My Journey Through Progressive Christian Thought

By Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin

As a Progressive Christian, I try to follow rather than worship Jesus. I believe Ultimate Reality (“God”) cannot be contained in any creed or tradition, and that the combination of Jesus’ love ethic, concern for the hurting and marginalized, and call to make our world here and now kinder, more peaceful, and more just while recognizing the sacred value of every person is the “Good News” we are meant to embody and proclaim. 

I am a Monist, understanding that there is but one Substance in the universe, and all that is must be part of that Divine Substance. As Emerson said, “I am a part and parcel of God.”

I am a Spiritual Humanist. I believe human beings are innately good, and I reject the notion of original sin. We make mistakes, but none of us is a mistake. Through human means—science, reason, ethics, poetry, and the arts—we can improve the human condition and make meaning in our lives.

I am a Universalist, meaning I do not believe anyone is damned for any reason. 

I am a Panentheist (“all-in-God”). We emerge from and are nurtured by the Ground of Being, living and moving within one omnipresence. We are inextricably part of the interconnected web of existence.

I am also a Perennialist, trusting that many faith traditions share truths that benefit the world.

Perennialism recognizes a single, universal source (similar to monism and panentheism), variously called God, Brahman, Divine Mind, Spirit, or Ground of Being.

Perennialists view the true Self as an enduring divine spark, “that of God in all people” (a la Quaker founder George Fox), prioritizing direct inner experience through meditation, contemplation, and introspection over rigid dogma. This realization of interconnectedness leads to a shared moral framework centered on compassion, justice-love, and the Golden Rule.

Each of these philosophies is open to and fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ lives. 

While still connected to my Anglican/Episcopalian background, my spiritual path integrates these philosophies into a unified way of experiencing the world.

A school of thought tracing back to the 1880s called Divine Science allows for all these belief systems. Divine Science practices “affirmative prayer” and views scripture largely as allegories for living more effectively and joyfully and understands God to be a power and a presence, specifically, omnipresence. 

For six years, I’ve served as President of the Divine Science Federation International, having previously served as Vice-President. This is my final month as DSFI’s president.

I share my personal journey to offer insight into my path and to highlight the rich diversity of thought found at Sunshine Cathedral. We identify as “progressive” and that is a very large umbrella. Many kinds of people fit under it.

I also share this as an invitation to the Divine Science Federation’s Biennial Conference, held at Sunshine Cathedral on September 21–22, 2026. All are welcome. Registration information is available at www.divinesciencefederation.org/events.

May you find in the God of your understanding indomitable hope, lasting peace, and abundant joy.

Love and blessings, 

Bishop Durrell

Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin. is the Senior Minister of the Sunshine Cathedral. Sunday worship is at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.