Progressive Spirituality - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Do All Dogs Go to Heaven? The Answer Might Surprise You

October 7th, 2024

Do all pets get to go to heaven? There’s actually substantial disagreement on this question. It may also depend on the religion of the person you ask – here's what different religions have to say on the subject.

Progressive Spirituality 111 Comments

Sighting of "Miraculous" White Bison Fulfills Sacred Native American Omen

June 19th, 2024

A white bison calf photographed in Yellowstone National Park is being called a sacred omen by many Native American cultures, including the Lakota people, and being compared to the resurrection of Jesus for Christians.

Progressive Spirituality 50 Comments

Was Jesus Actually a Vegetarian?

March 25th, 2024

"How would Jesus kill an animal? That's the fundamental question asked in a new documentary making the case that Jesus was in fact a vegetarian and would not have endorsed the killing and eating of animals.

Progressive Spirituality 123 Comments

Swapping Religions: Famous People Who Converted to a New Faith

March 15th, 2024

Conversions, born-agains, and secular pivots; Numerous faith leaders, politicians, and celebrities have lost and found faith over the years. Here are some of the most famous religious conversions in recent years.

Progressive Spirituality 72 Comments

Atheists in the Pews? The Rise of the Secular Church

January 29th, 2024

Across the country, secular 'churches' are sprouting up left and right, as nonreligious youth search for community. Some Christians, however, decry these new churches are cheap imitations of the real thing.

Progressive Spirituality 130 Comments

Can Magic Mushrooms Bring You Closer to God? One Church Says Yes

August 11th, 2023

The Church of Ambrosia, based out of California, consumes psychedelic mushrooms as sacrament, arguing the trip is nothing less than a spiritual experience, and they say police are infringing on their religious freedom.

Progressive Spirituality 70 Comments

"Sacred" Whale Sculpture Spawns New Religion in Utah

April 10th, 2023

A 'Sacred Whale' statue in a trendy Salt Lake City neighborhood is being credited with the recent snow in Utah. Is there a connection between the whale and the weather? The Church of the Sacred Whale says yes.

Progressive Spirituality 82 Comments

Are the Holidays Going “Woke” or Getting More Inclusive?

December 19th, 2022

From a Black Santa Claus to a commercialized Target version of Hanukkah, the holidays look a bit different this year. Are these efforts to boost representation “woke” pandering, or simply a step toward inclusivity?

Political & Religious Controversy 79 Comments

Muslim, Jewish Firefighters Sue Over Facial Hair Policy

December 2nd, 2022

Should Muslim and Jewish firefighters be forced to keep their faces clean, even though their faith requires they wear beards? A group of firefighters is suing over a policy they say violated their freedom of religion.

Political & Religious Controversy 72 Comments

Your Pastor Has Had Enough: Clergy Members Join the Great Resignation

May 17th, 2022

Citing stress, politics, and declining church attendance, some 40% of church pastors recently reported wanting to leave the church. Is the Great Resignation going to sweep straight through church pulpits?

Progressive Spirituality 33 Comments

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