History Archives - Page 2 of 7

Movers and Shakers: Meet Colonial America's Progressive, Celibate Religion

March 11th, 2024

Have you heard of the Shakers? This nearly extinct sect of Christianity lived a progressive, communistic, celibate lifestyle, and they were known for energetically shaking during worship. Now only three members remain.

ULC Minister Training & Education 65 Comments

The Secret Religious Origins of Leap Day

February 26th, 2024

Leap day comes around every four years, adding an extra day at the end of February. But have you ever wondered how February 29th was chosen? It all goes back to Easter and the Catholic Church.

ULC Minister Training & Education 13 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Cupid

February 12th, 2024

You may know Cupid as a chubby symbol of love. Or maybe you're more familiar with him as a Roman god. But what about his medieval rebrand to a sex demon? Or his Hindu counterpart? This is the religious history of Cupid.

ULC Minister Training & Education 42 Comments

What Happened to the Twelve Apostles?

January 19th, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happened to Jesus' apostles after his resurrection and ascension? Dispersed across three continents to spread the gospel, most met violent ends as martyrs for Christ. Here's what we know.

Christian 63 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Giants

November 27th, 2023

After an Oregon official claimed to have spotted a giant, we decided to delve into the long and fascinating history of giants within religious beliefs. In the process, we uncovered some findings you won't want to miss.

ULC Minister Training & Education 12 Comments

CA Replaces Missionary Statue With Native American Hero

November 20th, 2023

In the summer of 2020, a controversial statue of Spanish missionary Junipero Serra was torn down by Native American activists. Now that statue's been replaced with one of Native American hero William J. Franklin Sr.

Political & Religious Controversy 107 Comments

Did Homosexuality Cause the Fall of the Roman Empire?

November 6th, 2023

Did homosexuality cause the fall of the Roman Empire? in a resurfaced clip, newly minted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson argues as much, but historians aren't exactly on the same page.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 88 Comments

The Secret Samhain Origins of Trick-or-Treating

October 26th, 2023

Millions of children will go trick-or-treating this Halloween, and unbeknownst to many of them, they'll be engaging in a practice thousands of years old, dating back to the Samhain in pre-Christian Europe.

Pagan & Wiccan 44 Comments

How Sea Monsters in the Bible Inspired Modern Mysteries

August 25th, 2023

When it comes to fascinating and mysterious creatures, few can rival the allure of sea monsters. But did you know that many modern perceptions of sea monsters have their roots in ancient biblical texts?

ULC Minister Training & Education 19 Comments

Burn After Reading: History of the Marijuana Tax Act

July 31st, 2023

August 2nd is the 86th anniversary of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which made recreational marijuana use and sale all but illegal in the United States. Almost a century later, what is the legacy of that legislation?

Political & Religious Controversy 97 Comments

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