What Is Covenantal Theology and Why Should We Care?

Unitarian Universalists talk about covenants all the time. But many of us cannot actually explain what the practice really means, or how it evolved. Rev. Dennis will give a basic introduction to a topic which is basic to a full understanding of twenty-first century Unitarian Universalism.

Born in western Colorado, Dennis McCarty decided at age 7 he wanted to become a novelist. He did have a string of fantasy novels published by Ballantine/Del Rey in the 1980’s, but was increasingly hearing a call to liberal ministry. He graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School, then was called to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, Indiana. He retired in 2015 and is now their Minister Emeritus.

Since retiring from the parish, he has been answering a slightly different call, to share words and music related to his evolving sense of spirituality. His 2018 book, Reflections: on Time, Culture, and Spirits in America, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His latest book Sherlock Holmes at the Siege of Troy, returns to his fantasy roots. His current book project, Movies as Windows (Into a Culture’s Soul), will be published in 2023.