This paper traces twentieth-century Unitarian Universalism to its nineteenth-century transcendentalist roots by examining the communication patterns and philosophies of its proponents. Advocates of Unitarianism defend their religious/humanistic philosophy in terms of the Constitution's First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, reflecting their view that human dignity, knowledge, and understanding depend on the constant search for truth and meaning in life and necessitate religious tolerance and candid interaction among all members of society. The writings and sermons of several proponents of Unitarianism are discussed, but the paper concludes that further investigations of twentieth-century Unitarian sermons are necessary in order to better understand and appreciate Unitarianism's rhetorical and religious significance. (RL)