WINTER SERIES 2026: EXPLORING AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY

For this first round of talks, we’re exploring the history and beliefs surrounding Christianity in America and how it influences our culture, language and politics.

The views expressed during these lectures are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Hilgermann Center. All organizers, speakers and participants are expected to remain civil and respectful when engaging with these topics.

Recordings of these lectures are available upon request by reaching out to us here.

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SESSION 1 | INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION
November 18, 7PM | Nate Sheppard

Filmmaker, linguist and former pastor Nate Sheppard will provide a broad overview of the Christian religion (history, varying beliefs, religious symbols, etc) to better situate ourselves in this current American moment.

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SESSION 2 | CHRISTENDOM: CHRISTIANITY AS A STATE RELIGION
December 16, 7PM | Andrea Sheppard

Music teacher and Bible academic Andrea Sheppard will give a brief overview of how Christianity as a state religion in Rome relates to the current ideas of “the separation of church and state” in America.

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SESSION 3 | GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES: HOW WE READ THE BIBLE
January 6, 7PM | Myles Alexander

With a background in architecture, community development, and ministry, Myles Alexander will illustrate how our experiences of music, visual art, and texts like the Bible can change us and lead us to new experiences.

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TROUBLE WITH WORDS: HOW LANGUAGE SHAPES US
February 3, 7PM | Nate Sheppard

Nate Sheppard will close out this series with an examination of how disagreements in culture are related to a lack of shared definitions of words, leading us to argue past each other without realizing it.