Ulc Minister Training & Education - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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 9 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 62 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 62 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 93 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Labor Day

August 25th, 2025

Do you know Labor Day's hidden history? It may seem secular, but its roots run deep in faith, the trade workers and union men who founded the holiday inspired by Christian ideals of dignity and rest.

ULC Minister Training & Education 9 Comments

How Do You Get Into Heaven In Different Religions?

August 20th, 2025

How does one get to heaven? It’s a question humanity has wrestled with for millennia. The answer depends on which belief system you follow. Here's how to find the afterlife in different religions around the world.

ULC Minister Training & Education 60 Comments

What Does the Bible Say About Trans People?

July 2nd, 2025

There have been an awful lot of headlines about transgender issues recently – from trans athletes competing in sports, to states banning hormone treatments for youth. But how does this issue intersect with theology?

Political & Religious Controversy 153 Comments

What Does “Ayatollah” Mean?

June 23rd, 2025

Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been in the spotlight following recent military action in Iran. But what exactly does the title “Ayatollah” mean? Who earns it, and why is it so important?

ULC Minister Training & Education 48 Comments

ULC Files Lawsuit Against Virginia Officials to Defend Rights of Ministers

May 27th, 2025

The ULC has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Virginia officials who have been discriminating against Universal Life Church ministers and denying them the right to perform wedding ceremonies.

Weddings 27 Comments

What is a Covenant Marriage?

April 28th, 2025

Covenant marriage is surging in interest after Rep. Mike Johnson’s rise to Speaker of the House. Learn what it is, where it's legal, and why some couples are choosing this rare faith-based union legal in only 3 states.

Weddings 33 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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