Religious Extremism Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Are Christian Nationalist Communities the New Normal?

January 7th, 2026

A real estate developer’s plan to create Christian nationalist communities in Appalachia is attracting outspoken extremists and fierce resistance from locals who fear their towns are becoming extremist enclaves.

Political & Religious Controversy 66 Comments

Is Oklahoma Heading Towards a Christian Crusade?

January 29th, 2025

An Oklahoma politician just proposed bills criminalizing abortion, drag, and porn while restricting divorce. He says it will restore "moral sanity" to his state, but critics call it a step toward Christian theocracy.

Political & Religious Controversy 81 Comments

Artist Stabbed Over Painting of Jesus Receiving Oral Sex

April 8th, 2024

A man assaulted Italian painter Andrea Saltini and vandalized a controversial painting by the artist, which depicts Jesus Christ receiving oral sex from a man. When it comes to blasphemous art, is there a line?

Political & Religious Controversy 164 Comments

Is There an Anti-Trans “Holy War” Brewing? Leaked Emails Cause Alarm

March 24th, 2023

Leaked emails between South Dakota officials and anti-trans lobbyists are sparking widespread concern among LGBTQ+ rights groups due to their stark opposition to transgender rights and Christian nationalist language.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 112 Comments

What's Next for 2020? A Holy War Against Marxism, Some Faith Leaders Claim

September 16th, 2020

Evangelical leader Rick Joyner said Christians should prepare for a civil war against liberals. It's part of an overall rising trend of Christian nationalism, which invokes violent language to defend conservative causes.

Political & Religious Controversy 159 Comments

Church Group Fined for Promoting Bleach as a Cure for Coronavirus

May 15th, 2020

An Australian chapter of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing has been fined over $150,000 for promoting a miracle cure for Covid-19. According to experts, the main ingredient in the "magic" substance is bleach.

Political & Religious Controversy 41 Comments

The 11th Plague? Pastor Claims Coronavirus is God's Punishment for Sin

January 31st, 2020

The Bible says that ten plagues were inflicted on the Egyptians by God. With the coronavirus outbreak continuing to grow, one evangelical pastor insists this is an eleventh plague – God's punishment for humanity’s sins.

Political & Religious Controversy 108 Comments

Study: Fearing Reprisal, One-Third of Jews Publicly Hide Their Faith

October 25th, 2019

A recent survey shows that a significant portion of Jews are avoiding wearing the Star of David, skullcaps, and other religious markers in public, fearing reprisal due to increased antisemitism.

Political & Religious Controversy 36 Comments

Texas Pastor Burns Book About Atheism, Claims USA is a “Christian Nation”

October 24th, 2019

An online feud between an attorney representing the Freedom For Religion Foundation (FFRF) and an outspoken Texas pastor escalated this week when the pastor posted a book-burning video to his official Twitter account.

Political & Religious Controversy 63 Comments

Faith Group Urges Followers to Sabotage "Pagan" Halloween with Gospel Messages

October 17th, 2019

Pastor David Grisham Jr. used his Facebook page to spread the word about a fantastic plan he’d crafted to help convert nonbelievers and “lukewarm Christians” who participate in “pagan celebrations like Halloween.”

Pagan & Wiccan 67 Comments

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