History Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Violent, Sexy, Pagan Origins of Valentine's Day

February 8th, 2021

You're undoubtedly familiar with modern Valentine's Day traditions like giving chocolates and roses. But the romantic holiday has origins in an ancient Roman holiday that has nudity, flagellation, and animal sacrifice. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 9 Comments »

The Untold Story of How Christians Almost Killed Santa

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 15 Comments »

Remembering The Forgotten: WWI Fought By More Than Just Christians

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. Continue Reading »

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

Ancient Tablets Intended to Call Upon the Old Gods to Curse Mortals Unearthed in Athens

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, Science & Technology | 29 Comments »

Nazis on Parade: Holocaust-themed Festival in Spain Causes Global Outrage

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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 28 Comments »

The Curious History of All Hallows' Eve and Its Cousin, Samhain

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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, Progressive Spirituality | 95 Comments »

Why You Should Thank Christian Fundamentalists for Breakfast Cereal

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 14 Comments »

Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire | 14 Comments »

The Legend of Stingy Jack and the Original Jack O' Lantern

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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Life and Death | 83 Comments »

Einstein’s Famous Letter Denouncing Religion to Sell for Over $1 Million at Auction

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Science & Technology, Progressive Spirituality | 34 Comments »