If we want to understand our roots in New England, we need to begin with one of the greatest Unitarian preachers of the 19th century: William Ellery Channing. I’ll reflect on Channing’s theology which forms a bridge between Unitarian Deists like Thomas Jefferson and Transcendentalists like Emerson, Thoreau and Elizabeth Peabody. What can we learn from Channing’s prophetic life?

“The great aim in religious education….is to awaken the Soul”. – William Ellery Channing