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. 

Article

Borderline Christians: A New Generation

Being indecisive is a common affliction today. Why is it that so many want to be part of the world and part of the Church at the same time?
Article

The Story of a Wise Fool

It seems strange to think that a wise person could become foolish, but, unfortunately, it is true. Here's how.
Article

Applications: Put Your Best Foot Forward

What are the keys to submitting an application that says, "Choose me! I'm the kind of person you want to accept"?
Article

Why Can't We Just Get Along?

In a world filled with strife, having good friends can be difficult. What can you do to develop good friendships?
Article

Watch Your Step and Save Your Life

What lessons can we learn from mountain climbing that we can apply in our lives?
The Nature of Sorrow
Article

The Nature of Sorrow

Where does sorrow come from? What is it's purpose?
Article

Pop Culture Delicacies: Is This the Right Ride?

Many young people who have grown up with religious values look for the good life when they go to college. Is abandoning God and the church the way to go?
Article

Make Your Resolution a Solution

How can you plan exercise routines that will actually last beyond a new year's resolution?
Article

The Humor of Jesus Christ

Is religion only serious business? Should there be no joy or laughter in church services? Do religious people take themselves too seriously? We begin here a new series of articles on this interesting subject.
Article

What Does Jesus Want From You?

If you believe Jesus truly was the Son of God, do you know what He wants you to do? And what He wants to do for you?
Article

How Did Jesus Treat His Parents?

Unlike his mother and stepfather, Jesus was God in the flesh. Yet how He treated His physical parents serves as an example for us today.
Article

Is Jesus Real?

Some people claim that Jesus Christ was not a real historical person. Others believe there was a person with the name Jesus, but that Biblical accounts of His life are not true. How can you prove to yourself and others...
Article

Person of the Millennia

Vertical Thought chooses a "Person of the Millennia."
Magazine Issue

Vertical Thought: January - March 2005

a woman standing on a bridge with her arms leaned against the rail and looking glumly into the distance
Article

Are You Bored?

Many young people today suffer from boredom. But you don't have to be one of them. Instead, become passionate. Here's how.
an elephant walking across a dirt road in front of a truck
Article

"Mr. Rhodes' Wild Ride"

Most people call this the 2004 Youth Corps trip to Ghana. To me, it seemed appropriate to name it after the leader of this service project, Melvin Rhodes. Here's the ride.
Article

Jeremiah: A Prophet of Valor

What would it be like to be 20 years old and have God ask you to be His spokesman? What if He asked you to go out into the streets and tell all the people that disaster will surely befall...
Article

The Mind-Body Connection: Move Yourself to a Better Mood

Get moving to feel better both mentally and physically!
a young man sitting on top of a rock
Article

Four Keys to Use When Explaining Your Beliefs

What can you say when you are asked about what you believe in?
a man with an open Bible showing the pages to a woman
Article

How to Explain Your Beliefs Without Losing Your Friends

"You don't keep Christmas?" "You're going where for eight days?" "You're not going to heaven when you die?" "Why can't you play ball on Saturday?"