Best Deep Talks Exploring Theology Podcasts (2025)

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What is Universalism? Exploring the Theology of Universal Salvation | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 050 9:52

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9d ago9:52

9:52

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the theological roots and modern-day relevance of Universalism within Unitarian Universalism. 🙌 In this episode, they ask the bold question: "If Jesus came to save all, are we already saved?" From John Murray's radical message of universal salvation in early Ame…

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Why Tom Cruise is a Vibe Shift Icon 21:19

10d ago21:19

21:19

Sign up for my free weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/p/the-tom-cruise-revival-and-the-return Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcastBy Deep Talks: Exploring Theology and Meaning-Making

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Juneteenth and the Legacy of Opal Lee: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 049 11:51

16d ago11:51

11:51

In this special episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on the deep significance of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom rooted in Texas soil, and the legacy of Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” whose tireless advocacy made June 19th a federally recognized holiday. Join us as we explore: The history of Juneteenth and i…

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Protest Ready: A UU Guide to Showing Up with Courage and Care | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 048 18:20

23d ago18:20

18:20

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana sit down for a timely and practical conversation about how Unitarian Universalists can prepare to show up at protests with courage, compassion, and responsibility. Many of us feel the urgent call to take to the street - for racial justice, climate action, reproductive fr…

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What You Might Not Know About Immigration Rights with Jiroko Lopez, Texas Immigration Attorney | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 047 35:44

1M ago35:44

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In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald sits down with Dallas-based immigration attorney Jiroko Lopez for a conversation about what it really means to seek legal status in the United States. Rev. T.J. and Jiroko unpack the myths, the fear, and the staggering complexity of immigration law in this country. They talk about red cards…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "The Way Way Back" | Faith and Film Series | 06.29.25 22:39

1M ago22:39

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In the final sermon in our Faith & Film series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it means to live courageously in a world that often demands our silence and compliance. Drawing inspiration from the film The Way Way Back, the abolitionist legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, and the struggles we face in today’s political and personal climate, this messag…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "The Grapes of Wrath" | Faith and Film Series | 06.22.25 28:14

1M ago28:14

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The Grapes of Wrath, based on John Steinbeck’s classic novel, is a powerful exploration of human dignity, social justice, and the pursuit of a better life. The film challenges us to reflect on economic inequality, the struggles of the marginalized, and the enduring power of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity. It calls us to act with compa…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "Babe" | Faith and Film Series | 06.15.25 26:01

1M ago26:01

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Babe, the heartwarming story of a pig who dreams of becoming a sheepdog, reminds us that kindness, empathy, and the courage to be ourselves are at the heart of transformation. Through Babe’s journey, we are invited to reflect on the importance of compassion and how it transcends species, class, and expectations. The film underscores the power of lo…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of “Spider-man Into the Spider-verse” | Faith & Film Series | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 23:26

1M ago23:26

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In this Unitarian Universalist Pride Sunday sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald weaves together the story of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, queer theology, and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people. From Miles Morales’ transformation into Spider-Man to the words of Audre Lorde and James Baldwin, Rev. Fitzgerald explores how heroism, guilt, and surviva…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "Moana 2" | Faith and Film Series | 06.01.25 21:08

1M ago21:08

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In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana opens our Faith and Film Series with a deep look at Disney’s Moana 2 through the lens of Unitarian Universalist faith, Pacific Island history, and womanist theology. Moana’s journey to reconnect her people becomes a powerful metaphor for how we find our way in hard times - when the path isn’t clear, when we feel lost,…

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5 Rules for Resistance | Rev. T.J. FitzGerald | 05.25.25 20:39

1M ago20:39

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In this Unitarian Universalist Memorial Day sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald reflects on the legacy of faith, resistance, and sacrifice. Drawing on the stories of Michael Servetus and John Calvin, and the painful truths of war, from the Civil War to World War I to modern-day Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, this sermon challenges us to honor the fallen not j…

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How Unitarian Universalism Helps Rebuild Faith After Religious Trauma | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 046 11:29

1M ago11:29

11:29

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald discuss religious trauma and how it continues to impact the spiritual and emotional well-being of many people, especially in communities like ours in North Texas. They explore what healing can look like within a Unitarian Universalist context, wh…

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Rituals for Uplifting Youth in Our Unitarian Universalist Community | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 045 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

