Upper House Commons Events
Upper House Commons hosts more than 30 events each year. While we want our guests to experience our events in-person, we know some of our audience is not in the Madison area.
Episodes
69 episodes
Rebuilding Trust in a Polarized World | Dr. Rick Lindroth
If facts alone can't change minds, what can? Closing his three-part Friday Night Lecture series, Dr. Rick Lindroth shifts from diagnosis to action — offering a practical framework for restoring public trust in science across a fractured cultura...
The Psychology of Science Denial | Dr. Rick Lindroth
Why do smart, good-faith people reject well-established science? In this second installment of his Friday Night Lecture series at Upper House, Dr. Rick Lindroth turns from the history of American science to the psychology behind its rejection. ...
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....
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 m...
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 y...
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...
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 ...
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 guidanc...
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 guidanc...
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, T...
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 ...
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...
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 sh...
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 sh...
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 sh...
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.” —JeskeWe gathered at Upper House on December 4, 2025, for an e...
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 pu...
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 pu...
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 pu...
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 opportunit...
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 histo...
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 ...
Does God Command Immoral Actions? | Lecture 1
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 cent...
Does God Command Immoral Actions? | Lecture 2
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 cent...
Does God Command Immoral Actions? | Lecture 3
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 cent...
