About Steven
Steven Ogden
Dr Steven Ogden is the Principal of St Francis Theological College and Executive Director of the Ministry Education Commission, Brisbane. He is an academic associate with Charles Sturt University and a Business Ambassador for South Australia, appointed by the Premier of South Australia. He is formerly Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide.
Contact: email@stevenogden.com
Steven writes on religion and experience and the relationship between church and culture. Currently, he is developing a book on love as the horizon for addressing existential and ethical issues.
Steven’s latest publication is I Met God in Bermuda: Faith in the Twenty First Century, (Winchester, UK; Washington, USA: O Books, 2009). This is a popular work that spells out a contemporary basis for faith that recognizes the complexities of life. In the process, he makes a rigorous critique of religious fundamentalism as a means of highlighting an alternative life-giving Christian tradition. Last year, he published an academic work The Presence of God in the World: A Contribution to Postmodern Christology based on the Theologies of Paul Tillich and Karl Rahner, (Bern: Peter Lang AG, 2007).
Married to Anne, who is a counselor and hospital chaplain. They have 3 adult sons, one living in Bermuda. Steven’s specialty is communicating the faith (once called apologetics). This can be seen in his public speaking and writing. He has worked with leaders in politics, business and the arts. He has mentored community leaders. He addresses community groups on issues ranging from ethics to religion. He has been a social and religious affairs commentator on radio. In Adelaide, he was convener of The Green Cathedral Project and a founding member of the advisory board of the University of Adelaide’s Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability.
Life is complex and there are no simple answers. Nevertheless, Steven is convinced that an inclusive understanding of the Christian tradition has much to offer, providing that people of good will and good faith are willing to take risks, in the name of compassion and the spirit of hope.