This is the time of year when we honor the youth of our church and celebrate their wisdom, courage, and emerging sense of identity within our Unitarian Universalist community. In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald and Rev. Beth Dana explore the significance of our Coming of Age and Bridging traditions. They reflect on how thes…

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Written on the Heart | Bridging Sunday for Coming of Age & Graduating Seniors | Rev. Beth Dana 14:49

2M ago14:49

14:49

Join us as we celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood with an exploration of the faith commitments we hold in our hearts. 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, work…

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Pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills: A Deep Dive into Our UU Partnership in India | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 044 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter talks with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana about the annual First Church pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills of Northeast India, where over 10,000 Unitarians have built a deeply rooted, indigenous faith community. He shares powerful stories from the Annie Margaret Barr Children's Villa…

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Progressive Religion vs Progressive Politics: What's the Difference? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 043 11:46

2M ago11:46

11:46

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 th…

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Justice Is Love: A Mother's Day Sermon for the World We Must Build | Aurora Levins Morales | 05.11.25 18:45

2M ago18:45

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Join us for a special worship service at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, where we are honored to welcome writer, artist, historian, and activist Aurora Levins Morales as our guest minister. Aurora Levins Morales is a Puerto Rican author, artist, activist, and historian. Her writing and activism persistently imagine a world in which the personal i…

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Singing the Songs of Solidarity, Imagination, and Hope | Aurora Levins Morales | 05.04.2025 UU Sermon 19:54

2M ago19:54

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In this sermon, acclaimed poet, activist, and historian Aurora Levins Morales shares how she practices hope in an age of despair. “We were made for these times,” she reminds us, quoting Clarissa Pinkola Estés. As corporate greed escalates and injustice deepens, Aurora draws on her Puerto Rican Jewish ancestry, liberation theology, and the global st…

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Rise Up, New Flame | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 04.27.2025 23:06

2M ago23:06

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In a time when books are banned, histories are erased, and injustice burns through our communities, Unitarian Universalists are called to something greater - to rise, to resist, and to create a future shaped by love, justice, and fierce compassion. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald's sermon "Rise Up, New Flame" reflects on the life and legacy of Maya Angelou, …

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Where in the World is Our Minister? Sabbatical Update + New Adventures! | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 042 13:29

2M ago13:29

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Welcome to another episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks with Reverends T. J., Beth, and Daniel. This week, they dive into the meaning and practice of sabbatical—not just as a ministerial break, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in the ancient rhythms of Sabbath and renewal. Reverend Kanter shares reflections from his current sabbatical journey, includin…

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What Does Easter Mean to Unitarian Universalists? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 041 8:18

3M ago8:18

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Welcome to a special edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks — from the minister’s study! 🕊️ Today, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald sit down to wrestle with a big question on many Unitarian Universalist minds: What do Unitarian Universalists believe about Easter? And why do Unitarian Universalists celebrate Easter? Tune in to…

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Why Culture is Going Post-Cynical (Also a BIG Announcement) 1:10:19

3M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Special thanks to PostEverything Podcast for having me on. Check them out at: https://open.spotify.com/show/2IduWunxhhDfZd8vYOGNab?si=c2912b1cc62649ce ___________________________ Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalksthe…

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A Desperate Mad Hope | Easter | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | 04.20.25 UU Sermon 17:56

3M ago17:56

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In his Unitarian Universalist Easter sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter invites us to rethink resurrection — not as an ancient miracle, but as a living, breathing hope we carry into today's complicated world. In "A Desperate Mad Hope," Rev. Kanter explores the Unitarian Universalist tradition of questioning and seeking deeper truth: 🌸 What does Easter …

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Make Way | Palm Sunday | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 04.13.2025 22:12

3M ago22:12

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On this Palm Sunday, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald invites us into a journey to explore what it means to choose the path of love in a time of fear. Drawing from the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the poetry of Mary Oliver, and the complexities of modern life, this Unitarian Universalist sermon speaks to those seeking courage, clarity, and spiritual …

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Jordan Hall Set Out to Save Civilization & Found a Small Country Church Instead 1:23:20

3M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Jordan Hall, is a futurist, philosopher, and public speaker renowned for his insights into the interplay between technology and culture. Hall played a significant role in the digital media landscape at MP3.com and later as the founder and CEO of DivX, a company instrumental in the online digital video revolution. After this, Hall turned his attent…

