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. 

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As Scarce as Hens' Teeth!

Perhaps you've heard the phrase. But do you know the real story? Here's the explanation from someone with experience.
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Free Speech Does It Make Us Free

"Many voices most emphatically supporting free speech often use it to justify and defend behaviors that enslave the hearts and minds of those who practice them—filthy language, violence, pornography, homosexuality, abortion and the like."
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Jerusalem: A Trembling Cup

"In the larger perspective of human history, many turning points past and present gravitate around Jerusalem. The name itself means peace, but the city has rarely seen sustained tranquility."
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When I Rule The World!

Not observing popular holidays and keeping the Sabbath were awkward for me. When I was young, I talked big; later, a conversation with my parents helped me understand.
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Good Thoughts and Your Computer

Playing computer games is a common pastime for many young people. Unfortunately, there are pitfalls to some cyber fun.
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Intelligent Design's Sherlock Holmes

Here is the amazing story of a professor who did some detective work to determine if the universe was intelligently designed.
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Absolute Truth: A Matter of Opinion?

As a college student, I found that my core beliefs were seriously challenged. How would you respond to the question of whether there is absolute truth or not?
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Collateral Damage: The Darwin Bomb

What seems like a good idea at the moment doesn't always turn out to be good in the long run. So it is with the theory of evolution.
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He Is THAT Glad to See You!

"The Great Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with us. He will be so happy to be with us that He says it will make Him as happy as a bride and groom are at their...
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The God Debate

Can atheistics "prove" there is no God?
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Spiritual Quotient: The Type of Smarts We Don't Learn in School

The understanding of life’s purpose is an important but often neglected part of our intelligence.
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Self-Esteem or Self-Worth?

In the 1980s the self-esteem movement began sweeping through society. It was assumed that people needed a healthy dose of compliments—regardless of their performance or actions—in order to be happy and successful.
Magazine Issue

Vertical Thought: October - December 2007

Tattooing a design on a person's arm.
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Leave a Permanent Mark

"Like them or hate them, tattoos—often called "body art" in the tattoo culture—are an increasingly accepted part of our society."
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FOR SALE: Guidelines to Life

"How much time do we actually spend thinking about God's law? Do we check our actions with God's law to make sure they are in accordance with it?"
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Celebrity Statu No Substitute for Character

"Celebrity status causes the personal flaws of many famous individuals to be downplayed or glossed over. But the Bible shows that the true character of an individual always becomes evident eventually."
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Hillbilly Heroin & the Future of the World

"Why do people—young adults included—seek addiction to booze, "illegal" drugs or publicly available painkillers? What's the deal? Is life so miserable, so pointless, so lacking in purpose, so totally vacant that drugs are one's only hope?"
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Where Is Your Treasure?

"What do you place as most important in your life? Where are your thoughts primarily focused? What are you now thinking about? (Hopefully I haven't lost you just yet!) What were you thinking about 20 minutes ago? Yesterday? This week?"
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Trails or Trials?

"Climbing a mountain with burdens on our backs is a physical equivalent to the spiritual challenges around the many corners of our lives."
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[S]INDIGESTION

sindigestion (sin-di-gest'chen, n.) An uncomfortable condition due to difficulty or an inability to process or digest things not fit for healthy spiritual digestion.