The Sacred Side of Science: A Scientific View of God and Why This Matters on an Overheating Planet

ISTHMUS PICK

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God is great, god is green: Following a screening of Journey of the Universe, environmental activist, author and minister Michael Dowd will speak on “The Sacred Side of Science: A Scien-tific View of God and Why This Matters on an Overheating Planet.”

press release:

An environmental activist, author and minister, Michael Dowd, will be the guest lecturer at an environmentally-themed event on Saturday, September 19th at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Dowd will be speaking on "The Sacred Side of Science: A Scientific View of God and Why This Matters on an Overheating Planet."  

Dowd combines evolutionary science with spirituality to provide insights on the nature of God and the universe and challenges us to develop a greater appreciation for creation and to take better care of it. He is particularly interested in global threats to our planet, including climate change.  

Dowd is author of the book, Thank God for Evolution. The book builds bridges, provides guidance, and restores realistic hope for virtually everyone, regardless of belief or worldview.  

“We are excited to welcome Rev. Dowd and his science writer wife, Connie Barlow, back to Madison,” said John Stolzenberg, a member of the church's Green Team which is sponsoring the event. Dowd and Barlow were last in Madison in 2008.  

A film, Journey of the Universe, will be shown first to set the stage for Dowd's presentation. The film narrates the 14-billion year history of the universe's development, weaving science and humanities in a new way that nurtures a comprehensive sense of mystery and awe over life's complexity while showing the critical role of humans for the flourishing of the Earth community.

Journey was produced by evolutionary philosopher Brian Thomas Swimme and historian of religions, Mary Evelyn Tucker, at the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology.

In addition to the film and lecture, a children's workshop with teaching artist Marti Gobel will be held for children during the adult forum. Child care will be available for younger children.

The event, held at 203 Wisconsin Ave., will start at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m.  Cost is $10 for adults and $15.00 for families. Advance registration is recommended via the website, http://fumc.org; click on the Green Team tab on the bottom right of the page.