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The Inevitable Emptiness of Deconstruction | Ian Harber 1:22:36

3M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Ian Harber is the author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith. https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Through-Deconstruction-Companion-Crisis/dp/1514008564 ___________________________ Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! …

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How UU Churches Address Mental Health with Love and Action | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 040 9:15

4M ago9:15

9:15

Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks! We're so glad you're here. In this episode, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into a deeply important conversation about mental health—why it matters, why the church should care, and how we can create a faith community that supports every person’s well-being. Too often, mental health struggles are met with …

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Neighborly Evangelism: Living Your UU Values in Difficult Interactions | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 039 10:00

4M ago10:00

10:00

How do we relate to people who demonstrate values that are offensive or fundamentally different from our own? What does it mean to engage with integrity, especially when we encounter messages—on yard signs, bumper stickers, or even in casual conversations—that challenge our beliefs? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald, M…

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The Meaning Crisis & Our Post-Cynical Vibe Shift 1:46:37

4M ago1:46:37

1:46:37

I recently joined Christian Baxter and the Yours Truly Podcast to discuss how the meaning crisis is leading to our post-cynical vibe shift. ------ Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportunities, and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast…

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Pilgrimage | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | 04.06.2025 25:33

4M ago25:33

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What does it mean to journey with intention? What questions are worth traveling for? And how might India and the Khasi expression of Unitarian Universalism help us reimagine our own faith? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter concludes our series on the spiritual practices of Unitarian Universalism by exploring pilgrimage—not just as a journey to…

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Retreat | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | 03.30.2025 15:56

4M ago15:56

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What does it mean to truly retreat as a spiritual practice that nourishes the soul? After months of pilgrimage and retreat in India and New Zealand, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter returns with deep reflections on silence, stillness, and the ways we can step back to gain perspective. In this sermon, he examines how retreat—be it a brief moment of stillness,…

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Monthly Service | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Beth Dana | 03.23.2025 18:53

4M ago18:53

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What does it mean to truly serve others? Is it about helping, fixing, or something deeper? In Rev. Beth’s sermon “Monthly Service,” we explore the difference between simply offering assistance and engaging in service as a spiritual practice. Drawing from the wisdom of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, the Apostle Paul, and Unitarian Universalist teachings, w…

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Weekly Worship | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 03.16.2025 21:53

4M ago21:53

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In his sermon “Weekly Worship,” Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explores worship as a transformative spiritual practice—one that connects us to our history, our collective memory, and the deep well of resilience needed in times of challenge. Rev. T. J. invites us to consider the meaning of worship beyond routine. We are reminded of the way worship shapes our…

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Daily Practice | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Beth Dana | 03.09.2025 14:51

4M ago14:51

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In this Lenten sermon, Rev. Beth Dana explores the spiritual practice of letting go in order to make space for renewal and deeper connection. Reflecting on the Unitarian Universalist traditions of the Burning Service and Ash Wednesday, she shares how saying no to what no longer serves us allows us to say yes to truth, love, and a more intentional l…

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What Does Lent Mean to Unitarian Universalists? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 038 9:18

4M ago9:18

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In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the meaning and traditions of the Lenten season—a time of reflection, connection, and transformation. Lent isn't just about giving something up; it's about making space for something deeper. We explore the history of these 40 days, the significance of sacrifice…

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...From Empire: Authoritarianism and Fascism w/ Jarrod McKenna 1:12:38

4M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

In this episode Brandi is joined by Jarrod McKenna to lay a primer foundation about authoritarianism and fascism in the Christian worldview and what we can do to come back to the way of Jesus. You can find Jarrod's work here and learn more about God 's Story Told By God's Children here! If you like what you hear you can subscribe, rate, review, or …

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03.02.25 Sermon - “Easy Grace” - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald 20:35

4M ago20:35

20:35

We explore the roots of Mardi Gras and hold close the place that brings those traditions to so many, even still, New Orleans. 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…

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The Matrix Was a Lie 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

In this episdoe, we'll critically reevaluate the message of The Matrix and whether or not its philosophical and theological themes did more harm than good. On YouTube: https://youtu.be/fYww_x_WaGk?si=dizfer-krgqJuALc _____________ Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a Patreon member today and receive bonus episodes, Q & A opportuniti…

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02.23.25 Sermon - “Becoming” - YRUU of First Unitarian Church of Dallas 14:28

