Some celebrants of Christmas recently bemoaned the raising of a Festivus Pole at the Florida State Capitol in response to the large Nativity already on display. A Fox News reporter asked how she is supposed to explain the symbol of secular anti-consumerism to her children while she drives them around looking at Christmas decorations. What […]
“To Train Up A Child” written by Michael and Debi Pearl has been at the center of controversy because a number of children’s deaths are linked to severe discipline methods outlined in this book targeted toward Christian families. The authors point to Old Testament verses including Proverbs 22:6 from which they took the book’s title. […]
It’s easy to let the logistics of Thanksgiving get you into a rut. Cooking a large meal isn’t easy, you may have to travel quite a ways to be with loved ones, your kids might take advantage of your distracted state and act up, and that’s assuming nothing else is weighing on your mind. Maybe […]
The Universal Life Church is excellent for those whose conscience or religious sensibilities encourage them to embrace something that is “greater than themselves”. If you have chosen to become ordained, one of the most fascinating experiences that you might choose to undertake as a minister is the chance to perform a wedding. An interesting consequence […]
When it comes to religious holidays, many in traditionally Western cultures exhibit some strongly polarized attitudes. This is nowhere clearer than in the United States when debating the issue of secularization of these holidays. However, rather than accept opinions on either side of the issue at mere face value, it may be more beneficial to […]
Technology has found uses in virtually every aspect of life. It can help enhance the quality of your church service and the engagement of your congregation whether you have an online church, a physical location, or both. Internet ministry can be a tricky means of operation. People’s attention spans wane while online, and a site […]
Devotionals are a valuable teaching tool for churches. As a minister of the Universal Life Church, you may sometimes wonder if your sermons are going in one ear and out the other. You may feel as though the impact of Sunday church services are lost throughout the week. Many church members struggle with following through […]
A traditional Hindu wedding ceremony is a time of great celebration that is abound with traditions that can still be enjoyed in a modern American community. Here are some of the most common traditions. Main Rituals- There are many rituals that can be included when it is time to perform a wedding. Some of the […]
Detainees in the Guantanamo Bay prison are refusing to eat in protest. Many of these prisoners are Muslim, and it is the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when believers pray and fast. In response to the hunger strike, the guards, who are in charge of the well-being of the prisoners, are force feeding the inmates […]
If you’ve ever stepped into a confessional, you know that it can be cathartic and scary at the same time. You’re about to tell a respected Holy man all the not-so-holy things you’ve done recently. This man knows your family, he might have held you as a baby, and he isn’t likely to be thrilled […]
