Rev. Michael Dowd
Presentations for Churches and Other Christian Audiences
♦ Contact Michael
THE REV. MICHAEL DOWD is the author of Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World, which has been endorsed by six Nobel Prize-winning scientists and religious leaders across the spectrum. Uniquely gifted at bridging the liberal-conservative divide and speaking meaningfully to religious and non-religiuous audiences alike, Dowd is passionate about sharing the wonder and awe of the science-based history of the universe in ways that touch, move, and inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Michael and his wife, noted science writer Connie Barlow, have addressed more than a thousand groups since they began their full-time itinerant ministry in April 2002. In Christian settings, Rev. Dowd offers ways in which an understanding of the evolutionary sciences can deepen and strengthen faith and make core Christian doctrines truly relevant in modern times.
"Reality is my God and integrity is my religion. Scientific, historic, and cross-cultural evidence is the first place I go for divine guidance and inspiration — not ancient texts or mythic beliefs. My ultimate commitment is living in right relationship to reality and assisting others and our species in doing the same." — Michael Dowd
BIOGRAPHY OF REV. DOWD RESPONSES FROM RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND CONGREGANTS SERMON AND PROGRAM TITLES
♦ BRIEF BIOGRAPHY for INTRODUCING Michael Dowd at Christian events
Michael Dowd on ABC National News
February 2009
Dowd interviewed
on Fox & FriendsFive minute video interview on this Sunday morning nationwide talk show. Fox News hosts called his perspective "overdue." July 2009
"Video: Michael Dowd at Agape Center" On 17 June 2009, Rev. Dowd shared
his cosmic gospel message at the
Wednesday evening service of
Michael Beckwith's Agape Spiritual Center
in Culver City, CA. Three cameras
captured this 35-minute
dynamic message. The full video
is now available free online.
When you get to the page,
click the play arrow.)
Emerging Church Webcast The evangelical theOOZEtv interviews
Dowd on his evolutionary evangelism.July 2009
Michael Dowd was the keynote speaker for the annual College Day at Texas Wesleyan University, spring 2009. Click to read Faculty Praise of Michael's contribution.
Michael Dowd presented the Dekker Lecture at California Lutheran University in September 2011. Click to read Pre-event news report and a report on the event itself, which appeared in the regional newspaper and was titled, "Evolution doesn't have to clash with Christianity, author tells CLU crowd".
This 27-minute documentary, produced by New Hampshire's public television station, first aired in December 2010. The camera crew filmed Dowd at one of seven presentations he made during November 2010 at UCC and Congregational churches in New Hampshire.
"ONE-ON-ONE WITH MICHAEL DOWD"The documentary centers on an interview with Dowd that was conducted by the television team just before an event. Interspersed are fragments of Dowd during his actual presentation, along with excerpts of video made years ago (an obviously younger Dowd!) that are available on the Evolutionary Christianity DVD sold on this website.
You can freely access online the entire, hour-long digital program Michael used as the content for that evening, with his voice overlayed, by clicking here Evolutionize Your Life".
Sermon Titles and Descriptions
♦ MICHAEL'S NEWEST SERMON
Use any of these titles:
"Evidence As Modern-Day Scripture" "God Rebukes Religion: Repent of Twin Idolatries" "God's Back, Prophets Too: The Sacred Side of Science" "The Gospel According to Science" What is an evidence-based approach to good and evil, and how might religion become a force for systemic good in the world today?
How have the twin religious idolatries — "idolatry of the written word" and "idolatry of the otherworldly" — contributed to today's biggest problems? And what can we do?
Rev. Michael Dowd is the author of the bestselling, bridge-building book, Thank God for Evolution, which was endorsed by 6 Nobel laureates and other science luminaries, and by religious leaders across the spectrum.
SAMPLE RECENT SERMON AUDIOS:
2013: "God Is Back! (Prophets Too)
Evidence As Modern-Day Scripture"
First United Methodist Church of Boulder, CO
2013: "God Rebukes the Religious Right
Repent Or Face Hell and High Water"
Wellshire Presbyterian Church, Denver CO.
