Vertical Thought

Vertical Thought was published from 2003 to 2013 by the United Church of God. It was created to give relevant content to help young people ages 12-22 discover and live God's way of life. 

Patch of clovers
Article

The Patrick You Didn't Know

Who was "Saint" Patrick? What did he believe? What did he teach? And was he really Irish?
Society's Five Rotten Apples: Part 2-A Pill Without a Prayer
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Society's Five Rotten Apples: Part 2 - A Pill Without a Prayer

Again we ask: Why is the world the way it is? What’s shaped our society and the kind of people we are? We’ve come up with all kinds of great things, like technology, medicine and governing constitutions. But the way...
A bundle of roses.
Article

Valentine's Day: What's Wrong With Showing Love?

Valentine's Day has become a very romantic holiday despite its pagan origins. So what's wrong with celebrating this holiday?
Rotten apple on concrete.
Article

Society's Five Rotten Apples: Part 1- Bad Philosophy and Corrupt Theories

Why is the world the way it is? What’s shaped our society and the kind of people we are? We’ve come up with all kinds of great things, like technology, medicine and governing constitutions. But the way we live is...
Hands of various races of people grabbing a Bible.
Article

The Bible of All Cultures

No matter when or where we live, the Bible is God's Word to teach you—and everyone—how to live His way.
Man and woman running on beach with a palm tree in the background.
Article

Emotional - Physical Health Connection

Taking care of your body is an important step towards mental and emotional health. God created links between the human body and mind.
A teenage girl standing by a brickwall.
Article

Take Care of Yourself - Emotionally

People concerned about their health start exercise programs. But they should also think about improving their emotional health.
Photo of Abraham Lincoln
Article

Men and Women of Steel and Velvet

When should we show tenderness and bigheartedness—the "velvet" qualities? And when should we be like steel—firm and resolute?
Tea candles - memorial
Article

Facing Senseless Tragedy

The December 2012 massacre in Connecticut gives further evidence of the deep darkness this world languishes under. How do we process this? And what are some lessons we should take from it?
Flooded street from Hurricane Sandy.
Article

Calm From God Through New York's Greatest Storm

Living through Hurricane Sandy, the recent "superstorm" that struck America's Northeast coast, didn't heighten my understanding of the weather, but I did learn some new things about God.
A man and woman holding hands walking in a park in the fall.
Article

Choose Love

Hollywood may tell us we're helpless when it comes to falling in love. But the reality is we can rule over our emotions and make wise choices.
A sad looking young adult male with his hand on head.
Article

Vantage Point: How to Feel Sad

I woke up this morning feeling sad. In fact, I've been feeling sad for some time. Not so much personally sad, but sad for my country, America, which I love. Based on the cultural implications, the 2012 presidential campaign and...
Magazine Issue

Vertical Thought: January - March 2013

Point of Wisdom: Royal Virtues
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Point of Wisdom: Royal Virtues

She was just a young adult, but a dedication to serve helped her rule. It can help us too!
BUSY - a woman holding a TV remote
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B.U.S.Y

"Oh sorry, I meant to get ahold of you, but I've been really busy!" "Hey, I wanted to do that, but I've just been so busy." Have you ever used this excuse? Why are we always so busy?
Are You Afraid of Commitment?
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Are You Afraid of Commitment?

We live in a commitment-phobic age, and it especially affects young adults and teens. Do you have commitment troubles—especially the most important commitment of all?
Oh, What a Feeling!
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Oh, What a Feeling!

"I'm saved—I can feel Jesus in my heart!" "I had an awesome experience with the Lord!" "Oh, the Spirit leads me with feelings overwhelming!" Emotion-based religious sentiments seem to be the norm these days—but is that a good thing?
How the Bible Applies to Science
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How the Bible Applies to Science

Are science and the Bible incompatible? Or do they stand together on common ground? We consider some examples.
The Uncrowned King of Virtue
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The Uncrowned King of Virtue

George Washington is still one of the most important and respected people in American history. Why? What made him great? And whom did he try to follow?
Bible Villains: Learning From Scripture's Bad Examples
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Bible Villains: Learning From Scripture's Bad Examples

The good guys have the only lessons we need to learn—right? Not so fast! There are things to learn from the bad guys—and gals—as well.