Prof Matthew C. Ogilvie

B.Th., M.Th. (SCD), Ph.D. (Syd)
Professor

Email: matthew.ogilvie@nd.edu.au
Phone: 08 9433 0148

  • Biography

    Professor Matthew Ogilvie holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Sydney College of Divinity (1990 & 1992) and a PhD in theology from the University of Sydney (1996). Professor Ogilvie taught at Australian Catholic University and the Catholic Institute of Sydney. During 2003 he was a postdoctoral research fellow at Boston College. Between 2003 and 2009 he taught at the University of Dallas where he also served as Director of Philosophy & Letters and Coordinator of Online Education for University of Dallas School of Ministry.

    He has a number of publications reflecting his wide theological interests, which include systematic theology, religion and science, religion and terrorism. In 2001 Marquette University Press published his first book Faith Seeking Understanding: The Functional Specialty 'Systematics' in Bernard Lonergan's Method in Theology.

    In 2008 Professor Ogilvie was made an academic fellow of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), which enabled him to travel to Israel to study counter-terrorism.

    In addition to his academic publications, Professor Ogilvie has engaged a variety of audiences in churches, schools, professional organisations, and in the mass media. He has also served as a consultant on online education in Australia, North America and the Middle East.

    In his "spare time," Professor Ogilvie is a self-defense instructor and a venomous snake catcher for WA Parks and Wildlife. He is Chair of Friends of Israel (WA) and active in political policy development. He recently completed a professional certificate in leadership and communication through Harvard University.

  • Teaching areas

    • Systematic Theology
    • Science and Theology
    • Catholic Intellectual Tradition

  • Research expertise and supervision

    • Systematic Theology
    • Theological Methodology
    • Science and Theology
    • Teaching and Learning Theology Online
    • Religion and Terrorism
    • Philosophy of Religion/Theology

  • Books

    • Faith Seeking Understanding: The Functional Specialty "Systematics" in Bernard Lonergan's Method in Theology. Marquette University Press. Published November 2001. Reprinted 2002.
    • (Editor), Australian Lonergan Workshop II. Sydney: Novum Organum Press. 2002
    • Teaching and Learning Theology in the Online Environment, Perth: Novum Organum. 2015.
    • Christian Faith, Race Ideology and Radicalisation, Perth Novum Organum. 2016
    • A Catholic University in the Kimberley: Reflections on a Catholic Identity. Sydney, The Lonergan Centre, 2018

