Culture Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

What is Shen Yun? Inside the Secretive Dance Troupe Bankrolling a Faith Movement

January 6th, 2025

Shen Yun captivates audiences worldwide with dazzling Chinese dance performances. But is it more than a show? Explore its ties to Falun Gong, a faith with controversial beliefs and secretive finances.

ULC Minister Training & Education 43 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Halloween's Top Monsters

October 25th, 2024

Creatures like skeletons, witches, and zombies have become so closely tied to the Halloween holiday that we don’t think twice about them. But did you know many of these creepy figures have hidden religious connections?

ULC Minister Training & Education 74 Comments

Over Half of Christians Admit to Watching Porn, Study Shows

October 23rd, 2024

Is there any shame in watching porn if you’re a churchgoer? Decades of mainstream Christian teachings would lead one to assume the answer is yes, but according to a new study, times might be changing.

Christian 152 Comments

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 112 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Fireworks

July 2nd, 2024

Will you be joining millions of Americans in lighting off fireworks this 4th of July? If so, did you know you’re actually participating in a centuries-old religious tradition? Let's unpack some history.

ULC Minister Training & Education 22 Comments

How Sea Monsters in the Bible Inspired Modern Mysteries

August 25th, 2023

When it comes to fascinating and mysterious creatures, few can rival the allure of sea monsters. But did you know that many modern perceptions of sea monsters have their roots in ancient biblical texts?

ULC Minister Training & Education 19 Comments

Dalai Lama Apologizes For Asking Young Boy to "Suck His Tongue"

April 12th, 2023

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has set off an international firestorm and become the target of intense criticism after instructing a young boy to "suck his tongue" during a recent public event in Northern India.

Political & Religious Controversy 93 Comments

Florida Oversight Board Will Monitor Disney Content For "Wokeness"

March 2nd, 2023

Thanks to a newly passed law, many of Disney’s financial decisions will now be subject to review by a board that critics say is heavily biased against any entertainment content that could be seen as “woke.”

Political & Religious Controversy 44 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

Should White Christian Parents Be Allowed to Adopt Native American Children?

November 14th, 2022

Should Native American children up for adoption be taken away from their culture and religion? That’s the question at the heart of a monumental Supreme Court case that could reshape how adoption works.

Political & Religious Controversy 102 Comments

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