In this thought-provoking episode, host Jean Geran sits down with guest Gar Anderson to explore the concept of Christian citizenship through the lens of the early church. Drawing from Gar’s recent lecture in Oshkosh, the conversation delves into how early Christians—most of whom lacked formal citizenship—navigated life under the Roman Empire. Rather than seeking political power, they transformed society through radical love, community care, and allegiance to Christ.

Gar and Jean discuss:

• The historical context of citizenship in the Roman Empire
• The difference between patriotism and indifference in Christian political engagement
• Jesus’ teaching on rendering to Caesar and God
• Lessons from Paul’s use of Roman citizenship to expose injustice
• Practical examples of loving one’s neighbor in everyday life

📚 Recommended Resources

Books Mentioned:

• Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Wilken (Oxford University Press, 1984)
• The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark (HarperOne, 1996)
• Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (Baylor University Press, 2016)
• Strange Religion by Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2023)
• The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider (Baker Academic, 2016)

Ancient Text Highlighted:

• Letter to Diognetus (c. 125–150 AD) — A second-century Christian apology describing the distinctiveness of Christian life and allegiance. Link = https://storage2.snappages.site/6X3R8B/assets/files/The-Epistle-to-Diognetus.pdf

Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned

·     Christian Citizenship in a Pluralistic World | Chris Seiple (August 4, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1fedbb2c-6c00-47d3-bc40-a1cc9a367d84/

·     Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz (August 18, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fa1fc18-402f-4271-afc8-9e4bf9a73c13/

🔗 Watch & Subscribe

🎧 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast on your favorite podcast app to stay updated.

In this rich and inspiring episode, host Daniel Johnson welcomes back guest Byron Borger to discuss transformative books for the fall season. Byron shares a curated list of titles that speak to theology, culture, education, memoir, and spiritual formation—perfect for students, readers, and lifelong learners. The conversation explores how books can shape our faith, deepen our understanding of culture, and equip us for meaningful engagement in the academy and beyond.

➡️ 📚 Featured Book Recommendations

🎓 For Students & Educators

• Why Study History? by John Fea (Baker Academic, 2024)
• Learning to Love: Christian Higher Education as Pilgrimage by Alex Sosler (Falls City Press, 2023)
• The Art of Asking Better Questions by J.R. Briggs (IVP, 2025)
• Everything is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness by Bobby Jamieson (Penguin Random House, 2025)

🌍 On Culture & Theology

• The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life by Benjamin Quinn & Dennis Greeson (B&H Academic, 2024)
• The Core of the Christian Faith: Living the Gospel for the Sake of the World by Michael Goheen (Brazos Press, 2025)
• Culture Making by Andy Crouch (IVP, 2008)
• He Shines in All That’s Fair: Culture and Common Grace by Richard Mouw (Eerdmans, 2002)
• Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview by Albert Wolters (Eerdmans, 2005)

🕊️ Spiritual Formation

• Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2025)
• You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul by Jared Ayers (NavPress, 2025)

👥 Memoirs & Personal Narratives

• I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2018)
• Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2025)
• The Exact Place by Margie Haack (Deep River Books, 2012)
• Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono (Knopf, 2022)

💬 Key Themes

• The Gospel of the Kingdom and its cultural implications
• Christian higher education as a journey of love and formation
• Asking better questions as a spiritual and relational practice
• Engaging culture thoughtfully and faithfully
• The power of memoirs to cultivate empathy and self-reflection
• Slowing down to deepen theological understanding and resilience

🔗 Resources & Links

• Hearts & Minds Bookstore = https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com
• SL Brown Foundation = https://slbf.org

In this episode, host John Terrill welcomes Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels to discuss their new book, Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. Drawing from extensive research, including surveys of over 16,000 people and nearly 300 interviews, Elaine and Denise explore how Christians can live out their faith in the workplace with integrity, courage, and compassion.

• The Double-Edged Nature of Calling: How a sense of calling can both inspire and blind us to workplace injustices.
• Faith in a Pluralistic Workplace: Navigating religious diversity while remaining true to Christian convictions.
• Radical Embrace: The central thesis of the book—engaging others with respect and openness, even across belief systems.

Five Core Tensions:

1. Secular vs. Sacred Work
2. Protecting Ourselves vs. Protecting Others
3. Individual Ethics vs. Systems Thinking
4. Restrictive Gender Roles vs. Flourishing Together
5. Verbal Proclamation vs. Principled Pluralism
6. (Bonus Tension: Work vs. Rest/Sabbath)

• The Role of Rest: Why Sabbath matters and how to integrate rhythms of rest into daily life.
• Empirical Insights: Surprising data on who feels called to their work—and who doesn’t.

• Only 1 in 5 Christians surveyed feel a strong sense of calling in their work.
• People in service-oriented or nonprofit roles report higher levels of calling than those in finance or knowledge work.
• Those with more organizational power are more likely to feel called—but higher income does not correlate with calling.

• Elaine Howard Ecklund is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, professor of sociology, and director of the Boniuk Institute at Rice University.
• Denise Daniels is Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College.

