Exploring the Depths of Faith and Life - 26 May 2023
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Exploring the Depths of Faith and Life - 26 May 2023
Navigating Belief Systems and Unraveling the Mysteries of Existence
Editorial
Welcome to this week's edition of The ULC Networker. In today's newsletter, we delve into thought-provoking topics surrounding religion, faith, and the essence of life itself.
We start with a quote from Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, emphasizing the powers of life and death and their symbolic representation in the concept of God and the Devil. This sets the tone for our exploration of the human understanding of faith and existence.
In the News, we highlight a significant finding from the General Social Survey, revealing that only half of Americans now express certainty in the existence of God. This thought-provoking statistic sparks contemplation about the shifting religious landscape in America.
Also in included is an article entitled, "The Little Black Chapel," which shares a personal journey of religious exposure and the pivotal moment when one questions the authenticity of their faith. It invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and whether they were inherited or independently chosen.
In the Resources section, we provide a helpful guide titled "So, You Want to Go to Seminary," offering valuable insights into selecting a seminary and preparing for the enriching seminary experience.
The Blog section delves into the unique courses offered by the Universal Life Church (ULC), developed by Rev. Kirby J. Hensley and his wife Lida. Discover the diverse areas of study available and how these courses meet the educational needs of religious groups.
Lastly, we explore how the ULC supports its ordained ministers in officiating weddings by providing essential document support. We highlight the ULC's commitment to ensuring ministers have the necessary credentials and documentation, free of charge or at a minimal cost.
Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we delve into the depths of faith, spirituality, and the various paths that lead us to a greater understanding of life.
Kirby’s Comments
“Let me make it clear about the two powers that man has to deal with, LIFE and DEATH. To me God is life and the Devil is death. We are conscious of death and how it works, but we are not conscious of life.” - Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, Testament of Today
In the News
Does God exist? Only half of Americans say a definite yes
Only half of Americans now say they are sure God exists.
That finding, from the closely watched General Social Survey, stands out among several nuggets of new data about religion in America.
The Little Black Chapel
When I was a baby, I was baptized an Episcopalian, from Kindergarten through to and including fifth grade, I went to a strict Baptist school, and for the “junior high” years, grades six, seven, and eight, I went to a Christian fundamentalist school, for high school, I reached the apex and attended a Catholic high school. Needless to say, I had religion, specifically Christianity, crammed down my throat as a child. I was a believer too, because I was taught to believe, until the day someone asked me that question, “Do you believe in God because you were taught to, or because you’ve actually thought about it and made the choice to believe?”
Resources
From the Blog
Exploring the Unique Courses of the Universal Life Church
Not long ago I wrote about the courses available through the Universal Life Church headquarters in Modesto, California. These courses were put together by Rev. Kirby J. Hensley and his wife Lida many years ago. Completion of each course, along with the proper donation, results in a diploma with a rather ostentatious title. For example, you can obtain a Doctor of Biblical Studies, Immortality, or Motivation, among others. As for me, I recently completed the Doctor of Philosophy in Religion. I won't be updating my LinkedIn profile to reflect my newfound status, though! These courses fill a need that is common among religious groups.
Officiate Weddings with Universal Life Church's Document Support
If you have been ordained through the original Universal Life Church, based out of Modesto, California, you will remember that you were not required to pay anything for your ordination credential. Replacements incur a small fee, but there's never a charge for the first one, because this is part of the ministry of our denomination. The same goes for any special documentation you might need to officiate weddings. Other groups charge over $30 for what ULC ministers can have for nothing, or next to nothing. Three locations in particular in the United States have special requirements for documentation, and we will look today at how the ULC supports its ministers in this regard.
Just for Fun
