Ulc Minister Training & Education - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Ordained and Exempt? A History of Creative Ways to Avoid the Draft

March 12th, 2026

There's an old saying that there are no atheists in foxholes. But as it turns out, there have always been people trying very hard to stay out of them. Here's are the creative ways some people have avoided the draft.

ULC Minister Training & Education 23 Comments

What Is Christian Zionism, and What Does It Actually Believe?

February 25th, 2026

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sparked controversy with his recent comments about Israel's right to land in the Middle East, and spotlighted a movement within Christianity known as Christian Zionism.

Political & Religious Controversy 56 Comments

What Do the World's Major Faiths Say About Gambling?

February 23rd, 2026

Thanks to online betting websites, you can bet on pretty much anything these days: Including whether Jesus will return this year. That got us thinking... What do the world's faiths say about gambling, anyway?

ULC Minister Training & Education 40 Comments

Can Psychics and Mediums Really Solve Crimes?

February 12th, 2026

Whenever a case turns cold or feels especially tragic, mediums often show up – uninvited by police but welcomed by grieving loved ones looking for answers. But are the powers of so-called psychic detectives real?

Progressive Spirituality 88 Comments

What Does the Bible Say About Socialism?

January 22nd, 2026

Is socialism driving young people away from faith? Or is it actually pushing them back toward it? Evangelical leader Franklin Graham's recent comments prompted us to explore what the Bible says about socialism.

Political & Religious Controversy 75 Comments

The True Story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

December 22nd, 2025

In December 1914, enemy soldiers along the Western Front climbed out of their trenches, exchanged gifts, and sang carols in a spontaneous Christmas truce, becoming a powerful testament to shared humanity.

ULC Minister Training & Education 10 Comments

The Dark, Pagan History of Gingerbread

December 18th, 2025

Gingerbread may be synonymous with Christmas today, but its origins tell a much darker story. From Roman rituals and Queen Elizabeth’s court to witchcraft panics, this holiday staple has a surprisingly twisted past.

ULC Minister Training & Education 25 Comments

Was Jesus an Illegal Immigrant?

December 12th, 2025

Reading biblical texts about the birth of Jesus, there's an overlooked theme with parallels to a hot button-issue of our own time: immigration. Was Jesus an immigrant? If so, was he a legal immigrant?

ULC Minister Training & Education 108 Comments

Animal Spirits? Magic? Religious "Nones" Are More Spiritual Than You Think

September 4th, 2025

A new survey sheds light on the unexpected spiritual side of the 'nones', those who don't identify with any religion. From belief in afterlife, to magic, to even God, they're a lot more spiritual than you'd think.

Progressive Spirituality 65 Comments

Islam Is World’s Fastest Growing Faith, According to New Study

August 28th, 2025

A new study found that while Christianity remains the globe’s biggest religion, if current trends hold, it won’t be for long. Data shows that while Christianity is growing, another faith is growing even faster: Islam.

ULC Minister Training & Education 112 Comments

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The Universal Life Church Ministries proudly welcomes all who feel called to get ordained, regardless of creed. We enable all faiths; Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Pagan, Wiccan, Atheist – and more – to join our growing non-denominational congregation. Underlying everything we do is a simple core belief: that we are all children of the same universe.

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