Reclaiming Religious Language: Sin | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald

In this sermon, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald kicks of our Lenten series Reclaiming Religious Language by taking a fresh look at sin through a Unitarian Universalist lens. Starting in the Garden of Eden, he explores how the story has been shaped over time and how "original sin" may be less about disobedience and more about avoiding responsibility. Instead of inherited guilt, he considers the idea of original blessing and the power each person has to choose with conscience and courage. This sermon connects ancient scripture with the world we live in now. It challenges the habit of saying "I was just following orders" and invites us to take responsibility for our actions and our systems. In a time when injustice can feel overwhelming, Rev. T. J. calls us to claim our freedom, trust our moral voice, and live our faith with purpose. 📖 This sermon is part of our Reclaiming Religious Language Series In this series, we explore the religious words that shaped traditions before us and ask: What still speaks? What needs healing? What can we reclaim? Together, we will return again to the language of faith and engage with it honestly. We will reimagine what these words can mean for us now. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/