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, where spiritual practices like prayer and community are reclaimed without fear or shame.

The conversation touches on growing up in affirming faith spaces, the challenge of teaching spiritual language after trauma, and how this church supports people in finding wholeness without harmful theology. Whether you're deconstructing, recovering, or seeking a safe place to land, this episode offers honesty, hope, and care.

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00:00 – Welcome back to Tiny Pulpit Talks
00:43 – Introducing the topic: religious trauma
00:56 – Why mental health and faith are deeply connected
01:04 – Common fears people bring into new church spaces
02:04 – Growing up UU vs. experiencing trauma in other traditions
02:41 – The challenge of reclaiming spiritual practices like prayer
04:04 – How this church creates safe and affirming space
05:03 – Teaching kids spiritual language after trauma
07:00 – Coming out, closets, and being truly seen in church
09:29 – Community vs. harmful theology: the tension many face
10:22 – Considering a support group for religious trauma
10:32 – Final thoughts: you're not alone. Healing is possible
10:59 – Outro and invitation to reach out or connect

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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