History Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog
December 9th, 2020
Millions of children across the world are eagerly anticipating Santa's visit later this month. But during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, reformers sought to abolish jolly old Saint Nick entirely.
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November 11th, 2020
Despite battlefield efforts from all faith groups in World War I, the contributions of Muslims, Sikhs, and others seem chronically forgotten if not erased from the history books. Now some are fighting for recognition.
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March 20th, 2020
At the bottom of a well in Athens, archaeologists recently found lead tablets engraved with curses intended to bring harm to the mortal world. Some are worried they might have just unleashed a cataclysmic event.
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February 27th, 2020
A Holocaust-themed parade in Spain is drawing global criticism for its vulgar use of Nazi imagery, including dancing Nazis and floats decorated like crematoriums. Even if meant satirically, are images like that harmful?
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October 18th, 2019
It’s October, which means that almost anywhere you go, you’ll see signs of Halloween. From spooky decorations around the neighborhood, to carved pumpkins adorning front porches, to giant bags of candy piled high in supermarket aisles, it’s impossible to miss the festivities which culminate on October 31st. But why do we celebrate this holiday in the first place?
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June 29th, 2019
Fan of breakfast cereal? Well it turns out you owe thanks to Christian fundamentalists, who played an integral role in its invention and eventual popularity.
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December 21st, 2018
Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms.
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October 25th, 2018
Pumpkins have been carved and illuminated for centuries, yet few people know the origins behind the practice. How did we decide to start carving pumpkins, and how did Jack O' Lanterns become a universally-recognized symbol of Halloween?
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October 4th, 2018
Faced with their own mortality, most humans nestle up to the notion of a higher being. But Albert Einstein was no normal man. Just a year before his death, the famous physicist penned a letter rejecting the very notion of God and religion. According to reports, this “God letter” – as it’s come to be known – will soon be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The final price is expected to top $1 million.
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