  • Book chapters

    • "Lonergan and Encounter with Australian Indigenous Culture," in Cecilia Francisco-Tan (ed) "Meeting the Challenges of Today (Australian Lonergan Workshop IV), Adelaide, ATF Press 2023.
    • "Towards a Situation of Bernard Lonergan in Relation to Other Theologians," in Cecilia Francisco-Tan (ed) "Meeting the Challenges of Today (Australian Lonergan Workshop IV), Adelaide, ATF Press 2023.
    • "The Superhero and the Hero's Journey: From Kierkegaard and Nietzsche to Lonergan," in Cecilia Francisco-Tan (ed) "Meeting the Challenges of Today (Australian Lonergan Workshop IV), Adelaide, ATF Press 2023.
    • "1968 and the Internationalisation of Terorrism", in T Gourlay and D Mathys (eds), 1968: Culture and Counterculture (Wipf & Stock, 2020)
    • "The Rejected Subject: Two Examples," in Australian Lonergan Workshop III, The Lonergan Centre, Sydney, 2019.
    • "Challenges to Truth Today," in Australian Lonergan Workshop III, The Lonergan Centre, Sydney, 2019.
    • "What is the Truth that Sets Us Free?" in Australian Lonergan Workshop III, The Lonergan Centre, Sydney, 2019
    • "Lonergan on Analogy," in Chloe Taddei-Ferretti (ed) Going Beyond Essentialism: Bernard F. Lonergan, an Atypical Neo-Scholastic. Naples (Italy), Istituto Italiano Per Gli Studi Filosofici. (2012).
    • "Religion is Easily Exploited by Extremist Groups," in Karen F. Balkin (ed), Opposing Viewpoints: Extremist Groups (OVPEG). Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. (2005)
    • "What is Intellectual Conversion?" in Ogilvie and Danaher (eds), Australian Lonergan Workshop II . Sydney: Novum Organum Press. 2002, 31-47.
    • "Charles Darwin, 140 Years On: A Work in Progress/Evolution" in Ogilvie and Danaher (eds), Australian Lonergan Workshop II Sydney: Novum Organum Press. 2002, 201-212.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • "Antisemitism in Catholic Theology and Its Effect on the Holy See's Relationship With Israel." Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, 2023. DOI: 10.1080/23739770.2023.2221549
    • "Teaching Theology Online," Australian EJournal of Theology, Issue 13 (2009).
    • "Teaching Evolution at a Catholic University: the influence of ex Corde Ecclesiae." (co-authored with Margaret Brown-Marsden.) The Forum on Public Policy. 4.1(2008):9-14.
    • "New Evolutionary Theory and Catholic Theology," Australian EJournal of Theology Easter ed. (2006)
    • The Meaning of "Aggiornamento," editorial in Aggiornamento: Journal of the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies, 2:1(2005)
    • "Light to the Nations: The People of God and their Servants," Aggiornamento: Journal of the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies, 2:1(2005)
    • "New Evolutionary Theory and Catholic Theology," Aggiornamento: Journal of the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies, 1.2 (2004)
    • "The Power of the Passion: Exploring Mel Gibson's 'Heart of Darkness'," Australian EJournal of Theology, Issue 3 (2004)
    • "Is the Catechism enough? A Theological Perspective on Using the Catechism in Education " Compass: A Review of Topical Theology." 38 (2004)
    • "Nothing but the Truth? A Systematic Theological Perspective on Using the Catechism in Education," Australian EJournal of Theology, Issue 2 (2004)
    • "In-spiration or Ex-Spritation: The Fundamentalist Doctrine of Biblical Inspiration." Australian EJournal of Theology, Issue 1 (2003).
    • "Can a Christian be a Darwinian? A Review essay on Michael Ruse's 'Can a Darwinian be a Christian?'" Theology @ McAuley, Issue 2, Brisbane: Australian Catholic University, 2002.
    • "Who Was Bernard Lonergan?" (Revised Version.) The Lonergan Web Site 2002.
    • "Children of a White God: A Study of Racist "Christian" Theologies, Human Nature Daily Review, October, 2001, 1:1-27
    • "Review of Maurice Ryan's, Foundations of Religious Education in Catholic Schools," Australian Religious Studies Review, 10(1998).
    • "Fundamentalism and Biblical Literalism," Interlogue, 8(1997): 69-79.
    • "The Importance of Experience: An Opportunity for Clarification," Compass: Review of Topical Theology, 31(1997): 37-41.