2012: "A Story Big Enough to Include Us All"
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, MN
2012: "The Evidential Reformation: Humanity Growing Up"
First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY
2011: "Beware Idolatry of the Written Word"
Unity Center of Davis, CA
2011: "Getting Real About God, Guidance, and Good News"
Darwin Day sermon at Countryside UCC, Omaha Nebraska
2011: "A Story Big Enough to Hold Us All"
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ft. Myers, FL
♦ MICHAEL'S SERMON ON CLIMATE CHANGEUse any of these titles:
"Science, Religion, and Intergenerational Evil" "Science, Religion, and Generational Justice" "God Rebukes Religious Right: Repent Or Face Hell and High Water"
America's evolutionary evangelist explores why climate change is a deeply moral concern. Calling attention to the "intergenerational injustice" of human-caused climate chaos, Michael Dowd urges churches to speak out and take action on this issue.
Rev. Michael Dowd is the author of the bestselling, bridge-building book, Thank God for Evolution, which was endorsed by 6 Nobel laureates and other science luminaries, and by religious leaders across the spectrum.
♦ "A STORY BIG ENOUGH TO INCLUDE US ALL"
For the first time, 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, and the new interdisciplinary field known as "big history," 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.).
♦ "STONE-AGE INSTINCTS / SPACE-AGE TEMPTATIONS"
By embracing evolution, theologically liberal congregations have a tremendous opportunity to bring the "good news" of Christian fellowship to wider (and younger!) communities. How? Because only through an evolutionary understanding of human nature can we hope to navigate, with joy and freedom, the unique challenges of modern life. Among the newest, especially for teens and twenty-somethings, are video gaming and internet porn. Thanks to evolution, we learn that there is nothing to be ashamed of in admitting and seeking help in recovering from unhealthy habits that can plunge us into substance and behavioral addictions. Quite simply, the instincts that well served our ancestors just a few centuries ago now all too easily lead us into temptations that devastate individuals and families. [Note: Michael Dowd's 2012 TEDx talk, "Why We Struggle Now" includes the core material that constitutes this message.]
♦ "THE NEW THEISM: KNOWING, NOT BELIEVING"
A new breed of theist is emerging in nearly every denomination and religion across the globe. The "new theists" differ from traditional theists in the same way that secular Jews differ from fundamentalist Jews. Most of us do value traditional religious language and rituals, and we certainly value community. We simply no longer interpret literally any of the otherworldly or supernatural-sounding language in our scriptures, creeds and doctrines. Indeed, evidence is our Scripture, integrity is our religion, and contributing toward a healthy future is our mission. [Note: This sermon is based on Dowd's 2012 Huffington Post blog by that title, which can be accessed here.]
Recommended HYMNS to accompany Michael's sermons:♦ "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" ♦ "God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale"
♦ "Stars and Planets Flung in Orbit" ♦ "We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky"
Michael's 2010 Memorial Weekend Sermon
at C3 Exchange, Spring Lake MichiganClick for sermon AUDIO or VIDEO of
"Deep-Time Remembering, Deep-Time Blessing
Michael's 2011 Father's Day Sermon
at First Congregational UCC,, Sheboygan WIClick for sermon AUDIO of
Michael's July 2012 sermon
at First Baptist Church of Painted Post, NYClick for sermon AUDIO of
"The Evidential Reformation:
REALizing God, Guidance, and Good News"
templates for
PUBLICITY FLIERS
Free follow-up presentation by Michael Dowd ALTERNATIVE TITLE: "Evidential Inspiration: Big History, Human Nature, and Death"
(90 minutes, for a weekday evening)Evolutionize Your Life:
Coming Home to RealityIn 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.
Michael Dowd's evening program is a dynamic oral, music, and multimedia presentation. He brings his own high-lumen, digital projector with him, as well as a large screen and extension cord. The only equipment he needs from the host facility is a handheld or clip-on microphone and one or two long tables for setting up resources for sale.
