History Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Trace The Rainbow: A History of the World's Most Powerful Symbol

June 22nd, 2026

From Mesopotamian flood myths to Gilbert Baker's needle and thread, the rainbow has accumulated extraordinary meaning across thousands of years and dozens of cultures. Here is its true origin story.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 14 Comments

Faith Leaders Demand End to Confederate Holidays in Alabama

April 30th, 2026

Interfaith clergy group Faith in Action Alabama recently gathered in protest of the state's continued observance of a trio of holidays honoring the Confederacy, arguing they celebrate racism and division.

Political & Religious Controversy 124 Comments

5 Times a Pope Took On Powerful World Leaders

April 16th, 2026

Pope Leo XIV isn't the first pontiff to stare down a world leader. From a medieval emperor standing barefoot in the snow to Napoleon, here are five times the Vatican held its ground.

ULC Minister Training & Education 31 Comments

The Dark History of Crucifixion – And Why Jesus Wasn't Alone

April 2nd, 2026

Most people know the story of Jesus on the cross. Fewer know what crucifixion actually was, what the wood was made of, or where it ended up. The history might surprise you.

ULC Minister Training & Education 27 Comments

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 28 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 64 Comments

The Most Famous Paintings of Jesus Christ

January 5th, 2026

President Trump auctioned off a painting of Jesus Christ on New Year's Eve for an eyebrow-raising $2.75 million. That got us thinking about what some of the most famous paintings of Jesus throughout history are.

Christian 54 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

Texas Bill Mandates Christian BC/AD Date System in Schools

June 2nd, 2025

Texas is considering a bill requiring schools to use Christian-oriented BC/AD over the religiously neutral BCE/CE when discussing historical dates in the classroom. Is it a return to tradition, or political posturing?

Political & Religious Controversy 112 Comments

Former CIA Psychic Says He Found the Ark of the Covenant

April 14th, 2025

A former CIA psychic says his visions guided him to the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, buried deep underneath a holy site. Has a biblical relic missing for some 1,500 years finally been uncovered?

Science & Technology 54 Comments

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