♦ "A STORY BIG ENOUGH TO INCLUDE US ALL"
For the first time, says Dowd, an understanding of reality is emerging that draws on the talents and insights of individuals of all ethnicities, all religious traditions, and all regions of the globe. Thanks to the discoveries of modern science, we now have a story big enough to include us all. This sermon is based on Dowd's contributed chapter (by this title) in the 2010 edited volume, The Whole World Kin: Darwin and the Spirit of Liberal Religion (Skinner House Books, F. Muir, ed.).
♦ "THE NEW ATHEISTS AS GOD'S PROPHETS?"
Alternative title: "Thank God for the New Atheists!"
AUDIO of 2010 sermon by this titie, delivered by Dowd at
People's Church (Unitarian Universalist), Ludington MI
Rev. Dowd, whose work has been celebrated by Nobel prize-winning scientists and religious leaders alike, will share with us perhaps his most challenging prescription for how religions must evolve to best serve the needs of individuals, groups, and the planet in the 21st century. Dowd will reframe the proclamations of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and the other so-called New Atheists not as anti-religious rants, but as prophetic urgings. "Prophets historically were those who saw what was real, sensed what was emerging, and issued a word of warning to their people," asserts Dowd. That warning was "come into right relationship with Reality or else." Right relationship with reality today, Dowd says, requires our species "to mature from belief-based to evidence-based inspiration and guidance." For a preview of what Dowd will speak about, visit his blog or learn about his book at http://ThankGodforEvolution.com and his podcasts at http://TheGreatStory.org/podcast.html
♦ "GRATITUDE: AN EVOLUTIONARY CELEBRATION"
Alternative title: "Deep-Time Guidance, Real-Time Gratitude"
AUDIO
of 2009 sermon by this title, delivered by Dowd at Unity of Bellevue, WA
Scientific discoveries are fascinating for revealing the magnificence of Earth and Cosmos, but can they also help us cultivate our spirituality? In this dynamic and soul-filled presentation, Rev. Dowd draws upon sciences as diverse as paleontology, astrophysics, geology, and evolutionary brain science to help us nurture a grateful heart.
♦ "THANK GOD FOR EVOLUTION"
Alternative title: "The Gospel According to Science: Evolutionary Good News"
AUDIO
of 2008 sermon by this title, delivered by Dowd at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX
Mainstream sciences offer a "deep-time" perspective that enriches faith in God / trust in Reality, claims Rev. Dowd — whose 2008 book, Thank God for Evolution, has been endorsed by scientists (including Nobel laureates), a full spectrum of religious leaders, and even noted skeptics.
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templates for
PUBLICITY FLIERS
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Free follow-up presentation by Michael Dowd
(90 minutes, for a weekday evening)Evolutionize Your Life:
Heaven Is Coming Home to Reality
ALTERNATIVE TITLE: "Deep Time Wisdom: An Inspiring Vision of Humanity's Future"
In this dynamic multimedia presentation, Rev. Michael Dowd covers the major themes of his 2008 book, Thank God for Evolution, which received endorsements from six Nobel Prize-winning scientists, religious leaders across the spectrum, and even skeptics. Come learn how our modern understanding of this 14 billion year old Universe, as given by mainstream science, can strengthen and deepen faith, while providing realistic hope for for the future.
♦ Michael Dowd and his wife, science writer Connie Barlow, have been called "America's evolutionary evangelists". Since April 2002 they have lived entirely on the road, visiting churches, colleges, and other institutions across the USA.
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♦ PUBLICITY PHOTOS
♦ TEMPLATES FOR PUBLICITY FLIERS
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published in 2008
full list of endorsements
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"Michael Dowd has produced a thoughtful, timely, challenging — and readable — synthesis of science and spirituality in the spirit of Thomas Berry and Teilhard de Chardin. There is much here for all of us to ponder as we look for solid reasons for ethical aspiration in the 21st Century."
— John F. Haught, Distinguished Professor of Theology, Georgetown University
"Reveals that spirituality is not only compatible with a science-based worldview; it is integral to it."
— Rev. Jim Burklo, author of Open Christianity, Founder of The Center for Progressive Christianity
"For Catholics who are worried that evolution has nothing to offer them but random Godlessness, this is the book to get. Take courage--and read it!"
— Chris Corbally, SJ, Vice Director of the Vatican Observatory
"Thank God for Michael Dowd! How wonderful that a pastor shows how religious inspiration can be drawn from contemplating evolution and the beauty and diversity of the living world." — Francisco Ayala, past president, American Association for the Advancement of Science, author of Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion
"Like orphans reunited, spirituality and evolution come face to face in this daring book."
— Spencer Burke, TheOoze.com (evangelical), author of A Heretic's Guide to Eternity
"A step toward that ultimate truth in which both religion and science will be reconciled."
— Bishop John Shelby Spong, author of Jesus for the Non-Religious
"A powerful book, a passionate book, a needed book, and a necessary book."
— Matthew Fox, author of Original Blessing and Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet
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"The universe took 13.7 billion years to produce this amazing book. I heartily recommend it. I am often asked how science and religion can co-exist. This is a wonderful answer."
—John Mather, NASA Senior Astrophysicist, 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics
"Honest students of God should welcome the revelations of science as insights, not fear them as threats. Here is a book in that spirit by Christian minister who takes evolution to heart, and celebrates it."
— Frank Wilczek, 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics
"If anyone can persuade a monotheist that the science of evolution—biological, geological, or cosmological—can enrich his or her faith, I'm betting on Michael Dowd."
— Thomas C. Schelling, 2005 Nobel Prize in Economics
"The science vs. religion debate is over. Michael Dowd masterfully unites rationality and spirituality in a world view that celebrates the mysteries of existence and inspires each human being to achieve a higher purpose in life. A must read for all, including scientists."
— Craig Mello, 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine
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"This book is indeed about the marriage between science and religion and the bright offspring of their union. Filled with well-organized material and exercises, Mr. Dowd's book could almost be a textbook for a class in creation theology and spirituality." — National Catholic Reporter, 3 October 2008 Book Review
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"How can I thank you enough? Sunday was phenomenal! People loved Michael and thought he was smart, charismatic, and thought provoking."— Lori Nelson, administrator of adult religious education programs at Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco
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"The relief you provided for both of my sons"
(excerpts from an email following a program by Michael Dowd in 2008 at a Catholic church in southern Wisconsin):
"Dear Michael: Thank you for the absolutely great talk you gave last night. I am most happy about the relief you provided for both of my sons who attended. They have worried about what will happen to them when they die — perhaps too many fundamentalist views floating around landed on their heads and became fact. I have struggled with helping them. Last night you really helped them to see things differently and gave them a sense of relief about their own salvation.
"Prior to your talk, my 15 year old son couldn't let himself believe in evolution because he wanted to believe in the biblical teachings. He thought if he believed in evolution he couldn't really believe in God. But now he tells me that evolution makes sense where the biblical teachings were questionable. You helped him to connect the dots. Now he can believe in both. He now feels free to trust his instincts about God and not worry about it anymore.
"My 13 year old son picked up the Jesus loves Darwin fishes bumper sticker at your book table after your talk. He now has it hanging above his bed. He says he looks up at it at night and smiles because he is not afraid anymore."
VIDEO & AUDIO Clips
We suggest you listen to / watch these clips in order. Total TIME about 12 minutes.
AUDIO & VIDEO clips of
CORE CHRISTIAN CONCEPTS
