Progressive Spirituality - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Written in the Stars: Can Astrology Explain Our Tumultuous Times?

June 5th, 2020

A meme going around seems to imply that our turbulent 2020 - impeachment, pandemic, racism, civil unrest - is written in the cosmos, discernable by astrologists who understand the zodiac. But is astrology actually real? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality | 22 Comments »

Crystal Healing: Does This New Age Phenomenon Actually Work?

February 26th, 2020

Chances are you've heard of crystal healing: putting different crystals on different parts of your body to cure maladies as varied as anxiety, aches or pains, or lack of libido. Does this New Age technique actually work? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Science & Technology, Progressive Spirituality | 44 Comments »

Satanic Holiday Display Returns to Illinois State Capitol

December 5th, 2019

Back by popular First Amendment demand, the great gift of satanic knowledge will be shared for the second year running at the Illinois State Capitol rotunda. And once again, some religious lawmakers are not pleased. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 49 Comments »

Move Aside Christmas, Here Comes the "War on Thanksgiving"

November 18th, 2019

You’ve heard of the "War on Christmas," but this year the battle has apparently opened up a second front. That’s right: the "War on Thanksgiving" has begun. See what kicked it off, and where we're likely to go from here. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 77 Comments »

The Curious History of All Hallows' Eve and Its Cousin, Samhain

October 18th, 2019

It’s October, which means that almost anywhere you go, you’ll see signs of Halloween. From spooky decorations around the neighborhood, to carved pumpkins adorning front porches, to giant bags of candy piled high in supermarket aisles, it’s impossible to miss the festivities which culminate on October 31st. But why do we celebrate this holiday in the first place? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, Progressive Spirituality | 95 Comments »

Universal Life Church Sues North Carolina Clerk to Defend Online Ordination

August 27th, 2019

On August 26, 2019, the Universal Life Church Ministries (ULCM) filed a lawsuit against the Register of Deeds for Cleveland County, North Carolina. The suit alleges that this official has unconstitutionally utilized her position to block ordained ministers of ULCM from exercising their religious right to legally solemnize a wedding ceremony. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 10 Comments »

The Universal Life Church Sues Tennessee to Protect Online Ordination

June 24th, 2019

America was founded largely on the idea that people should feel free to worship as they see fit, and Tennessee’s attempt to curtail these rights for ULCM ministers simply because they became ordained and congregate via the internet is illegal and unconscionable. To that effect, the ULCM has filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 241 Comments »

How One Church Sign Is Changing Hearts and Minds

June 11th, 2019

The Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Oregon has managed to unite Muslims, African Americans, the LGBT community, and many more groups in its quest to build up a dwindling congregation. The magic ingredient: eye-catching and uplifting messages on its roadside sign. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality, Christian | 51 Comments »

Antiquated Religious Rituals Live On in 21st Century

May 9th, 2019

Today, most churches condemn rituals such as self-flagellation, but that hasn’t stopped devotees and devout believers from partaking in the practice. Why does it remain so popular? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 28 Comments »

California Pastor Starts First-Ever Christian Cannabis Company

May 9th, 2019

Despite the growing popularity of cannabis, traditional religion remains quite wary of the substance. One California pastor is trying to change that. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality, Christian | 61 Comments »