It'd be great if ULC offered a wider range of degrees to select from. Degrees in UFOLOGY, Parapsychology, etc. would be very interesting.

i think that offering more degrees is a wonderful idea but make them ones that inhance are ordinations not pervert them like ufology ect.

That was rude and you can't spell. I think you meant "enhance our" and saying that ufology would "pervert" OUR ordinations was not called for.

More degrees would be great.

Well, can't we have a "blank" Ph.D., as is currently offered with the "blank" religious title?

Not blank in a write-in way, of course, but with many options available.


Conrad.

One man's garbage is another man's gold. I agree...unfair and uncalled for to state that a Ufology degree would pervert ordinations.

I personally would love to see the ULC move into more interesting and entertaining arenas such as Ufology, Parapsychology and more. It'd be great to see degrees being offered in the more traditional fields such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Engineering, etc. In fact, I'd lay down 30 bones in a heart beat for a medical degree.

Regardless, I think a little open mindedness goes a long, long way.

I'm not sure how anyone can say a degree in this or that is "more interesting" when these degrees are bought and involve no courses, no study, no thesis, no dissertation, no actual knowledge of the subject. The on certificate offered by ULC that is unproblematic is the Ordination Credential precisely because the legall structure of this nation allows for freedom of religion, and thus freedom to create any religion or church, and thus freedom with such a church to establish its own rules, and the American legal structure, by necessity, must honor those ordinations. But let's face it: of the 20 million or so people who have been ordained, a substantial percentage knew very little about their religion, or any religion. Still, their ordination was legal.

When you begin to talk about degrees (or diplomas) in mathematics, physics, medicine, perhaps we should revisit the basis assumption that a degree in one of these specialized areas of knowledge usually signifieds knowledge of the area.

How would you like to visit a doctor, be diagnosed, take his advice, purchase a prescription, and then discover that the medical diploma on his office wall was pruchase from ULC for $30.00.

Let's keep some perspective.

Last sentence written too fast and posted without proofreading.

How would you like to visit a doctor, be diagnosed, pay for his services, purchase a prescription, and then discover the medical diploma on his wall was purchased from ULC for $30.00?

RE: Degrees

I agree that it would be great for ULC to offer a wider range of degree selection. I would also like to add that I would appreciate one of the packages include a degree option as well.

Nobody here is talking about a medical degree. Being that this is a religious site, I'm pretty sure any new degrees introduced would be in that context. Additionally, I don’t think it's legal to "sell" medical or law degrees and I don’t think you can practice medicine without being licensed, or law without passing the bar.

~Ava

PS: Why can't I vote? Is voting closed?

On the contrary, I believe that "pinewood was speaking" about "tunneloflight" and how he'd lay down 30 bones for a MEDICAL DEGREE.

The idea that the ULC should offer degrees in Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Engineering is absolutely absurd.

On another note, regarding the aforementioned suggestion of a degree in ufology, come on people. I think society has historically shown plenty of doubt to those who've claimed to have been abducted by aliens and or seen a ufo.

Considering how the public and several states along with many of the other churches in general, already percieve those of us ordained through the ULC. Coupled along with the many hurdles already in our way, which we still must overcome. Clearly, by attaching ourselves with such an outlandish certificate of degree as described would only further raise more eyebrows and concerns on what is going on here. The question of concern would then only be, Is the Universal Life Church a real church.

Should'nt we strive to be seen and viewed as an otherwise serious congregation consisting of members who share love, hope and compassion for others who are maybe seeking guidance or help along whatever given spiritual path we each are wandering. Or should we somehow find yet another way to promote each other, as just a bunch of self centered, uneducated, over documented ego maniacs, who for only another 30 dollars can actually purchase a degree with that as the title.

The idea of reasonable and legitimate degrees is fine. However what is considered reasonable and legitimate needs to be restricted within the confines of otherwise religious structures, am I wrong?.

It is my opinion, that is I believe that all Honorary Degrees have their place. Further that they should not ever be confused with an Earned Degree. I have my own ideas on how Honorary Degrees should be handled. Essentially that is to mean if they are to have any real worth, they need to be of some sort of considerate value. Ideally they should not be handed out for any dollar amount. Instead only for exemplary or exceptional perfomance and or contributions. Either to the church or perhaps within their community, perhaps even through a vote of peers, or even for certain selfless acts or other such life experiences. That way, even though only Honorary, those receiving them may actually feel honored and might just continue to do such good works or deeds which brought them to be distinguishly noticed and ceremoniously respected in the first place.

Then again, maybe thats just my 2 cents on the subject

Respectfully

Reverend Jack

I am assuming the "ULC" is a "church" and therefore recognizes and honors "God" or a "Supreme Being" and deity of differing beliefs. It appears to me, too much emphasis is placed on what people want and too little on what "God" wants. Maybe the question should be asked; "What does God think of these degrees?"

I believe the "measure" of a "man" is in the works and deeds of a person and not the titles a person carries. Unless that tile is given by God such as in the instance of Jesus of Nazareth.

His example was to seek honor from God and not fellow man. To do the works given by God and not man. I agree with Rev Jack. Sometimes the desires of mankind enter into the field of ridiculous.

Scriptures tell us of Paul's response when asked for a "letter of reference." He spoke of what God had engraved within him as his "references." He spoke of the "position and title" God had given him.

