Holidays Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Dark, Pagan History of Gingerbread

December 18th, 2025

Gingerbread may be synonymous with Christmas today, but its origins tell a much darker story. From Roman rituals and Queen Elizabeth’s court to witchcraft panics, this holiday staple has a surprisingly twisted past.

ULC Minister Training & Education 14 Comments

ICE-Themed Nativity Scene With Zip-Tied Baby Jesus Ignites Outrage

December 11th, 2025

A Chicago-area church is igniting national controversy with a provocative Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus in zip ties and Roman soldiers as modern ICE agents. A powerful act of faith, or over a sacred line?

Political & Religious Controversy 95 Comments

Nativity Display Sparks Religious Freedom Dispute in Small Town Ohio

November 17th, 2025

Should religious displays be allowed on public land? A small Ohio community is debating just that after a woman's proposed nativity scene in a public park was denied by city hall.

Political & Religious Controversy 38 Comments

What Is All Saints' Day?

October 27th, 2025

You've heard of Halloween on October 31st, but do you know about All Saints' Day the very next day? In contrast to the macabre Halloween, this Catholic holiday is a celebration of the saints who died for their faith.

Pagan & Wiccan 31 Comments

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

October 16th, 2025

Can Christians celebrate Halloween? In one corner, some argue it's harmless family fun with a slightly spooky twist. But others say that the holiday is anti-Chrisitan and celebrating it puts your mortal soul in danger.

Christian 100 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Labor Day

August 25th, 2025

Do you know Labor Day's hidden history? It may seem secular, but its roots run deep in faith, the trade workers and union men who founded the holiday inspired by Christian ideals of dignity and rest.

ULC Minister Training & Education 9 Comments

Ohio Proposes Month Dedicated to Straight, Married Families

May 24th, 2025

Ohio lawmakers want to create “Natural Family Month” which will specifically exclude gay and unmarried couples. Politicians say it's to reverse flailing birthrates, but critics call it LGBTQ+ erasure.

Political & Religious Controversy 95 Comments

Is the War on Christmas Over?

December 20th, 2024

After more than a decade of seasonal polarization over whether to say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays', it seems Americans overwhelmingly believe that the 'War on Christmas' has ended.

Political & Religious Controversy 74 Comments

Christianity Required? Christmas Parade With Mandatory Christian Pledge Ignites Outrage

October 31st, 2024

A small town Christmas parade made national news after parade participants were required to sign a Christian "statement of faith," which included anti-LGBTQ sentiment, just to participate in the Christmas festivities.

Political & Religious Controversy 73 Comments

What is Walpurgisnacht? The Story Behind the Creepy Pagan Witch Holiday

April 29th, 2024

Have you heard of Walpurgisnacht, the spooky, pagan European holiday that also doubles as a celebration of a Catholic saint who Christianized Germany? Walpurgisnacht is coming up soon, and we've got your primer.

Pagan & Wiccan 59 Comments

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