  • Conference papers

    • "Biblical Fundamentalism and its Rejection of the New Organon," Australian Lonergan Workshop, Melbourne, 2023.
    • "Bernard Lonergan, Catholic Social Teaching and Lessons from Australian Aboriginal Culture," Australian Lonergan Workshop, Melbourne, 2021.
    • "The Rejected Subject," Australian Lonergan Workshop, Melbourne, 2019.
    • “The PLO and the internationalisation of terrorism.” 1968: Five Decades On (Conference of the Dawson Society). Perth, July 2018.
    • "The Truth Shall set You Free (The Thomas V Daly Oration), Australian Lonergan Workshop, Melbourne, 2017.
    • The Neglected Subject and Fundamentalism. Australian Lonergan Workshop, 2015.
    • Vatican II on the Church, past vision and future possibilities." University of Dallas Ministry Conference. October, 2009.
    • "Pope John Paul II on Science and Theology." Invited paper for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, March 2009.
    • "The Religious Foundations of Modern Terrorism." University of Dallas Ministry Conference. October, 2008.
    • "Lonergan on Analogy." Invited paper delivered at the Italian Institute of Philosophical Studies. Naples (Italy) May, 2008
    • "Catholic Teaching on Evolution." Given at the panel presentation "Evolution and Creationism: Scientific and Religious Perspectives." University of Dallas, March 2008.
    • "On the Study and Teaching of Evolution in Catholic Universities." Co-Authored with Biology Professor Margaret Brown-Marsden. Oxford Round Table, July, 2007.
    • "Teaching Theology Online: Technological and Pedagogical Issues in Globalizing Theological Education." Australian Catholic Theological Association Conference, (Melbourne), July 2007.
    • "A Catholic Response to Same-Sex Marriage," The State of Our Unions: Symposium on Same-Sex Marriage, University of Texas Law School, (Austin,) March 2005.
    • "New Evolutionary Theory and Catholic theology." Australian Catholic Theological Association Conference, (Melbourne), July 2004.
    • "Sociobiology's challenge – a theological evaluation." Australian Catholic Theological Association Conference (Sydney,) July 2001.
    • "A Lonergan critique of evolutionary psychology and its theological implications." Australian Lonergan Workshop, (Melbourne), April 2001.
    • "Darwin and the Theology of Reconciliation." Australian Catholic Theological Association Conference, (Melbourne), July 2000.
    • "Creator-Father? Charles Darwin and the Fatherhood of God." Australian Catholic Theological Association Conference, (Sydney) July 1999.
    • "Charles Darwin -- 140 years on." Australian Lonergan Workshop, (Sydney), April 1999.
    • "What is Intellectual Conversion?" Australian Lonergan Workshop, (Sydney), April 1997.

  • Recorded or rendered works

    "Theology and Science," 4 CD Set with Downloadable Study Guide, Now You Know Media, MD (2009)

  • In the media

    • Ten "Eyewitness" News, January 1997
    • Radio 2BL (Sydney), January 1997
    • Fox 4 New (Dallas), October, 2003
    • Texas Cable News Network, October 2003
    • WB 33 Television News (Dallas-Fort Worth), April 1, 2005
    • KLRT Radio News, (Dallas-Fort Worth), April 1, 2005
    • CBS 11 News (Dallas) April 1, 2005
    • Univision (Dallas), April 1, 2005
    • CBS 11 News (Dallas), April 2, 2005.
    • Dallas Morning News (story syndicated to 19 other US newspapers), April 19, 2005
    • 'Plano Star Courier,' April 19, 2005
    • Dallas Morning News, July 2006
    • Dallas Morning News, November 2006
    • Channel 7 Australia, Dec 2014
    • ABC Radio (National Broadcast) March 2018.

  • Professional affiliations

    • Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa
    • Australian Lonergan Workshop
    • The Heterodox Academy

  • Community engagement

    • Venomous Snake Catcher (for WA Parks and Wildlife).
    • Chairperson, Friends of Israel WA.
    • Frequent Contributor to popular media.
    • Writing for the Institute of Public Affairs
    • Writing for the Mannkal Foundation

  • Awards

    • 2017. Australian Lonergan Workshop, Thomas V. Daly Memorial Orator.
    • 2008. University of Dallas nominee for the State of Texas Piper Professors' Award.
    • 2008. Academic Fellow of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Fellowship for the study of terrorism. The fellowship program featured an intensive course of study in Israel on terrorism and was used towards preparing and delivering a graduate course on "Religion and Terrorism." (Fellowship grant of all travel, full board, educational and field expenses)
    • 2008. Istituto Italiano Per Gli Studi Filosofici. Travel Grant to deliver an invited paper for the Italian Institute of Philosophical Studies in connection with the Permanent Seminar of Epistemology of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of South Italy.
    • 2008. University of Dallas President's Award for Distinguished Service.
    • 2003. Boston College - Lonergan Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • 2003. John Charles Beer Fellowship for postdoctoral research at Boston College.