If a person desires to create an image of self with honorary degrees, letters of reference, desiring to impress fellow man, that person has a right to do this. My question is; "What is the purpose?" What is this person attempting to accomplish? And, where does this fit in with the perfect will and desire of God?

If indeed, a person presents their self as a "minister of God," then it is God they should be respecting and honoring including the will of God. If a person presents their self as a minister of a religion, then let him/her respect and honor their religion, but refrain from declaring their self as a minister of God.

First, let me apologize, I didn't see the "30 bones for a medical degree" line. I did see the other "Traditional fields" remark but missed the last few words. As I said before I'm pretty sure that would be illegal, and trying to use this honorary degree w/o a medical license, insurance etc would probably land the person in deep Sh..water! I also have a hard time seeing the church give away degrees in the "traditional fields" as these would be hard to tie to a religious nature, which I believe is where the honorary degrees should focus.

I agree at first glance a degree in ufology seems silly and even ridiculous. But if this is thought all the way through I think there could be more to it. Since I don't know cyclops or anyone personally who was interested in this type of degree, please allow me to use a hypothetical.
Let's say Bob wants to join our church, but his beliefs are a bit unorthodoxed. He believes that we are all created by aliens and that when we die our life-force will be returned to the "mothership". Sure this sounds bizarre to most, but doesn’t our church accept everyone who asks? I went back to the ULC's main page and retrieved this:



So just because his views are different than ours doesn't mean he should be denied the same benefits the rest of ULC's ministers are. Sure as it was pointed out it may effect how others view us, but that is not part of the creed: "…as long as it doesn't make us look silly" nope, not in there. But denying a member of our community something that is available to the rest of us based upon their religious beliefs does not sound like "Doing only that which is right"!!

As far as having to actually "earn" an honorary degree, that sounds good in principle, but it may effect some who wish to actually use their credentials on the outside. It may be helpful to them to have a degree that they feel God (or whomever) has entitled them too. Sure, if someone asks how they earned the degree I'd hope they'd tell the truth! Plus it may hurt membership, as I'm sure many who come here to become ordained also look forward to having a degree (if this wasn't the case I doubt this subject would have even been brought up). If they are unable to attain that degree from here, the internet is full of other places they could visit/become ordained and we may lose out on a great asset to our community. While I don't agree with implementing these requirements for all degrees, it would be a great idea for ULC to add another degree(s) that can only be achieved through ways similar to what you mentioned. On a side note, I did have to chuckle when I read (paraphrasing) "...shouldn't be handed out for any dollar amount….instead only for ….contributions, either to the church or community." This is how it is setup now…contribute "30 bones" to the church and they reward you with an honorary degree. Yes, Rev I understand what you meant by "contributions" and I'm not trying to give you a hard time I just wanted to say that technically, that is partially how it works.

I would also like to respond to DW's retorical ?, obviously you've been here longer than me and know that the ULC is a Church. But as I pointed out earlier, the church itself does not recognize/honor any specific deity, instead it allows it's members "freedom of religion/freedom FROM religion". But if a person feels that their God/whathaveyou lead them here to become a minister then why could they not also be lead to have other documentation to better represent themselves to their congregation?

One last note, I would like to see at least a response from ULC when members request things, at least show us that *you* care what your members ask for. It would be even nicer if some of the requests could be implemented..like maybe turning the filter off? I am surprised at the amount of not only unfulfilled requests, but completely ignored requests! Most requests seem to be directly for the board, and while I realize that not all of them could be accomplished and others may require a bit more work, it would seem at least some of these would be done in order to keep the members happy. If not, why do we have this section?

Respectfully,
Rev. Ava

discovery

Higher Self

Um....What?

Can I believe in the god I chose to be the true god or am I limited to your god?

A person may choose to believe whatever they desire. Or they may learn the truth and place faith in truth.

ghjghk hjk jk chuk k

Window Washing!

Dont jump at the chance to kick someone below the belt my learned friend, want to make fun because I cant spell. Remember were all brothers and sisters here, treat one and other as you would family, respect his opinion in this subject.

Credibility wise not a fantastic step, Ufology is worth alot of money for the site, so I guess as an over all I'm in favor for it.

Thanks Rev Jedda Smith

jeddasmith;
Advocacy is a good thing. Continue on Sunk'aku(Little Brother), be not afraid, but stand and speak your Truth. It is part of our journey to walk the way of peace and Light. The pieces of paper we purchase for our "ordination" are no more than a status symbol representing a desire to follow after something, and, it permits us to function legally to pursue that.The true value of Ordination is determined by the sincerity of our hearts to aspire to a higher plane of existence. Do that which is right, it will be that which transcends you, not the document. the legality of the credentials recieved at themonastery can be questionable. We are required to use our legal names on the document, however, Bro. Martin, who signs these documents, is not a true moniker and is not his legal name. So, is it really legal? I chose to purchase new credentials through the real ULC in Modesto. They are signed by four real, legal names from their organization. I don't want it to come back on me at a later date that I performed illegal services using the credentials from themonastery. The site is, w w w . u l c h q . c o m for anyone's information. Wherever you get them, they are only useful if you plan on starting a church, business, or do ceremonies. No credentials are needed to preach or promote your faith........yet......Peace to you Little brother.....He` Cuwe' (Your older Sister)....To`na Wanagi