Events
Forming hearts and minds in community
The Michigan Christian Study Center exists to connect Christian faith and academic life at the University of Michigan. Toward that end, the Center hosts events throughout the year for the various groups we seek to serve. Some are one-time drop-in events that do not require registration, while other request participants to register in advance. You’ll find all those details below. Questions? Email us at info@MichiganCSC.org
Questioning Everything, Finding Faith: A Professor’s Story of Doubt, Faith, and the Risks of Conversion
If you found a truth that promised to change your life, would you have the courage to follow it? In this Veritas Forum event at Michigan, hear from historian and journalist Molly Worthen (UNC-Chapel Hill) as she discusses the most radical pivot of her life: becoming a Christian after years of religious skepticism.
Moderated by professor Thad Polk, you’ll hear Molly’s story of journeying from doubt to faith followed by substantial audience question and response time. Bring your curious—or skeptical—questions about faith, conversion, and the purpose of life. RSVP to the right!
Welcoming the Stranger? Religious Perspectives and Practices in Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement
Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Melissa Borja, Associate Professor of American Studies, University of Michigan and Ms. Sofia Ortiz (MSW, University of Michigan), Program Officer for Global Refuge in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Is AI a Friend?
As society becomes increasingly atomized and social media the default environment for news, friendship, and even romantic relationships, the Harvard Business Review reports that 1 in 3 Gen Z have used AI for personal advice, including “advice about relationships or life decisions”, 1 in 4 have used AI as a friend, and even 1 in 10 have turned to AI for romantic solace. In such an environment, how do we understand ourselves not only as humans, but as beings inherently created …
MCSC Student Lunch Series - Faith and Science: Friends or Rivals? - Dave Brzezinski
Have you ever struggled to reconcile faith and science? Have you wondered, for example, whether belief in Genesis is compatible with evolution? This week's Friday lunch speaker, Dave Brzezinski, serves as Lecturer in Anatomical Sciences at the U of M. Dave will discuss his own personal journey as a Christian and scientist and provide helpful insights for how to reconcile faith and science.
A Christian Historian Asks: Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?
As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the religious dimensions of America's origins are being widely discussed and debated. In the Center's kickoff event for 2026, historian John Fea will examine 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.
MCSC Student Lunch Series - Thinking Christianly: Student Perspectives
For our kickoff Friday lunch this week, we'll hear from students themselves--Natalie Mouw and Brady Nichols--as they discuss what it means to "think Christianly" as a student here at the U of M.
Does Rural America Have a Future? Pathways to Renewal
Over the last century, there has been a significant re-centering of the U.S. population as cities and suburbs continue to grow and small towns die, and family farms are consolidated into agribusinesses. How do we make sense of the changes that are taking place in rural America economically, culturally, politically, and spiritually? Is a future flourishing of rural life and culture in America possible, and if so, what role might Christianity play?
MCSC October Community Event - Promise or Peril? How Stories Guide Technology and Will Shape Its Future
Are digital technology and AI leading us toward a better world, or are they profound threats to humanity’s future? Our answers to these questions stem from deeper assumptions and narratives about the nature of the world. This interactive event will explore the various stories that shape humanity’s view of technology, and suggest ways that the Christian story might guide us towards more responsible technology.
The Dignity of Dependence
Join us for a special event with guest speaker, Leah Libresco Sargeant, author of the new book The Dignity of Dependence, as she explores the intersection of medicine and metaphysics. What does it mean to look at weakness and see it as profoundly human? How can we value and strive for health without being tempted to discard the dependent?
MCSC September Community Event - The University and the Pursuit of Truth
The Center is excited to welcome Provost Laurie McCauley to this year's initial Community Event. Over the past century, American universities have led the world in the advancement of knowledge. In today’s contentious and politicized environment, however, is it still possible for public universities to foster the rigorous pursuit of truth? If so, how? This interactive session will explore these questions from a variety of institutional perspectives.
Parent and Family Open House
Students, invite your parents and family to our open house from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. The building will be open for tours and we’ll have light refreshments for you and your guests to enjoy. Email heidi@michigancsc.org if you have any questions.
MCSC Friday Lunch Series - Abdu Murray
Abdu Murray is a Michigan Alumnus, speaker, author, and attorney who specializes in addressing issues where religious faith and emerging cultural trends intersect and collide. Since founding Embrace the Truth ministry in 2004, Abdu has spent decades analyzing how the major religious and nonreligious thought traditions have attempted to address emerging cultural issues.
MCSC Friday Lunch Series - Dr. Rick Ostrander
Join us for the first Friday lunch of the academic year. Our executive director, Dr. Rick Ostrander, will discuss what it means to think Christianly.