Oh my gosh! The Conan O'Brien video on the ULC homepage is hilarious!
Universal Life Church
Anyway, I'm ordained through the
Church of Spiritual Humanism
as well as the ULC.
I admit I became ordained through these churches because it's fast and free. But, also because this means I can perform legal marriages in most states. Lots of celebrities are ULC ministers.
Beginning in 2003, I studied for a year and a half through the University of Metaphysics. I paid a good chunk of money, and earned an unaccredited Bachelors and Masters of Metaphysical Science as well as a Metaphysical Practitioner's certificate and ordination in the International Metaphysical Ministry. I graduated with high honors and my thesis on dreams was accepted. I learned a lot about Religious Science and New Thought. I remained affiliated with them, submitting my monthly ministerial activity reports and paying my yearly affiliation fees for several years, until it began to feel like they were in it more for the money than to spread enlightenment. Many states don't recognize their ministers legally either. I cut ties with them and decided to check out free online ordination. I know I did the work, accumulated the knowledge, and feel qualified to minister to those who ask for my help.
You may think metaphysics is only worthy of an eye roll, but all of the major world religions are based on the same metaphysical principles. Believe me, I've done the research. I was born into this world a Catholic, later considered Mormonism, became a Lutheran during my first marriage, then studied and practiced Wicca after the turn of the millenium. If this freaks you out, click on the link. Wicca is not at all what many think it is. There's no Satanic worship. It's a nature religion, that acknowledges the presence of God in everything and everyone. Many aspects of God are recognized, both male and female. I began studying Wicca because I was concerned about my youngest's desire to become a witch. Boy, did I have my eyes opened!
For me, now, Religious Science and New Thought are the best fit.
I respect everyone's right to believe and practice whatever works for them in their lives, as long as they're not harming anyone else. I do take issue with those who try to convert others to their religion. But even then, I realize their strong belief that there is only one path to God must make them want to help others to see their way.