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Culture Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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.” Continue Reading »

Posted in: 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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 101 Comments »

What Is a Krathong? Thai Lantern Festival Explained

November 8th, 2022

Break out your lighters, the Thai Lantern Festival begins today! This two-day festival celebrating positivity and prosperity for the new year is tied to the lunar calendar and has a fascinating history to explore. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 1 Comment »

Your In-Depth Guide to the Kanye West and Kyrie Irving Antisemitism Controversy

November 3rd, 2022

A billionaire music mogul has seen the empire he spent 20 years building crumble in a matter of weeks following the intense controversy over his public promotion of antisemitic views. What's going on with Kanye West? Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 60 Comments »

What Is the Lantern Festival and How Did It Begin?

October 8th, 2022

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese holiday marking the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations (also known as the Spring Festival). But what is the story behind this holiday, and how did it begin? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 2 Comments »

The History of Oktoberfest (And Why It’s Not in October)

October 1st, 2022

Oktoberfest is famous worldwide as a festival packed full of lederhosen, cheer, and yes, lots and lots of beer. But what exactly is this festival, how is it celebrated, and why isn't it held in October? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 8 Comments »

How Different Faiths and Cultures Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

September 20th, 2022

Humanity has constructed many monuments to observe the sun's annual transit through the sky. The Autumn Equinox is a time to observe this change, though different faiths and cultures celebrate in their own ways. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 16 Comments »

Adios, 'Trader Jose' – Brands Are Ditching Problematic Labels

July 23rd, 2020

Trader Joe's is the latest company to announce that they're changing branding many find offensive. "Trader Jose" now joins the ranks of Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben's Rice, and Mrs. Butterworth, all of whom are being retired. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 16 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 | 88 Comments »