Author Michael Dowd, “America’s evolutionary evangelist,” will discuss how
Michael Dowd
understanding evolution can be the basis for a deeply inspiring and meaningful view of our place in the cosmos at a Community Forum in Newbury Park on Wednesday, Sept. 7.
His multimedia presentation, titled “Evolutionize Your Inspiration: Right Relationship to Reality in the 21st Century,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Newbury Park.
The presentation will cover the major themes of Dowd’s 2008 book, “Thank God for Evolution,” and is similar to a program he delivered at the United Nations in 2009. He discusses how a sacred, science-based understanding of human nature, death and the trajectory of big history can offer a realistically hopeful and inspiring vision of the future. He also offers practical tools for growing in right relationship to reality that can enrich and even transform one’s life and interactions.
The author seeks to reach the broadest possible audience with his impassioned discussion of physical, biological and cultural evolution – and what it means for the world our grandchildren will inherit.
His book has been endorsed by six Nobel Prize-winning scientists, religious leaders from a wide spectrum, and even noted skeptics and atheists.
In his talks, Dowd explores how instincts humans have inherited through millions of years of evolution served our ancestors well, but are not particularly well-suited to our supercharged modern world. He maintains that a better understanding of those instincts can help us overcome bad habits, self-defeating behaviors and needless guilt.
The author addresses concerns that some Christians have about whether evolution is compatible with their Bible-based beliefs. He describes himself as once traditionally religious and now a “born-again evolutionary evangelist.”
Dowd was a United Church of Christ minister for nine years and is a graduate of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia. He received his B.A. degree in biblical studies and philosophy from Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. (affiliated with the Assemblies of God).
Following his pastoral work, he became involved in sustainability issues. Since April 2002, Dowd and his wife, science writer Connie Barlow, have lived entirely on the road, and have addressed more than 1,500 religious and secular groups across North America.
The Community Forum is free and open to the public; donations will be accepted. Dowd will sign copies of his book following the presentation.
The Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is at 3327 Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park, near the Wendy Drive exit of U.S. 101. For information, call (805) 374-9818 or visit www.forum.cvuuf.org.