📺 Watch & Subscribe

• 🎧 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast on your favorite podcast app to stay updated.

• Visit https://slbf.org/ for more about the SL Brown Foundation and Upper House.
• Explore the book: Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work (available now). https://www.ivpress.com/working-for-better

In this episode, host Jean Geran speaks with guest historian Michael Rutz about the historical experience of British Protestant dissenters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Drawing from his book The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics and Empire, 1790–1850, Dr. Rutz explores how dissenting Christian communities navigated issues of religious liberty, education, social activism, and citizenship under an Anglican state church.

Who Were the Dissenters?

• Protestant groups (Congregationalists, Baptists, Quakers, Presbyterians) who refused to conform to the Church of England.
• Faced legal discrimination and second-class civic status.

Education and the Dissenting Academies

• Creation of alternative institutions to educate ministers and laypeople.
• Emphasis on practical, Enlightenment-influenced curriculum including science, history, and civic engagement.

Rational vs. Evangelical Dissenters

• Rational dissenters embraced Enlightenment ideals and supported revolutionary causes.
• Evangelical dissenters focused on personal conversion, biblical authority, and social activism.

Religious Liberty and Political Reform

• Campaigns to repeal discriminatory laws like the Test and Corporation Acts.
• Advocacy for religious freedom as a core Christian and civic principle.

Missions and Abolition

• Evangelical dissenters played key roles in foreign missions and anti-slavery movements.
• Missionary work in places like the Cape Colony led to campaigns for civil equality for indigenous populations.

Coalition Building Across Faith Lines

• Groups like the Clapham Sect united Anglicans and dissenters around shared goals like abolition.
• Lessons for today: working across theological and political divides for common good.

Michael A. Rutz, Ph.D. is a Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Since joining UWO’s history faculty in 2002, he has built a distinguished career as a scholar of 19th- and 20th-century Great Britain, the British Empire, religion and politics. Dr. Rutz earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in History from Washington University in St. Louis, and a B.A., with high honors in History, from the University of Michigan. His major publications include The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics, and Empire (2011) and King Leopold’s Congo and the “Scramble for Africa” (2018); he has also published several articles on the intersection of religion and politics in 19c Britain and the British empire and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

• The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics and Empire, 1790–1850 by Michael Rutz (Baylor University Press, 2011)
• https://www.baylorpress.com/9781602582057/the-british-zion/

• Learn more about the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: https://slbf.org/

In this episode, host Daniel Johnson sits down with Craig Detweiler — author, filmmaker, theologian, and Dean of the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University — to explore the intersection of faith, storytelling, and technology. From his formative experiences with classic cinema to his work in Hollywood and academia, Craig shares how theology and filmmaking can be harmoniously integrated. The conversation dives deep into the evolving media landscape, the impact of AI on creativity, and the enduring power of human imagination.

• Craig’s journey from seminary to screenwriting
• The spiritual and emotional power of film as storytelling
• The changing dynamics of the film industry post-COVID and post-strike
• The rise of independent filmmaking and new distribution models
• The WinRyder program and its impact at Sundance Film Festival
• Recommended summer films: Sketch, Superman, Fantastic Four
• Upcoming fall release: Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere
• Navigating the sacred/secular divide in media
• Technology’s influence on spirituality and identity
• AI’s role in the creative process — risks and opportunities
• The importance of human ingenuity and honest creativity

• Sketch – A heartfelt, imaginative indie film exploring grief and creativity
• Superman & Fantastic Four – Fresh takes on superhero narratives with sincerity and optimism
• Sinners – A dark, cautionary tale with unexpected spiritual depth
• Deliver Me From Nowhere – A soulful Bruce Springsteen biopic coming this fall

Honest Creativity – A reflection on anxiety in the creative class and the role of AI in shaping the future of art and storytelling.

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Learn more about the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: slbf.org

Craig reminds us that while tools may change, the human longing for connection through art remains timeless. He encourages creatives to lean into their unique voices and continue expressing joy, pain, and truth through their craft.

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Jean Geran sits down with Dr. Chris Seiple, a renowned global leader in the fields of human rights, diplomacy, and religious freedom. Together, they explore what it means to be a responsible Christian citizen in today’s polarized world.

Through the lens of “covenantal pluralism,” Chris shares insights from decades of experience working at the intersection of Christian faith, education, and public life. The conversation covers the threefold nature of Christian citizenship—loyalty to our country, the world, and first and foremost, the Kingdom of God. They discuss the importance of loving our neighbors, engaging respectfully with those we disagree with, and preparing the next generation through higher education to be thoughtful, principled citizens.

Chris and Jean also address current challenges, including religious nationalism, polarization, and the contentious debates around diversity and inclusion in academia. They share practical suggestions for building relationships across diverse communities, overcoming fear, and living out faith in tangible ways at both the local and global levels.

