What does it mean to be a progressive Unitarian Universalist faith? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald, and Rev. Beth Dana sit down in the Minister’s Study to explore what it really means when Unitarian Universalists call themselves a progressive religious community.

They reflect on the bold ideas that shaped the earliest movements toward Unitarianism and Universalism, including the radical belief that Jesus could have been fully human and that revelation is never sealed. Together, they trace how these revolutionary beginnings have shaped a tradition that values growth, openness, and an ongoing search for truth and meaning.

In this conversation, they discuss:

🔥 The progressive roots of Unitarian Universalism
🔥 How Unitarian Universalists embrace a living tradition that continues to evolve
🔥 Why progressive faith differs from progressive politics
🔥 The enduring core beliefs of Unitarian Universalism, such as the oneness of God, the inherent worth and goodness of people, and salvation through character and action

Rev. Daniel, Rev. TJ, and Rev. Beth remind us that Unitarian Universalism is not static — it is a dynamic faith that grows alongside human understanding, rooted in deep commitments to love, justice, and hope.

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00:00 - Welcome to the Minister’s Study
01:35 - What is progressive religion, really?
02:07 - Early radical ideas about Jesus’ humanity
02:37 - Challenging orthodoxy in Christianity
03:00 - What a living tradition means for Unitarian Universalists
03:21 - Revelation is never sealed
04:00 - Core theological commitments of Unitarian Universalism
04:28 - Progressive religion vs. progressive politics
04:58 - How theology evolves with new understanding
08:49 - Universalism and God’s love for all
11:07 - Closing thoughts: Living our faith with love and justice

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/

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