FREE ONLINE VIEWING
(Requires high-speed internet connection.)
♦ PUBLICITY PHOTOS ♦ TEMPLATES FOR PUBLICITY FLIERS
♦ Contact Michael
Thank God for Evolution book website Rev. Dowd's Huffington Post blog
Michael's PODCAST INTERVIEWS
with "Evolving Faith" leaders
published in 2008
"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_______________________________________________________________________________________
"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
"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
Read statements of PRAISE and GRATITUDE from Christian ministers and church leaders. LEFT: Dowd at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, PA (2009)
"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
"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.
1. "Sacred Story" video audio only2. "More Meaning" video audio only
3. "What Moses Knew" video audio only
4. "14 billion Years" video audio only
5. "The Gospel as Bigger" video audio only
6. "Speaking of God" video audio only
7. "Who Are We?" video audio only
8. "Community Creativity" video audio only
AUDIO & VIDEO clips of
CORE CHRISTIAN CONCEPTS
8. "The Gospel" video audio only9. "Sin" video audio only
10. "Original Sin" video audio only
11. Salvation" video audio only
12. "A God's Eye View" video audio only
13. "Faith" video audio only
14. "Resurrection" video audio only
15. "The Cross" video audio only
16. To Follow Jesus" video audio only
17. "The Way" video audio only
18. "Worshiping God" video audio only
NEW PODCAST EPISODE: "Evidential Wisdom For Episode 37 of "America's Evolutionary Evangelists" podcast series, Michael Dowd is interviewed for Blog Talk Radio by Richard Brendan. Topics of this 50-minute program include: the evolutionary value of religions, how all religions necessarily are evolving, the "evidential wisdom" of science (science as humanity's "global collective intelligence"), science as "public revelation," and the distinction between "practical truth" (carried forward by all long-standing religions) and "factual truth" (the unique contribution of science). (posted December 2012)
Responses from Religious Leaders: http://www.thankgodforevolution.com/node/1532
Responses from Science Leaders: http://www.thankgodforevolution.com/node/1460
LOCAL PUBLICITY: ♦NEWS archive 
Michael Dowd's evening program is a dynamic oral, music, and multimedia presentation. He brings his own high-lumen, digital projector with him, as well as a large screen and extension cord. The only equipment he needs from the host facility is a handheld or clip-on microphone and one or two long tables for setting up resources for sale.
♦ LONGER BIOGRAPHY OF REV. DOWD
♦ BRIEF BIOGRAPHY for INTRODUCING Michael Dowd at Christian events
Scheduling Presentations and Fees
Michael is passionate about these topics. For guest sermons he gratefully accepts whatever compensation a congregation typically offers guest ministers.
In addition, Michael likes to present a FREE powerpoint, evening talk during the week immediately following the Sunday service. We carry our own portable screen and high-lumen digital projector to use for the evening follow-up program, so the only thing you need to provide is an adequate room and voice amplification. Because book and DVD sales following the presentation are usually substantial (we make the table self-serve, so no assistance is required for that either), we suggest you publicize the event as FREE (or on a love offering basis) and consider it as an opportunity to attract newcomers from the wider community.
FOR LARGER VENUES, especially those that require him to travel by air, we are happy to negotiate fees that will work for your group.
Rev. Dowd generally schedules appearances on a region-by-region basis to minimize transportation time, costs, and energy. To learn when Michael will be in your region, click for his YEAR AT A GLANCE ITINERARY.
Michael and Connie's itinerant lifestyle is made possible by a commitment to voluntary simplicity and the generosity of those who open up their homes to them for a few days or longer. Depending on whether we are also presenting for other organizations in your town or city, we may ask you to locate HOME HOSPITALITY for us for the night preceding a morning service or that follows an evening workshop. Click here for a handy list of information on our HOME HOSPITALITY needs. We intend this list to supply prospective hosts with all the information they need to feel comfortable in extending us an invitation.
DVDs of Michael's performances (which you may freely copy).
