Understanding the Universal Life Church Courses and Their Unique Perspective

When visiting the official website of the original Universal Life Church (ULC), headquartered in Modesto, California, you might come across a variety of courses available for a fee. Upon completion, these courses award honorary degrees with grand titles like "Master's Degree in Religion" or "Doctor of Immortality." But what do these courses really represent, and how should they be understood? Here are two key insights to consider.

1. A Reflection of Rev. Kirby Hensley's Personal Views

The late Rev. Kirby Hensley, founder of the ULC, was known for his unique and often unconventional perspectives on religion, Christianity, and the Bible. The courses offered by the ULC reflect his personal beliefs and teachings. However, it's important to note that these views are not binding on ULC ministers.

The Universal Life Church is built on two fundamental principles:

• Do only that which is right.
• Support the freedom of religion.

These principles allow ULC ministers to embrace their own spiritual paths, free from dogmatic constraints. While Rev. Hensley's teachings may be intriguing or even provocative, depending on your perspective, they are not official church doctrine but rather an extension of his individual worldview.

2. Honorary Titles with Common Goals

The honorary degrees offered by the ULC might sound impressive or even eccentric—titles like "Doctor of Immortality" can raise an eyebrow or spark curiosity. However, beneath the lofty names lies a concept familiar to many faith traditions: courses designed to deepen understanding and provide spiritual enrichment.

Much like the training programs offered by other denominations to clergy and members, these courses aim to anchor participants more firmly in their beliefs and daily practices. The unique naming is part of the ULC’s personality, but the purpose remains grounded in the same goal as other religious education efforts: fostering personal and spiritual growth.

A Final Thought

Whether you're drawn to explore the ULC’s courses or find their approach unconventional, remember that the heart of the Universal Life Church is its commitment to religious freedom and doing what is right. The teachings of Rev. Hensley are one thread in a much larger tapestry, representing the diversity and individuality that the ULC stands for.

As with all spiritual journeys, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. The Universal Life Church encourages ministers and members alike to chart their own paths, guided by their own conscience and beliefs.

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. As I said in that earlier post:

"Religious organizations are free to offer coursework in their beliefs without regulation. It may not be accredited by a regional accreditor or the Association of Theological Schools, but it's valid within the boundaries of the religion. Other denominations do the same thing, though they don't necessarily use such august titles. One good example of this is Community of Christ, a global denomination based in the midwestern United States and descended from the Latter Day Saint tradition begun by Joseph Smith, Jr. They have what they call their 'Temple School,' offering courses in such things as 'Introduction to Scripture' and 'Priesthood Ministry.' The intent of these courses is to provide basic training especially for people who will be assuming leadership roles. Another denomination doing something similar is the Unitarian Universalist Association, which operates the UU Institute to educate and empower members for various forms of leadership and ministry. Course offerings include 'Developing and Managing a Music Program' and 'Unitarian/Universalist Colonial Legacy: Are We an Imperial Faith?'"

To that list I would also add the Humanist Studies Program offered through the AHA Center for Education.

This particular course I recently took through the ULC relied on an interesting little book published by the denomination. It's a "Holy Bible" that consists of an abridged Old and New Testament, as well as a section Rev. Hensley called the "Testament of Today." It was published in 1977. But what purpose does it serve?

In the Universal Life Church, as in a denomination like the Unitarian Universalist Association, it isn't assumed that the ordained minister will have a deep familiarity with the Bible. Each minister is free to believe whatever they like, and people come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are Christians, others Buddhists, many are probably nonreligious, and there are certainly atheists among the clergy as well. The only unifying tenets are the charges to do only that which is right, and support freedom of religion. In this context, a book like this abridged Holy Bible can really come in handy.

Although I didn't read it cover to cover, I think a person could easily read the condensed Holy Bible within a week, with just an hour or so of daily reading. Doing so would give a person a broad understanding of the themes of the Bible, with key events. Certainly no one will become a published scholar based on what is learned from this book, but a ULC minister with limited familiarity of the Bible will find it very useful. The "Testament of Today" is also an intriguing snapshot of Rev. Hensley's theology as of the late 1970s. I doubt many would agree with his perspectives today, and indeed some aspects are very odd. It isn't expected that the reader will agree, only that they be made to think. 

The Universal Life Ministerial Formation Network is coming into being to promote more formal education for ULC ministers who desire it, either for professional or personal reasons. That does not mean, however, that the courses available through the ULC HQ should be set aside. These are core documents of our tradition, and they serve a useful purpose. Both those seeking advanced degrees and those who have no intention entering a degree program can benefit from the ULC courses. Try one out and see what you think. 

Understanding Universal Life Church Courses

Since the early days of the Universal Life Church (ULC), courses leading to diplomas such as "Doctor of Biblical Studies" and "Science of Understanding Life" have been offered. Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, the founder of the ULC, was an iconoclast who enjoyed topping idols and subverting the established order. Thus the offer of ordination for all, and the specific naming of these religious courses. Those same, original courses are still available through the Universal Life Church headquarters in Modesto. You pay the fee, you take the course, and you collect your diploma. So, how should we understand these courses?

Religious organizations are free to offer coursework in their beliefs without regulation. It may not be accredited by a regional accreditor or the Association of Theological Schools, but it's valid within the boundaries of the religion. Other denominations do the same thing, though they don't necessarily use such august titles. One good example of this is Community of Christ, a global denomination based in the midwestern United States and descended from the Latter Day Saint tradition begun by Joseph Smith, Jr. They have what they call their "Temple School," offering courses in such things as "Introduction to Scripture" and "Priesthood Ministry." The intent of these courses is to provide basic training especially for people who will be assuming leadership roles. Another denomination doing something similar is the Unitarian Universalist Association, which operates the UU Institute to educate and empower members for various forms of leadership and ministry. Course offerings include "Developing and Managing a Music Program" and "Unitarian/Universalist Colonial Legacy: Are We an Imperial Faith?"

Notice that in both examples above, a fee is charged for the course, as is the case with what the ULC offers. In all cases there is some level of reading and reflection required, as well as quizzes and/or exercises. The only real difference between what the ULC offers compared to those other denominations is the way our course are named. Otherwise it's the same principle and practice.

Since the ULC is a non-creedal denomination in which everyone is free to follow their own conscience, these courses do not convey dogma. They were written from the perspective of Rev. Hensley, and have the function of making the student think. The conclusions you draw are your own.

Being the Universal Life Ministerial Formation Network it is also important to note that these courses will not be recognized by accredited universities and seminaries, so you can't complete a Masters degree through the ULC and expect that to be accepted as the basis for PhD studies at Yale or Harvard, for example. Further, they will not be recognized as a basis for seeking certified chaplain status with the Association of Professional Chaplains. For that you will need accredited coursework.

Hopefully this has helped provide a way to understand the meaning and purpose of ULC courses. You are encouraged to order one and give it a try. You might enjoy it.

See Also

• Online Growth of Christian Schools
• Community of Christ Seminary
• Some Unaccredited Seminary Options
• Take a Look at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities