Mail order ordination

[Joykins]

Would it be ethical for a Christian to get a mail order ordination from the Universal Life Church?

The doctorate of divinity is $35. The credential will stand up far enough to allow the ordained to perform legal weddings, which besides the novelty value is probably its primary use.

Their tenets are "freedom of religion" and "do what is right."

 

[onikirimaru777]

I've been thinking about trying out some online college courses (undergraduate, of course) just for college preparation, but my dad informed me of some interesting things. For one, most online college courses aren't accredited to other secular colleges, so if you are planning on transfering credits and furthering your studies then I doubt you'll have much luck (although, you are getting a doctorate).

But ethically, which you asked in the first place *sigh*, I doubt its wrong. Is the Universal Life Church a Unitiarian or generally un-Christian church? That may be the only thing people would have a problem with. I, myself, wouldn't care if I got my master of divinity from a college that was proficient in many religions, even occult/new age religions. It adds diversity and understanding, which helps ministry in the long run. Anyway, I don't think its wrong, but my wisdom and experience are limited, so who knows.

 

[Joykins]

There's no study involved in the ULC degree. As far as I can tell, it's a straight purchase of ordination.

They don't appear to have any tenets at all, except do what is right and freedom of religion--whatever you believe is OK with them as long, I suppose, as you do not persecute others.

I would like to study theology actually, but I'm more or less doing that by reading through the theology section at the library.

 

[revrobor]

The Universal Life Church will ordain anybody. The ordination satisfies the laws of the land and is legal for performing marriages, etc. There's not an ethical problem. But there is no organization or statement of faith behind it. It's what is called an "ordination mill".

 

[revrobor]

The Universal Life Church will ordain anybody. The ordination satisfies the laws of the land and is legal for performing marriages, etc. There's not an ethical problem. But there is no organization or statement of faith behind it. It's what is called an "ordination mill".

 

[revrobor]

The Universal Life Church will ordain anybody. The ordination satisfies the laws of the land and is legal for performing marriages, etc. There's not an ethical problem. But there is no organization or statement of faith behind it. It's what is called an "ordination mill".

 

[revrobor]

Oops!!!