Best-selling author, ecologist, TEDx speaker bridges science-religion gap
With hurricanes wreaking havoc one after the other and wildfires raging out West, Mother Nature is certainly making headlines, no matter what side of the climate change question one falls. But the idea that ecology is connected to theology may come as a surprise.
Yet, that is exactly what Rev. Michael Dowd, pro-future evangelist, eco-theologian, TEDx speaker and best-selling author of "Thank God for Evolution" (endorsed by six Nobel Prize-winning scientists and dozens of religious leaders) is urging audiences and readers to consider.
In a three-part, multimedia lecture series Nov. 3-4, Dowd will emphasize not only that climate is changing, but changing in chaotic ways that cannot be denied and must be urgently addressed. It will be offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Koten Chapel in Kiekhofer Hall on the North Central College campus, 329 E. School St. in Naperville.
"Ecology must become the heart of theology," claims Dowd. The belief that humankind is the central, most important element of existence (anthropocentrism) "has led us to betray the future because we've dishonored primary reality by defiling the climate, forests, soils, seas, and life upon which we and our grandchildren depend." He asks, provocatively, "How is it not obvious that 'unsustainable' is just a bland and deceptive word for evil?".
While sobering, Dowd's series (entitled "The Way Home for the Prodigal Species") is not a scare tactic, but a lesson in active hope. According to Dowd, we are now in the unavoidable early stages of what he calls the Great Reckoning. But we can shift from human-centered to life-centered measures of progress and success and, once again, become integral members of the community of life. This, asserts the self-proclaimed "apocaloptimist," is the Great Homecoming.
A proponent of Big History, encompassing all of life from the Big Bang through the present day, Dowd believes that science and religion must work together for humanity to survive the 21st century.
Dowd and his wife, noted science writer and fellow climate activist Connie Barlow, have been speaking for the past 15 years to more than 2,200 secular and religious audiences across North America. The couple has gone far and wide in bridging the gap between liberals and conservatives, skeptics and believers. His view that "ecology is the heart of theology" has given thousands a message of hope and a mission of purpose.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Lectures are not "repeats" of one another, but three parts of a single series:
• Reality 101: The Big Picture - Deep Time Wisdom and Dark Optimism
• Sacred Limits 101: Deep Sustainability - Energy, Economics, Human Nature, and Death
• Legacy 101: Faithful to the Future - Honoring Our Grief and Engaging in Great Work
Attendance at all three is recommended. Please reserve at DNiswonger25@aol.com (noting "Dowd" in the subject line) or (630) 416-8393.
This event is sponsored by Progressive Christians at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville.