Upper House Commons Events

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.

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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 

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 

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

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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 

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 

Theologian and biblical scholar J. Richard Middleton joined us at Upper House on September 12, 2025. Middleton will explore the provocative question “Does God command immoral actions?” using the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) as a central example, inviting us to engage deeply with the moral and theological complexity of this foundational text.

J. Richard Middleton is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis, at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University, in Rochester, NY. A native of Jamaica, he immigrated to Canada for graduate studies and moved to the USA for a teaching position. He is past president of the Canadian-American Theological Association (2011–2014) and the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (2019–2021). Middleton’s research area is Old Testament theology with a focus on creation, suffering, and the ethics of power. He is the author of five books; the most recent are The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 (Brazos, 2005); A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology (Baker Academic, 2014); and Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021). He is currently working on two new books, one on the power dynamics between prophet and king in 1 Samuel and the other on the biblical worldview for our troubled times.

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 

Theologian and biblical scholar J. Richard Middleton joined us at Upper House on September 12, 2025. Middleton will explore the provocative question “Does God command immoral actions?” using the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) as a central example, inviting us to engage deeply with the moral and theological complexity of this foundational text.

J. Richard Middleton is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis, at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University, in Rochester, NY. A native of Jamaica, he immigrated to Canada for graduate studies and moved to the USA for a teaching position. He is past president of the Canadian-American Theological Association (2011–2014) and the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (2019–2021). Middleton’s research area is Old Testament theology with a focus on creation, suffering, and the ethics of power. He is the author of five books; the most recent are The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 (Brazos, 2005); A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology (Baker Academic, 2014); and Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021). He is currently working on two new books, one on the power dynamics between prophet and king in 1 Samuel and the other on the biblical worldview for our troubled times.

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 

Theologian and biblical scholar J. Richard Middleton joined us at Upper House on September 12, 2025. Middleton will explore the provocative question “Does God command immoral actions?” using the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) as a central example, inviting us to engage deeply with the moral and theological complexity of this foundational text.

J. Richard Middleton is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis, at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University, in Rochester, NY. A native of Jamaica, he immigrated to Canada for graduate studies and moved to the USA for a teaching position. He is past president of the Canadian-American Theological Association (2011–2014) and the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (2019–2021). Middleton’s research area is Old Testament theology with a focus on creation, suffering, and the ethics of power. He is the author of five books; the most recent are The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 (Brazos, 2005); A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology (Baker Academic, 2014); and Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021). He is currently working on two new books, one on the power dynamics between prophet and king in 1 Samuel and the other on the biblical worldview for our troubled times.

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 

Dr. Gavin Ortlund delivered a powerful and timely lecture titled “How to Be a Christian Witness for a Disenchanted World.” Drawing from theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Ortlund explored how Christians can offer hope in an age marked by spiritual emptiness and social isolation.

Disenchantment Defines Our Age

• Ortlund described the modern West as spiritually dry and emotionally disconnected, echoing thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Charles Taylor. Many today feel a deep, often unspoken sense of meaninglessness.

The Ache for Transcendence

• Beneath the distractions of modern life lies a longing for beauty, goodness, and something beyond ourselves. Ortlund called this “the ache”—a signal of our need for God.

Friendship as a Lost Virtue

• He highlighted the cultural loss of deep friendship, once considered the highest form of love. Restoring meaningful relationships is key to healing loneliness and despair.

Start with God’s Transcendence

• In sharing the Gospel, Ortlund urged us to begin not just with truth, but with the beauty and goodness of God—meeting people where they are in their search for meaning.

Resurrection as the Ultimate Hope

• The hope of Jesus’ resurrection transforms suffering into glory. It’s not just a comforting idea—it’s the foundation for a renewed life and a restored world.

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, author, speaker, and apologist for the Christian faith. He serves as the president of Truth Unites, visiting professor of historical theology at Phoenix Seminary, and theologian-in-residence at Immanuel Nashville. He is the author of several books, including The Art of Disagreeing, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t, and What It Means to Be Protestant. You can find his work at truthunites.org

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 

In this talk from our annual Baccalaureate Service, Pastor Matt Metzger shares insights on faith, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning into new life stages. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in God's eyes, especially during times of change and uncertainty. Through anecdotes from his experiences with athletes and personal stories, he encourages listeners to embrace life's curveballs and recognize God's unwavering presence and love.

Matt Metzger grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, while his wife Rachel grew up in Madison, attending Blackhawk Church from a very young age. They met at Wheaton College in Illinois, got married at Blackhawk in 1994, and then worked together in youth ministry at Matt’s home church in Ft. Lauderdale. Before moving to Madison, they served for three years at a high adventure ministry in Colorado.

Matt joined the Blackhawk staff in September 2000 as the College and Young Adult Pastor and began his role as Lead Pastor of Blackhawk Downtown in 2010. In July of 2021, Matt took on the role of Senior Pastor of Blackhawk Church. Rachel is on staff part-time with the Spiritual Formation team, serving as Next Steps Coordinator. They enjoy using their gym membership and staying active through doubles beach volleyball, wake surfing, pickleball, and hiking. Matt and Rachel are both big fans of UW sports. They love spending time with their daughters Hannah and Leah, but also have enjoyed the new adventure of becoming empty nesters.

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 

In this recorded talk from our annual Baccalaureate Service, Dr. Rick Lindroth shares insights on the importance of education, the legacy of the Morrill Act, and the essential practices for human flourishing. He emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, perseverance, and community building, while also addressing the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

Dr. Rick Lindroth is a Distinguished Fellow of the Lumen Center. He is also a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Ecology (emeritus) and former Associate Dean for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Lindroth’s research focused on ecology (including global change) of forest ecosystems. He taught courses in ecology and ecotoxicology. As Associate Dean for Research, he functioned as Chief Research Officer for the UW College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, with a ~$100 million/year research portfolio. He has been a Fulbright Fellow and is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Ecological Society of America, the Entomological Society of America, and the American Scientific Affiliation. Dr. Lindroth has authored/coauthored ~250 scientific articles and mentored hundreds of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students.

Currently, Dr. Lindroth speaks and writes to public and faith-based groups about environmental stewardship, climate change, biodiversity, and science denialism/communication. He has been interviewed for numerous podcasts and news outlets and profiled in The Washington Post and – most impressively – Trout magazine!

View Rick's slides!

This event was recorded live from Upper House on May 9, 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