Whether you’re a student, educator, faith leader, or community member, this episode offers timely wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to be a peacemaker and agent of flourishing in a pluralistic society.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Upword Podcast, host Dan Johnson sits down with Mark Matlock to explore the shifting spiritual landscape in America. Drawing from his latest book, Faith for the Curious, and years of research with Barna Group, Mark unpacks the rise of the “spiritually curious” — a growing group of people who are open to spirituality but not necessarily aligned with traditional Christian beliefs.

Together, they discuss:

• The difference between the spiritually curious, curious skeptics, and naturalists
• How Gen Z is both in revival and retreat — and what that means for the Church
• Why traditional evangelism methods may fall short in today’s culture
• The importance of long-term relationships over quick conversions
• How churches can better engage those deconstructing their faith
• The role of curiosity, ambiguity, and meaningful relationships in discipleship

Whether you're a ministry leader, student, or simply curious about faith trends, this episode offers deep insights into how we can better understand and walk alongside those exploring spirituality in a post-Christian world.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Faith for the Curious = https://shop.barna.com/collections/featured-work/products/faith-for-the-curious
• Explore Barna’s research on Gen Z and spiritual openness
• Connect with Mark Matlock at markmatlock.com

In this episode, host Daniel Johnson sits down with Michael Huerter, author of The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era. Michael shares insights from his research and ministry experience, exploring how churches can faithfully navigate the evolving landscape of digital and hybrid worship. From theology to technology, embodiment to community, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful vision for the future of worship in a digitally integrated world.

What is a Hybrid Congregation?

• Michael defines hybrid congregations as communities that blend traditional in-person worship with digital practices, emphasizing that most churches already operate along this spectrum.

Theology of Digital Embodiment

• Drawing on scholars like Pete Phillips and Teresa Berger, Michael discusses how embodiment persists even in digital spaces and how online worship can still be deeply relational and spiritual.

Music in Hybrid Worship

• Michael reflects on the evolving role of music in digital settings, balancing participatory and presentational approaches, and shares creative examples from his research.
• Sacraments in a Digital World
• From virtual baptisms to home communion, Michael explores how different traditions are reimagining sacramental practices in hybrid contexts.

Community & Spiritual Formation

• Practical strategies for fostering genuine community and discipleship across physical and digital spaces, including empowering online members to lead and serve.
• Technology, Discernment & the Church
• A call for churches to resist fear-based or tech-obsessed extremes and instead adopt a people-first, discerning approach to digital ministry.

The Future of Worship

• Michael shares his vision for a church that resists fragmentation and embraces digital tools to deepen connection, compassion, and Christlikeness.

• 📖 The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era by Michael Huerter (InterVarsity Press)
• 📊 Pew Research on church attendance and online worship trends in 2025
• 🧠 Scholars referenced: Pete Phillips (Spurgeon’s College), Teresa Berger (Yale Divinity School)
• 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/E8tdXaTHPIc

• 🌐 Learn more about the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: slbf.org
• 📬 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app
• 💬 Share your thoughts and feedback with us!

In this episode, host Susan Smetzer Anderson sits down with acclaimed author Mitali Perkins to explore the intersection of art, justice, vocation, and faith. Drawing from her latest book, Just Making: A Guide for Compassionate Creatives, Mitali shares her journey as a Bengali American writer, her passion for justice, and how creatives can sustain their work in a chaotic world.

Together, they reflect on how art can be a vehicle for shalom—a vision of universal flourishing—and how artists can navigate internal doubts, external pressures, and the temptation to turn art into propaganda or kitsch. Mitali also offers practical wisdom on embracing ancient spiritual practices, finding courage to share your work, and building creative community.

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube = https://youtu.be/DehNMpdp0Yo
• 🌐 Learn more about Mitali Perkins and her work: mitaliperkins.com
• 📖 Explore the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: slbf.org

This special episode of The UpWords Podcast features clips from talks given at Upper House in the Spring of 2025. 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.

Talk 1️⃣ = Reimagining Our Moment for Whatever Comes Next - with Anne Snyder (Recorded on January 30, 2025)

• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fPLQhx0cdsXvUxzqP0YR3?si=Z4vbxvJMQM-fzwRKhhGkIQ
• Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upper-house-events/id1715922039?i=1000688980527
• YouTube = https://youtu.be/Pg6ODIUp8yQ

Talk 2️⃣ = Can Fiction Deliver What Technology Can't? - with Casandra Nelson (Recorded on February 14, 2025)

• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/show/5CosoSlCWKmUShqnEK75Re?si=74f6cd9ca9584036
• Apple Podcasts =https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upper-house-events/id1715922039
• YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4uGiIvJTDePJylcsh84USjIpVkibpuM2

Talk 3️⃣ = What Can Evangelicals Teach Us About Beauty? - Karen Swallow Prior (Recorded on March 14, 2025)

• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/show/5CosoSlCWKmUShqnEK75Re?si=74f6cd9ca9584036
• Apple Podcasts =https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upper-house-events/id1715922039
• YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4uGiIvJTDePTHdNbYsoMMf8ZX80eEUet