4M ago14:28

14:28

Join us for a much loved and meaningful tradition – Youth Sunday! Our YRUU teens lead the service, sharing their musical gifts and reflections on the theme of “Becoming.” 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 towa…

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A Place to Belong: How UU Communities Support Children & Youth | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 037 13:28

4M ago13:28

13:28

How do we nurture young people in the Unitarian Universalist faith while balancing the many demands of life? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T.J. Fitzgerald (Minister of Community Care Engagement) sits down with Reverend Beth Dana (Minister of Faith Development) to explore what it means to raise children in Unitarian Universalism. Re…

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02.16.25 Sermon - “The Doctrine of Our Church” - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald 23:13

5M ago23:13

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Love’s in need of love today. We gather to feel love’s power and discern what it calls us to do in hard times. 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.…

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Growing Up UU and Answering the Call to Ministry: Rev. Beth Dana’s Journey | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 036 14:45

5M ago14:45

14:45

Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks! In this episode, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald, Minister of Community Care and Engagement, sits down with Reverend Beth Dana, Minister of Faith Development, to explore her call story—her journey to Unitarian Universalist ministry. What does it mean to be “called”? How do we discover the work we are meant to do? Rev. Beth s…

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John Vervaeke & Clay Routledge | Nostalgia & the Loss of Our Guiding Stories 1:30:20

5M ago1:30:20

1:30:20

John Vervaeke, PhD is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. He is an associate professor and award-winning lecturer at the University of Toronto, teaching in the Department of Psychology. His work and research is far-ranging, including topics such as human intelligence, rationality, wisdom, and AI. Clay Routledge, PhD is an existential psychologis…

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02.09.25 Sermon - “Faith = Trust” - Rev. Ruth MacKenzie 22:46

5M ago22:46

22:46

What is faith in such times as these? Caught in the spin cycle of tortured truths, and the siren call of influencers, where do we put our trust? How do we ground our faith? This Sunday we explore faith, stripped down and essential. About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worsh…

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Law, Faith, and the Call to UU Ministry: Rev. T. J. FitzGerald's Journey | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 035 13:24

5M ago13:24

13:24

Welcome to another episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, the podcast from First Unitarian Church of Dallas! In this episode, Rev. Beth Dana, Minister of Faith Development, sits down with Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald, Minister of Community Care and Engagement, to explore his unique journey to ministry. From growing up in an Irish Catholic family to studying law and…

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Did C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy predict Elon Musk, AI, & Aliens? | Annie Crawford 1:40:24

5M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Is C.S. Lewis' "Space Trilogy" the most important Lewis book for our current cultural moment? Annie Crawford is the co-founder of Vine Classical Community & the Senior Fellow for The Society of Women of Letters. She writes for publications such as Salvo, The Symbolic World, and others on the works of C.S. Lewis. ____________ Deep Talks is a listene…

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02.02.25 Sermon - “Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust” - Rev. Ruth MacKenzie 20:58

5M ago20:58

20:58

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Rev. Ruth MacKenzie. Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust We often want to know the answers before we are tested. We want to know the ending before the story has even begun. Yet that is not the way of life, nor the way of faith. Risk and trust are entwined in an intricate webb…

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Affirming Gender Identity: A UU Message of Love and Trust | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 034 11:30

5M ago11:30

11:30

Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks! In this episode, Rev. T.J. FitzGerald (Minister of Community Care and Engagement) and Rev. Beth Dana (Minister of Faith Development) dive into the Unitarian Universalist understanding of gender—what it means, how it shapes identity, and why trusting people to know themselves is a core spiritual practice. They explore t…

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...From Empire: Desire and Resistance w/ Tracey Gee 1:09:56

5M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

In this episode, Brandi is joined by Tracey Gee to talk about the necessity of knowing our desires in the midst of empire. They talk about how unlearning the theology and practices that many of our communities offered us might help us to be more healthy, free, and connected in the face of the powers and tools of empire. You can find Tracey's work h…

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01.26.25 Sermon - “Warmth of Community” - Rev. Beth Dana 14:10

5M ago14:10

14:10

The flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism is a symbol of the warmth of community. We will explore our experiences of religious community and how this connection deepens our spiritual lives. This sermon is part of our Kindle the Spirit series – A new year calls us to ignite our spiritual lives in impactful ways, bringing the rich history and cor…