Esmond Dowdy - Worship for postmodern times

‘Postmodern’ is a word used to describe major changes in the underlying ways people think, especially the way they view truth and reality.  For example, many Progressive Christians have left behind the paradigm of Supernatural Theism ― the concept of a God out there, who can be invoked to intervene in human activities.  But if we have truly left the old paradigm behind, then the words we use in worship will reflect this, and be congruent with new understandings.

We have a lot of catching up to do ― old habits and old expressions die hard.  This session will incorporate ideas for bringing the language of worship up to date, to be both relevant and authentic in postmodern times.

Tonight's speaker, Esmond Dowdy, was initially a secondary teacher in maths, science and predominantly year 12 biology, then trained at Parkin-Wesley College, and was ordained in
1973. He ministered in city and country parishes, then in a ‘worker priest’model, earning his own income, and serving the church in a voluntary capacity. He was Manager: Student Services at UniSA for 30 years across a range of service areas (careers, chaplaincy, child-care, counselling, disability, overseas students, study skills and welfare services).

He and Meredith, his wife of 55 years, have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. He is passionate about refugee support, Progressive Christianity, social justice, gardening and travel.