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History Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 19 Comments »

Burn After Reading: History of the Marijuana Tax Act

July 31st, 2023

August 2nd is the 86th anniversary of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which made recreational marijuana use and sale all but illegal in the United States. Almost a century later, what is the legacy of that legislation? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 97 Comments »

The Real History of the Little Mermaid

May 26th, 2023

With the release of Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid on the horizon, some are criticizing the casting of black actress Halle Bailey as unscientific or inaccurate to the original Danish folktale. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 105 Comments »

Ancient Judaism Recognized Wide Variety of Genders, Scholars Say

March 22nd, 2023

Did Jews in the second century have a more nuanced and complex understanding than we do now? Religious scholars say that ancient Judaism recognized eight different genders, far more than the binary view we have today. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 139 Comments »

Top 10 Myths About Saint Patrick's Day, Debunked

March 8th, 2023

Saint Patrick’s Day is known for green Guinness, parades, and lots of corned beef. You might think know all there is to know about this holiday's namesake, Saint Patrick. But here’s the thing… you’re probably wrong. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 29 Comments »

Was Christmas Invented by Pagans in Ancient Rome?

December 22nd, 2022

Did you know that the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday around the 25th of December each year? It has some eery similarities to the modern celebration of Christmas, too. Is it possible the Romans invented Christmas? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education, Christian | 108 Comments »

The Secret Story of the Original War on Christmas

December 9th, 2022

Did you know that the first 'War on Christmas' was started by the Puritans? We may view our seasonal Christmas squabbles as a modern phenomenon, but the Puritans were trying to cancel Christmas all the way back in 1659. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 19 Comments »

Ever Heard of the 'Slave Bible'? How Christians Used the Sacred Text to Support Slavery

October 22nd, 2022

Have you heard of the 'Slave Bible'? Used by Christian colonizers in the British West Indies, this controversial version of the Bible was edited to remove all references to freedom or slave liberation. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian, Life and Death | 39 Comments »

The Creepy History of Halloween Costumes

October 19th, 2022

Many might believe that the tradition of dressing up in a Halloween costume on October 31st is a modern one, but the roots of Halloween costumes run almost as deep as the roots of Halloween itself. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 31 Comments »

Japanese Jesus? Inside the Obscure Legend That Christ Died in Japan at Age 106

April 21st, 2022

The small town of Shingo, Japan, has a strange local legend. They say that Jesus Christ is buried there. As the story goes, he escaped crucifixion, traveled to Japan, and died at the ripe age of 106 in northern Japan. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 24 Comments »

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.