions for cultivating formation in teams and communities. Jason emphasized the importance of communal practices, silence, and spiritual direction in shaping leaders who reflect the gospel in their lives and influence. The event concluded with encouragement to engage with the book not just intellectually, but through prayer, practice, and group reflection. ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: Jason Jensen (M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary) is Vice President of Spiritual Foundations for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. Jason led InterVarsity staff teams in Berkeley, California, for 29 years. He and his wife, Susi, are based in Madison, Wisconsin, where Jason oversees the formation of InterVarsity staff in Scripture, theology, spiritual formation, and prayer. Their two adult children live in California. ABOUT OUR MODERATOR: Tiffany Malloy serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Blackhawk Church, where she oversees and leads the expression of spiritual growth of the Blackhawk community. Tiffany earned a B.S.Ed. in Math Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005 and a M.A. in Christian Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2010. Tiffany is married to Jake, and they have four children: Asante, Aly, Ada, and Anaya. 🔗 Link to the book = https://www.ivpress.com/formed-to-lead This event was recorded live at Upper House on September 18, 2025. Send us Fan Mail Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs. Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons