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United States Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Does America Need a National Hymn to Heal Racial Divisions? One Politician Thinks So

January 27th, 2021

In the wake of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, one politician is proposing America legally adopt a 'National Hymn' to help the nation heal. Secular activists say that flies in the face of separation of church and state. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 37 Comments »

We Should Also Tear Down Statues of Jesus, Activists Say

June 22nd, 2020

As protesters in cities across America continue to topple statues of Confederate leaders, slave owners, and other historical figures, some are sounding the alarm that things are going to far. Is Jesus next? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 211 Comments »

Ohio Outlaws Abortion for Babies with Down Syndrome

January 5th, 2018

Ohio has passed a bill which will institute a state-wide ban on abortion for babies with Down syndrome. The new law stipulates that abortion can no longer be authorized based solely on the fact that a fetus has Down Syndrome. Instead, affected babies must now be carried to term. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Life and Death | 106 Comments »

At a Crossroads: the Controversial Practice of Polygamy

November 30th, 2017

When asked, most people will probably characterize polygamy as a relic of the past. After all, it was outlawed in the United States way back in the mid-1800s. How could it possibly still be happening? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 55 Comments »

U.S. Refuses to Condemn Death Penalty for LGBTQ People

October 11th, 2017

Human rights groups are furious after the United States voted against a U.N. resolution condemning the death penalty and the way it is used to target LGBTQ people around the world. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 231 Comments »

One Way to Get Rid of Drug Dealers: Shoot ‘Em

August 24th, 2017

Drug dealers are not exactly model citizens, but do they deserve to die? In the Philippines, the answer is a resounding “yes”. Upon taking office, the country’s president, Rodrigo Duterte, instituted a uniquely violent strategy to combat the country’s Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Life and Death | 81 Comments »

LGBT Rights Take a Backseat to Religious Freedom in White House

August 10th, 2017

President Trump’s nominee for “Religious Freedom Ambassador” is causing extreme consternation among the LGBT community and its advocates. The president’s pick is Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a man who critics say poses a distinct threat to LGBT rights. I Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 112 Comments »

Faith Leaders Speak out on Transgender Military Ban

August 8th, 2017

The recent decision by President Trump to ban all transgender people from the military caused quite the stir. Social media immediately lit up with passionate responses on both sides of the issue. Supporters of the ban were thrilled that the president made such Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 349 Comments »

Justin Bieber and the Rise of the Megachurch

July 31st, 2017

Pop icon Justin Bieber disappointed many fans when he canceled the remainder of his world tour recently. His reasons for doing so remain unclear, but rumors are swirling that Bieber has had a “spiritual awakening” of sorts and that he’s “rededicated hi Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality, Christian | 23 Comments »

Muslim Activist Calls for Jihad Against Trump Administration

July 13th, 2017

Linda Sarsour, one of the leading Muslim activists in the U.S., gave a passionate speech at the annual convention for the Islamic Society of North America earlier this month. Included in her speech were some highly controversial remarks that have everybody tal Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 137 Comments »